Can you highlight the major changes to the Race Information sheet?
I am under 18, can I still run in the race?
Can I transfer my place to someone else?
What do you do with all the information collected via the on-line entry form?
Can I get a refund?
The race is now full, can I go on the waiting list?
Can I enter on the day?
How quickly does the race fill up?
How do you calculate the entry limit for the race? It seems to fluctuate each year.
Can you recommend anywhere to stay?
What does full body cover mean?
What does windproof/waterproof mean?
Why do you have these kit requirements?
I'm new to hill running, what should I bring/wear?
How does this compare with a 6 mile road race?
Can I run the race with my dog?
Can I run the race with walking poles?
Will there be a running shop at registration?
Is there somewhere to get changed/shower/keep my valuables?
What should I take to the start?
Can I park at the start?
I'm not happy with the race / I want to make a complaint
What do I do if I start but cannot complete the race (for whatever reason)?

Can you highlight the major changes to the Race Information sheet?
Stronger warnings not to park at the start
All runners need to have the necessary skills to cope with any navigational problems that may be encountered, whatever the weather
Mandatory kit now includes *map*
Competitors must take primary responsibility for their own safety on the hills
Erosion note (pass within 10 metres of the partially marked course)
Hypothermia note
If you see someone in trouble: HELP, even if it costs you the race

I am under 18, can I still run in the race?
No, sadly our Race Insurance does not allow under 18's to run in the Carnethy 5, however you can run in the associated Scald Law junior race which happens on the same day, starting at the same place. Full details here: http://www.carnethy.com/ri_scaldlawjunior.htm#January

Can I transfer my place to someone else?
Yes, you do this directly yourself on http://www.sientries.co.uk via the following steps. Note that you will need to sort out any financial arrangements directly with your replacement, and all transfers must take place no later than 2 weeks before the race.
The person who made the original entry logs into SiEntries.
Click on ‘View / Edit my entries'
For the relevant event, click the ‘Edit’ button
For the relevant entrant, click the ‘Edit’ button
Click the ‘Replace’ button
Fill in the details of the new entrant by using ONE of the three options
Click Next
Make any relevant changes (club etc)
Click next
Click save entry

What do you do with all the information collected via the on-line entry form?
It's used primarily to sort you into categories for potential prizes at the end of the race (age, gender, geographic region etc), plus it enables us to contact you should any problems arise (e.g. you are missing, for whatever reason). The information will not be used for any other purpose.

Can I get a refund?
No, we do not give refunds. This is mentioned in the Race Info sheet when you sign up.

The race is now full, can I go on the waiting list?
Yes, this is done via the same on-line system as the main entries, but when the list gets too big it too will be closed. Watch www.carnethy.com for announcements.

Can I enter on the day?
No, it's via pre-entry only.

How quickly does the race fill up?
In 2009 the race filled up in less than 24 hours. We expect it to fill more quickly each year, so get your entries in as early as possible.

How do you calculate the entry limit for the race? It seems to fluctuate each year.
1. We accept 550 places on-line into the race, then when this is full...
2. We accept a further 80-100 places on the reserve list (handled via on-line entry in the same way as the above), then when this is full we close all entries
3. Between closing all entries and about two weeks before the race, we use the reserve list to top up the 550 places (from which some people will have withdrawn) to reach a total of 580-600 confirmed entries. If you are transferred from the reserve list into the race you will be given at least 2 weeks notice.
4. On race day itself this equates to a typical starting field of about 500 runners, although we could potentially take up to the full 580-600 limit if everyone showed up. We do not intend to alter these numbers as this could compromise safety, logistics and our environmental impact.

Can you recommend anywhere to stay?
Try VisitScotland and also http://www.syha.org.uk/SYHA/web/site/home/home.asp

What does full body cover mean?
All runners need to carry the mandatory safety kit as stipulated in the race information sheet, which is hat, gloves and full windproof cover (trousers and top), plus whistle, map and compass suitable for navigating the course. At the discretion of the organiser, depending on the weather forecast, full waterproof cover may be required to be carried. Please bring all of these items to registration so you are prepared for all eventualities.

What does windproof/waterproof mean?
Windproof means a garment made from Pertex (or something heavier and more weather proof); waterproof means something that will keep you dry in heavy rain and has taped seams.

Why do you have these kit requirements?
Firstly, it's for your own safety, and secondly it is a condition of our race insurance. There will be random kit checks as part of the race. If you are found without this kit you will be ejected from the race, and face a possible ban from future races.

I'm new to hill running, what should I bring/wear?
Competitors must take primary responsibility for their own safety on the hills. You must carry the safety kit stipulated in the race information sheet (see answer above to 'What does full body cover mean?') Furthermore it is crucial that you observe any rules set on the day by the race organiser, and you apply judgement appropriate to the Scottish hills in winter. As an example, for a typical hill race in Scotland the race organiser normally wears and/or carries all of the following items (NB many runners will need to wear more than this, especially if they are new to hill running):
Shorts or running tights
Thermal top
Running vest
Woollen socks
Fell shoes (trainers are not allowed)
Gloves
Hat
Waterproof overtrousers
Lightweight Goretex jacket
Compass, map, whistle
Emergency food
Bum bag or small backpack
On a cold day a spare thermal or fleece will also be carried. Some people may choose to carry extra clothing and a drink as well.

How does this compare with a 6 mile road race?
The race is over rough open hillside, through thick heather and boggy/rocky sections of ground, with minimal paths. The race involves 2,500' of very steep ascent and descent, some of which you will struggle to run. It's fair to say this race will feel a lot harder than a flat road race, but it is not beyond anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. As a very rough guide, the race organiser completes this race in somewhere between his road 10k and half marathon times.

Can I run the race with my dog?
No, this would not be safe for other competitors. You can take your dog on the bus and leave it in the start field providing it is kept on a lead and is being supervised by someone at all times.

Can I run the race with walking poles?
No, this would not be safe for other competitors.

Will there be a running shop at registration?
Typically there will be a stall from two of our sponsors, Run4It http://www.run4it.com/ and Pete Bland Sports http://www.peteblandsports.co.uk/. Please contact them directly if you have any particular shop related questions or requirements.

Is there somewhere to get changed/shower/keep my valuables?
Registration takes place in Beeslack School in Penicuik, and there are changing facilities and showers available. You are responsible for taking care of your valuables, and we do not recommend leaving them in the school.

What should I take to the start?
In addition to your running and safety kit we recommend that you take ample warm clothing with you to the start as it can be cold waiting for the race to begin. There will be marquees where you can leave surplus items (but beware, anyone caught leaving their safety kit will be ejected from the race, and faces a possible ban from future races).

Can I park at the start?
No, everyone must use the race buses. Supporters and friends are welcome on the bus too. Please do not park at the start field. Many people chose to ignore this at the 2008 race, leading to a lot of very dangerous parking along the A702 (one of the main trunk roads into Edinburgh, with vehicles frequently travelling at 70+mph); the Police have threatened to ban the race if this re-occurs. Please park at registration, and get the bus, which will shuttle you to and from the race.

I'm not happy with the race / I want to make a complaint
By all means get in touch. Please let us know what you do not like. We welcome constructive criticism. One small plea: the race is manned entirely by volunteers, so don't forget to thank the marshals as you run by.

What do I do if I start but cannot complete the race (for whatever reason)?
The golden rule of this race is you MUST tell a race official if you retire; as a minimum this would be your full name and race number.

Thanks for reading these FAQ's, we hope you enjoy the race.