Chapter One - First Steps

1.1 What is an LDWA style event?

The Annual Hundred is the LDWA's 'flagship' event so it is certainly an LDWA style event. Because of its prominence in the calendar adherence to 'Requirements for Events' (Appendix A in 'Guidelines') is particularly important. The Application to Stage a Hundred Form (reduced from A4 to A5) is reproduced at the end of this leaflet and should be studied together with the Requirements by anyone contemplating the possibility of organising a Hundred for the LDWA: 4 -5 years ahead is not too soon for such study.

1.2 The event committee

Formation of the organising committee should take place at least 3 years before the event (see Appendix D). The responsibilities of officers listed in this section provide a useful checklist but many of the jobs will, for various reasons, need more than one person if things are to run smoothly. For example the Chief Organiser should have a Deputy, the Route Planning person will need support teams for all aspects, Checkpoints could be divided into Venues and Staffing, more than one person will be needed to administer walk HQ for over 48 hours, Catering might be divided into HQ, Breakfast Stop and other checkpoints, Transport might be split into Baggage, Food and People. Close co-operation is essential.

1.3 Early planning and policy

The date is pre-determined as the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend at the end of May with the Marshals' Walk usually over the preceding May Day Bank Holiday Weekend at the beginning of the month.

Because of the large numbers it is more common to have a circular route as a linear route entails provision of transport to the start and, in effect, two venues of HQ proportions.

Different start times for walkers, joggers and runners are sometimes used to reduce the opening hours of later checkpoints but the success of this strategy depends on entrants being honest. Early checkpoints can be more widely spaced (10/12 miles) and need not all be under cover; later checkpoints should be closer together (5/6 miles) and, wherever possible, under cover.

An accurate, easy-to-follow, Route Description is essential: extra care towards the end.

The number of starters will be not more than 500.

Variety, digestibility and availability of vegetarian options are important; extra drinks points may be needed if the weather is hot; proposed menus at checkpoints can usefully be discussed with the Groups running them.

Level of help required - probably more than you think so don't refuse any offers from LDWA Local Groups, Scout Groups, Organisers of events which appear in Strider, YHA Groups, Ramblers, Individuals, local LDWA members not in your Group, etc.

COMMUNICATION during the event is vital and early contact should be made with a specialised radio communications team such as RAYNET or a Scout Group so that clear understandings on who is responsible for what (broadly speaking the radio team passes information; Checkpoint staff decide whether entrants who are after closing time and/or ill may continue or not) and the basis of a good working relationship can be established - see also Chapter 4.