Each runner must take essential safety equipment in a backpack. Click here to see the checklist for this equipment. The crew has a chance to relax and socialise at the end of each leg while the runners do their stuff. The most exposed part of the race, across Bass Strait, is usually covered in 12 to 18 hours. Prevailing winds are westerly, so reaching and running conditions can be expected most of the time.
Runners face a tough challenge with the equivalent of three marathons run over three days.
Runners need to be fit and well prepared. Many have done the race several times, and there is usually more runners available than boats to take them. Quote Registration 70061. Two runners only can be used at a time on the first two mountains. The Race organisation is regularly asked by runners where can they find a team to join.