1. Runners

By entering the Lough 5 you agree to follow these simple guidelines:

Before race day

• Be fit to run. Only take part if you're in good health and have trained appropriately. If in doubt, chat to your GP first.
• Know the basics. It's a 5-mile road race with a final loop around the lough path. There are hills and, as it's winter, surfaces may be wet or slippery.
• Bring suitable kit. Dress for cold, changeable weather and bring warm, dry clothing for afterwards.

On the day

• Don't race if you feel unwell. Cold, flu, chest infection, stomach bug, fever or chest pain? Please don't run. There's always next year.
• Medical info. If you have a medical condition, jot key details and an emergency contact on the back of your race number.
• Listen to instructions. Follow signs, stewards and any announcements. They're there to keep you safe.

On the start line

• Line up honestly. Faster runners to the front, steady/fun runners further back – it makes the start smoother and safer for everyone.
• Headphones. We strongly discourage the use of headphones or ear buds. You need to be able to hear stewards, other runners and any emergency vehicles.

Out on the course

• Follow the route. Stick to the marked course and stay within cones/barriers where used.
• Overtake with care. Especially on the lough path and narrower sections – give other runners space and be patient.
• Water & The Lough. The Lough is deep and cold. Do not enter the water at any time and stay on the path.

If you need to stop

• Slow down safely. Step to the side so you don't block others.
• Tell someone. Let the nearest marshal know if you're dropping out. They'll inform race control and medical.
• If someone else is in trouble. Stop, help if you can do so safely, and alert the nearest marshal or runner to get help.

2. Kids' Race

The kids' race is all about fun, participation and confidence – not just winning. Safety is our top priority.

For parents/guardians

• Adult presence required. A parent/guardian must be present at the event for every child taking part.
• Check they're well. Please don't let your child run if they're unwell or recovering from illness.
• Suitable clothing. Make sure they're dressed for cold, possibly wet weather and have dry clothes for afterwards.

During the race

• Follow the stewards. Children should follow the marked route and listen to stewards at all times.
• No pushing or rough play. It's a fun run – we'll encourage good sportsmanship and respect for others.
• Water and The Lough. Children must stay on the path and away from the water's edge.

3. Spectator & Supporter

Supporters make the atmosphere – thank you for coming along!

Getting there and parking

• Arrive in good time. New Year's Eve can be busy; please plan to arrive early.
• Use the car parks. Follow signs and stewards to the GAA pitch, chapel and village car parks. Please avoid parking on the race route or blocking driveways.
• Drive slowly. Look out for pedestrians and follow steward directions at all times.

Watching the race

• Keep the route clear. Avoid standing in the road or on the running line, especially near corners and the finish area.
• Children & dogs. Keep children close by and supervised. Dogs must be on leads and kept away from the runners' path.
• Near the lough. Please keep back from the water's edge and don't allow children to play near the bank.

During emergencies

• Follow instructions. If stewards ask you to move or make space, please do so quickly and calmly.
• Give space to medical teams. If medical staff or emergency vehicles are attending to someone, give them plenty of room.

4. Traffic & Parking

Because the race uses local roads, we need everyone's help to keep things running smoothly.

Road closures

• Closed for a short period. Key sections of the course will be closed to traffic during the race. Diversions will be signposted.
• Emergency access maintained. Blue-light vehicles will always be allowed through. If this happens, stewards may briefly stop runners.

For residents and visitors

• Plan ahead. If you need to drive during the race period, please allow extra time and follow diversion signs.
• Respect closures. We ask all road users to support this community event.
• Be patient. Delays should be short and we'll reopen roads as soon as the last runner is safely through.

5. Health, Medical & Personal Responsibility

We work with qualified medical providers to look after runners, but everyone still has a part to play.

Your health

• Know your limits. Only run if you feel well and have done some training.
• Stop if needed. If you develop chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness or feel very unwell, slow down and seek help immediately.
• Tell us about conditions. Write any important medical info and an emergency contact on the back of your number.

Medical support

• On-site medical team. Trained first-aiders and ambulance staff will be based at the start/finish and available on the course.
• How to get help. Tell the nearest marshal or runner if you or someone else needs assistance – they will contact race control and medical.

6. Weather & Cancellation

It's December – we expect "a bit of everything".

Before the event

• Check the forecast. Dress accordingly and assume it will feel colder than you expect once you stop running.
• Footwear. Consider shoes with decent grip for wet or frosty surfaces, especially on The Lough path.

Decisions on the day

• Safety comes first. In the event of ice, flooding, severe wind or other dangerous conditions, the organisers may shorten, delay or cancel the race.
• Communication. Any major changes will be announced on our website and social media, and on the PA at race HQ.
• No pressure. If conditions feel too risky for you personally, you're free to sit this one out – we'd rather see you back fit next year.