Preparation Document

Tipperary’s Challenge
With the next Mayhem challenge run taking place on the 21st February, a huge number of groups
and individuals will be preparing to travel to Kedrah Castle in Tipperary to take part. A lap of
Mayhem is 5km of cross country track and obstacles which takes place across varied terrain from
mud to hip height water. If this will be your first time at Mayhem - don’t panic, our guide will help
you to make the most of it.
What to Wear:










Base layers.
o Base layer tops and leggings are aerodynamic (i.e. they fit close to the body and will
not weigh you down) and breathable. Ensure that tops have long sleeves to protect
your arms and elbows during the run.
Thin layers of close fitting breathable clothing
o A couple of thin layers will provide more heat than one heavy layer as pockets of air
will become trapped between layers and warm up. Thin breathable layers will not
weigh you down in mud and water, will dry quicker and are less likely to overheat
you.
Waterproof socks or double skin socks
Tight fitting trainers.
o Trainers that are tightly laced and fit closely are far less likely to slip off in mud and
in water. Duct tape or vet wrap can be an asset pre-race by allowing you to tape
your trainers on to your feet. Trainers will end up wet and muddy so factor this in
when choosing footwear.
Gloves
o Gloves will keep hands warm and allow grip at obstacles. Fingerless cycling gloves
are good.
Hats
o A well-fitting hat (i.e. one that will actually stay on your head when you run) will
help keep you warm especially at the start of the race.
Sports bras
Vaseline
o If you are worried about chaffing, applying some Vaseline before the race along the
groin and under arms will help to prevent this. Lanacane cream can also be applied
to thighs to avoid rubbing and friction.
Any support equipment you need
o If you normally wear any joint supports, tape or equipment remember to bring this
with you on the day.
A smile!
o Irish tv will be at Mayhem on the 21st February to film the challenge run
Tipperary’s Challenge
What not to wear:











Anything made of fleece or non breathable fabric.
o This will weigh you down when you go through water and mud. When you start to
warm up these fabrics will not breath and may cause you to overheat.
Baggy clothing.
o These will weigh you down when they get coated in water and mud and may also
hinder you at obstacles by becoming snagged.
Underwire bras
Jewellery
o This will either get lost, broken or pose a safety risk of getting caught on something.
Down filled jackets
o When down gets wet, it gets heavy. Picture carrying a wet pillow around the track
on your body – not a good idea.
Short sleeves and shorts.
o We recommend ensuring your elbows and knees are covered for your safety and
protection when you are working your way through the obstacles.
Your mobile phone.
o You can check in to Mayhem on Facebook before or after the race. Bringing your
phone out with you will not end well.
Spiked or studded shoes.
o These are prohibited from Mayhem for safety reasons and anyone who turns up
with them will not be permitted to race.
Loose shoes or wellies.
o These will get sucked off in the mud leaving you to trot home in your socks.
White clothing.
o It might start off white but it will not end up white.
New shoes and socks.
o To avoid blisters and pinching, it is best to run wearing shoes and socks you are
comfortable in and that you have broken in.
Tipperary’s Challenge
What to Bring With You:
o
A change of clothes
o No one wants to end up driving home wet, mucky and tired. Remember to pack
yourself a change of clothes, including underwear, before you leave for
Mayhem. Include some warm layers as when you are tired after exertion you are
more likely to become cold.
o
Food
o
o
o
There will be water stops along the track and also hot drinks, bananas and
biscuits available after the race. It is advisable to pack some extra food in case
you are hungry after the race, especially if you have a long drive home.
A bag for your clothes
o This is one of the easiest things to forget. Your running clothes will be wet and
mucky and not something you want to drive home with on the seat or floor of
your car.
Spare contact lenses / glasses
o If you wear daily disposable soft contact lenses, you will already know how
easily these can get displaced or become irritated by splashes of mud and water.
Bring a spare pair of lenses with you to switch to after the race or a pair of
glasses just in case.