FARMYARD JAM Runners Handbook

Welcome to farmyard Jam – Powered by UKOCR Ltd

Overload Run is proudly managed by UKOCR Ltd, a company built by family and friends united through a shared passion for OCR (Obstacle Course Racing). Our mission is simple: to help people have fun while getting fit.

We welcome participants of all abilities—from elite athletes to fun runners who join us for a once-a-year adventure. Overload is for everyone.

This event wouldn’t be possible without you—the runners. Nor could it happen without the incredible support of our family, friends, and the amazing volunteers who show up to guide you, cheer you on, and help keep everything safe.

To make sure your experience is as enjoyable and safe as possible, we’ve put together this information page. Please take a few minutes to read through it.

Thank you for being part of the Overload family.

Warm regards,
Team Overload

Finding Us – Event Village Access

The Event Village is located off Mercaston Lane.
Use your Sat Nav and follow directions to DE6 3BJ, then look out for the Overload signs guiding you to the parking field.

🚫 Please do not park on the roadside.
This is a farming area with narrow roads, and roadside parking could block access for emergency vehicles or risk damage from large farm machinery.

🚗 Parking Information
Upon entering the parking field, you’ll be asked to pay a £5 cash parking fee should there be more than 1 car in your group. 

You’ll then be directed to your parking spot. Parking is conveniently located either within 250m of the Event Village, or closer if you wish to take your vehicle over more rough ground,   where you’ll find:

  • ✅ Registration
  • 🍔 Food & Drink
  • 🔐 Key Drop
  • 🚻 Facilities

We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone!

Spectators Welcome!

We’re proud to share that Overload Run was voted 2nd Best UK OCR Event for Spectators by the UK.OCR Facebook group in 2023 —and this year, we’ve made it even better! With 90% of the course accessible, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring your friends and family along to cheer you on.

🏃‍♂️ Watch the Action Up Close
The Event Village is surrounded by exciting obstacles, and key features like our water section are easily accessible—just be prepared to get a little muddy if you venture out!

📸 Capture the Moments
We love seeing your photos! Spectators are encouraged to take pictures and share them on our Facebook page. We kindly ask that you avoid photographing children who aren’t part of your group.

🐾 Dogs Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are welcome too! Please keep them on a lead at all times and clean up after them.

🚯 Respect the Land
Please help us keep the area clean. The land returns to working farmland after the event, so no littering—let’s leave it as we found it.

⚠️ Safety First
Spectators must not attempt any obstacles. Anyone seen doing so will be asked to leave the course area and wait in the car park. This is for your safety and the safety of our runners.

The Course

Welcome to the Ultimate Obstacle Course—a fully off-road adventure through grass, mud, and water!

🏃‍♂️ Course Details
Your start time is 9:00 on 23/08/25

Each lap is approximately 5–6km long. You must complete a lap within the 1 hour time limit, and be on teh start line at the start of teh next hour.
Please note: lap distance may vary slightly depending on weather, ground conditions, or other factors beyond our control.

💧 Hydration
Water stations are available at both the start and finish lines to keep you refreshed.

🚨 Leaving the Course
If you decide to exit the course at any point other than the finish line, please notify a marshal or Race Control in the Event Village. This helps us ensure everyone’s safety and track all participants.

🏁 Race Day Kit Checklist

Race day can be busy, so here’s a quick checklist to help you stay prepared:

  • 👕 Running clothes you don’t mind getting wet, muddy, or worn
  • 👟 Appropriate running shoes (no studs) –
  • 🧤 Gloves – highly recommended to protect your hands
  • 📝 Signed waiver ( Click here to print your own copy - we do have limited supply at registration) – no waiver, no run

  • 🌙 Night Ops Rule (7PM – 7AM)

    For your safety and the safety of others:

    • All runners must wear a working headtorch while on the course between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
    • Failure to do so will result in disqualification (DQ).
  • 👚 Dry clothes and shoes for after the race
  • 🧼 Towel – for drying off post-race
  • 🗑️ Bin liners – for storing wet/muddy clothes
  • 💷 Cash –  food, drinks, and stalls in the Event Village
  • 💇‍♀️ Hairband – if you have long hair, please tie it up
  • 🆔 Photo ID – must match the name used during registration
  • ⏰ Plan ahead – aim to arrive at least one hour before your intended start time you are welcome to arrive on Friday 22/08/25 between 12:00 and 22:00 please contact Alan on 07951757079 when you arrive  at the entrance

⚠️ Safety Guidelines

Your safety is our top priority. Please take a moment to review the following important information before race day:

🩺 Medical Conditions

  • Declare any medical conditions on your signed waiver.
  • Consult your doctor to ensure you're fit to complete the course.
  • Ensure your number is clearly visible—our paramedics will use this to access your waiver in case of emergency.
  • If you have a medical condition, carry visible identification or wear a medical alert item.

