PARTICIPANT GUIDE
Practical information to help you prepare for Cave Run and understand what to expect on course.
AID STATIONS
Aid stations will provide basic hydration and food supplies throughout the courses.
ON-COURSE SUPPLIES
Aid stations are expected to provide:
Water
Cola
Lemonade
Lollies
Chips
Supplies may change depending on availability and final event arrangements.
Electrolyte drinks will not be supplied. Participants requiring electrolytes should carry their preferred product.
CUP-FREE EVENT
Cave Run is a cup-free event.
Single-use drinking cups will not be available at aid stations or at the finish line.
Every participant must bring a reusable cup, soft flask, bottle or other suitable drinking vessel.
Aid-station locations vary by distance. Refer to the Courses page for the current aid-station points for each course.WHAT TO BRING
There is no extensive mandatory equipment list for Cave Run, but every participant must carry their own
reusable drinking vessel.
REQUIRED
Reusable drinking vessel
Every participant must carry a reusable cup, soft flask, bottle or other suitable drinking vessel.
Single-use cups will not be available at aid stations or at the finish line.
RECOMMENDED
• Suitable trail shoes or road shoes with reliable grip
• Water bottle, hydration vest or other carrying device
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Lightweight waterproof jacket if rain is forecast
• Sun protection
• Preferred electrolyte or nutrition products
Check the forecast before race day and prepare for changing conditions.
Participants remain responsible for carrying any medication, nutrition or personal equipment they may need during their event.
SAFETY ON COURSE
COURSE MARKING AND NAVIGATION
Courses will be marked with directional arrows and confidence markers. Stay on the marked route and follow all signs and marshal directions. Do not take shortcuts. If you become unsure of the route, return to the last confirmed marker and seek assistance from an event official.
SHARED TRAILS AND PASSING
Naracoorte Caves National Park remains open to the public during Cave Run. Be alert for other runners, walkers and park visitors. Slow down at junctions and on narrow sections, pass only when it is safe and clear, and follow marshal directions.
WITHDRAWING FROM THE EVENT
If you cannot continue, tell the nearest marshal or aid-station volunteer. Do not leave the event without advising an event official, as this may trigger an unnecessary search. Follow instructions about the safest way to return to the event precinct.
INJURY OR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Report any injury, illness or safety concern to the nearest marshal, aid station or event official. If another participant needs help, remain with them when it is safe to do so and send another person to seek assistance. For a life-threatening emergency, call 000 and provide the clearest available location information.
TRAIL HAZARDS
The courses include uneven limestone, loose surfaces, roots and other natural trail hazards. Watch your footing, run within your ability and take particular care near steps, edges and road crossings. If you encounter a snake, stop, give it space and allow it to move away.
ENVIRONMENT AND BIOSECURITY
Cave Run takes place in a World Heritage-listed National Park. Stay on marked tracks, do not enter restricted or underground areas, and follow all National Park and event signage. Arrive with footwear free of soil and plant material, and use cleaning stations when directed. Carry your rubbish to an event bin or take it with you.
EVENT UPDATES
Safety instructions and any necessary course or schedule changes will be published on the website and sent to registered participants. Check the Event Information page and your final participant communications before race day.