Please can all prospective runners be advised that there are currently 18 highland cattle grazing in the Burbage / Houndkirk area. They have been on the moor for nearly a year now so are used to walkers and runners, and they are all young males – so no bulls or calves. However, they will now regard the area as “their territory” and if startled or provoked could potentially go into “flight or flight” mode.
Having consulted with the National Trust, who have also been in consultation with the grazier, it has been agreed that the risk to runners is low and the cattle will not be moved from the area before the race. On a reccy of the route on Monday (5th May) there was a herd down by the stream following the descent from Higger Tor – and they are more likely to be in the lower areas than up high, but they are very mobile so could potentially turn up anywhere. It is hoped that we will know their approximate location just prior to the race but this can’t be guaranteed.
In the unlikely event that there are cattle en route, please use common sense: try not to take them by surprise and take a very wide berth (there will be no penalties for going off-route to avoid them.) Can I ask front-runners to be particularly choosy about their path as others may follow. If there are marshals in the area please follow their instructions. And absolutely no dogs anywhere please!
Thank you
Paul Fauset – Race Organiser