What contingency plans should be in place for bad weather on the day?

Answer

Rain itself isn’t generally a reason to postpone, as it’s often considered part of what makes the challenge meaningful, since displaced people don’t get to wait for good weather either.

Many participants find that completing the challenge in imperfect conditions deepens their sense of achievement and connection to the cause.

Safety, however, always comes first, and there are genuinely dangerous conditions that should prompt postponement: thunderstorms with lightning, severe gales with debris risk, heavy snow or ice, flooding, or extreme temperature warnings.

Checking official weather warnings for the event’s specific area is the most reliable way to make this call.

A simple, transparent decision framework works well in practice: proceeding as normal for light-to-moderate rain with enhanced safety measures, adjusting the route for heavy rain without lightning, and postponing outright for severe weather warnings or genuinely extreme conditions.

Being upfront about this policy at registration – making clear the event proceeds in all but the most extreme conditions, and that rain is treated as part of the experience rather than a reason to cancel – helps set expectations from the outset, while still reminding participants they’re free to withdraw if conditions exceed their comfort.

Practical adjustments for wetter days can make a real difference: extra marshals stationed at slippery obstacles, spare towels and dry clothing on hand, first aid prepared for cold-related issues, warm drinks available, and clear marking of any particularly hazardous muddy areas.

It is worth discussing with your venue arrangements in the event of cancellation due to bad weather, such as rescheduling to a later date, so as not to lose the momentum of participants and fundraisers.