📄 Waiver & Documentation

  • Read, sign, and bring your waiver and terms & conditions to the event.
  • You must present valid photo ID matching your registration name.

💉 Health Precautions

  • Make sure your vaccinations are up to date, especially tetanus.
  • If wearing fancy dress, ensure it’s suitable for the weather and can be easily removed in case of emergency.

🚗 Animal Safety

  • Do not leave animals in your car under any circumstances.

🌳 Course Awareness

  • Watch out for low-hanging branches and natural hazards.
  • No smoking anywhere on site—this is a working farm for the rest of the year.

🚨 Emergency Protocols

  • If you see an injured participant or member of the public, alert a marshal immediately.
  • If you’re unable to continue, return to the start or inform a marshal—this prevents emergency procedures from being triggered.
  • At the finish line, report your race number to a marshal to confirm your safe return.

➡️ Course Navigation

  • Follow the black arrow route markers at all times.
  • Report any hazards, injuries, or damaged obstacles to a marshal.

🏥 Injuries & Treatments

Your wellbeing is our priority. Please follow these guidelines for injury care and post-event safety:

🚨 Serious Injuries

  • For serious injuries, call 999 immediately.
  • For non-emergencies, call 111 for medical advice.

🧠 Head Injuries

If you experience a head injury during the event:

  • Seek immediate attention from the on-site medical team.
  • After returning home, watch for symptoms such as:
    • Memory loss
    • Intense headache
    • Excessive sleepiness
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Confusion or dizziness
    • Vision problems
    • Seizures
    • Weakness in limbs
    • Speech issues
    • Bleeding or fluid from ears/nose
    • Any unusual symptoms

If any of these occur, call 999. If unsure, call 111.

🦵 Sprains & Strains

  • Rest the affected area
  • Apply ice
  • Use a compression bandage
  • Elevate the limb

✂️ Small Cuts

  • Clean with clean water
  • Dab dry with something sterile
  • Cover with a plaster or sterile dressing

💢 Bruises

  • Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes
  • Alternatively, rinse under cold water for 10 minutes

🔥 Sunburn or Rope Burn

  • Run cold water over the burn for 10 minutes
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to cold if the burn is large

🥤 Post-Race Tip

  • A can of cola or similar drink may help settle your stomach if you’ve swallowed any bugs during the race.

🐝 Insect & Animal Bites

Ticks

  • Remove by twisting the head and pulling gently
  • Avoid squeezing the abdomen
  • Seek medical advice if flu-like symptoms appear

Bee/Wasp Stings

  • Scrape out the sting with a credit card (not tweezers)
  • Wash with soap and water
  • Apply a cold compress
  • Monitor for allergic reactions

Animal Bites (e.g. Dog)

  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water
  • Pat dry and cover with a sterile dressing
  • Seek medical attention

Snake Bites

  • Minimize movement
  • Do not use a tourniquet or suck the wound
  • Contact emergency services immediately

🌲 Splinters

  • For deep or joint-embedded splinters, see a doctor
  • For minor splinters:
    • Clean with soapy water
    • Use clean tweezers to remove at the angle of entry
    • Squeeze gently to encourage bleeding
    • Dry and cover with a dressing

🤝 Community Etiquette – Follow the UKOCR Spirit

At Overload, we’re proud to be part of the UKOCR community. Please help us maintain the supportive and respectful atmosphere that makes our events so special:

  • ✅ Have fun – it’s what we’re all here for!
  • 🤗 Help others – offer assistance to fellow participants when needed.
  • 🚯 No littering – keep the course clean for everyone and respect the land.
  • 🏃‍♀️ Respect all abilities – remember, for many, this is a personal challenge, not a race.
  • ⏩ Let faster runners pass – step aside safely when needed.
  • ⏳ Wait at obstacles – allow others to complete them before overtaking.
  • ✋ Consent matters – always ask before helping someone physically. A helpful push is great—inappropriate contact is not.
  • 🧠 Think safety first – injuries often happen when help is rushed or unexpected.

🧭 Final Thoughts

  • 📱 Join the UK.OCR Facebook Group – for tips, updates, and community support.
  • 🧥 Bring warm clothing for after the race – you’ll be glad you did!
  • 🐢 Go at your own pace – finishing is the real victory.
  • 👀 Stay aware – the person ahead might not be on the right path.
  • 🧗 Use 3 points of contact – especially on high or slippery obstacles, unless you're an experienced ninja!
  • 🩺 Make medical conditions visible – so marshals and medics can assist quickly.
  • 🧃 Keep gel wrappers with you – don’t litter the course.
  • 🗣️ Listen to marshals – they’re here for your safety, support, and guidance.
  • 💪 Challenge yourself wisely – know your limits and push them safely.