Sweep service: what it is and how it works in a race

In trail running and marathons, the Cleaning service it is the team — often on foot, by bike, or with a support vehicle — that follows the last competitors along the route, with the task of ensuring that no one is left isolated beyond the safety limits set by the race and of enforcing maximum times and cut-off gates. There is already a long and detailed article on the website, the scope protocol, written for those who perform this role and for the organisers: this page is complementary, and answers to those who are simply looking for the definition of the term as a competitor or from the public.

What is the broom service

It is a common service at road marathons and trail races, distinct - although often confused - from “end of the race”, the role that formally closes the competition following the last competitors without necessarily dealing with the removal of course markings.

A broom does not accompany a single competitor from start to finish: it follows the back of the group, communicates with race control/operations centre and intervenes when a competitor does not respect the required times or is in difficulty. It is an organisational safety figure, not a personalised assistance service.

How does it work at the Corsa della Bora

La Corsa della Bora publishes its own scope protocol, elaborated “from errors, experience and constant evolution”, signed by the Race Director and the Scope, Route and Tracking Coordinator. The protocol begins by debunking five common misconceptions about the role:

• A race and a sweep are not the same thingThe broom, in theory, removes the course markings and any refuse left along the route; the race end follows the last competitors without removing the markers. At Corsa della Bora, as in many races, the two functions often coincide in the same team.
• The broom doesn't accompany the contestants, it follows them: its task is not to motivate, entertain or give directions — only a mountain guide can do that in a mountain context.
• Sweeping isn't a way to run the race for free.carries serious responsibilities and should never cover more than 20-30 km of route.
• The broom can’t be a slow runnermust be able to move faster than the tail group to reach the next checkpoint in case of withdrawal, or to intervene in an emergency.
• Sweeping the board doesn't mean “getting to the end” at all costs.Incorrect time management by the broom has an impact on the entire downstream organisational machine (volunteers, rescue, timing).

The S1 operating protocol includes, among the binding rules for those carrying out the service: teams of 2-3 people with a single person responsible for communications; the obligation to present oneself at each checkpoint stating “we are the last, the race is over”; interface with the checkpoint manager (number of withdrawn competitors' bibs, waiting for the OK to proceed); possession of mandatory race equipment plus a first-aid kit with an additional thermal blanket; the sweeper bib always clearly visible; no conversation, encouragement, or food provided to competitors following at a distance.

What happens if you are caught: disqualification, withdrawal, reinstatement

I erasers These are time barriers on exiting a checkpoint, not points where you are “physically reached” by the broom in the strict sense: the Official regulations (art. 17 “Maximum time and time gates”) establishes that, to continue the race, it is necessary Leave The checkpoint before the time limit, regardless of arrival time. Those who withdraw, are stopped or exceed the time barrier cannot continue: their bib will be cut and the competitor will be transported to the main area (Bora Village) by the organisation.

The actual withdrawal (Article 18 “Withdrawals and transport to Bora Village”) can only take place at a checkpoint, except in cases of injury along the route: the competitor must inform the checkpoint manager or signal their intention to withdraw via WhatsApp, and keep their bib, which serves as a pass for the shuttle, meals, and infirmary. Return journeys will be with the available buses from some refreshment points (marked with the “bus” symbol on the race maps) or, for checkpoints not served by a shuttle, independently to the nearest return point.

What does the broom concretely do when it reaches a competitor in difficulty:

• Extremely slow but determined competitor. (forecasting over 45 minutes delay at the gate): the cleaner follows him at a distance without interacting until it's possible to make him withdraw.
• Competitor stopped, refusing and wanting to continuethe cleaner carries out the phone procedure for pickup and physically removes the bib.
• Injured or unwell competitor intending to withdrawIf the estimated delay exceeds 45 minutes, the two 'scope' vehicles may separate, with the faster one staying with the struggling competitor, awaiting the chance to rejoin the other as soon as possible.

A distinct concept not to be confused: another article on the site, “Why are there gates at the entrance and how do they work?”, explain the Entrance gates, which regulate who starts before the official time, preventing them from continuing beyond a certain time until those who started at the standard time also catch up – a measure of fairness, not elimination. The “exit” gates mentioned above, those that eliminate those who are too slow, are instead always based on the time of day, the same for everyone.

Domande frequenti

What happens if I don't respect the time gate?

The bib is cut and you are transported by the organisation to Bora Village: you cannot continue on the course beyond that point (Regulations, art. 17).

Can I withdraw at any point along the route?

No, only at a checkpoint, unless injured. You must inform the checkpoint manager or report it via WhatsApp and keep your race bib, which serves as your pass for the shuttle, meals, and infirmary (Regulations, art. 18).

Does the broom accompany me if I'm in trouble?

No: the broom follows at a distance, does not interact, does not incite, does not give directions or comfort food. If the situation is genuinely safe, it intervenes with the necessary assistance and proceeds to withdraw.

Can anyone who knows how to play Scopa advise me on how to proceed?

No: the protocol explicitly forbids it, even for those with experience. Only a mountain guide can do it in a mountain context.

What happens if I refuse to stop at the gate or broom?

The race direction nonetheless carries out the withdrawal procedure and the bib is physically removed.

Is to sweep a way to “run the race for free”?

No: it involves real safety responsibilities, requires experience and never covers the entire route (indicatively no more than 20-30 km).

For the complete protocol, written for those carrying out the service or interested in volunteering: So many people want to get laid at races, but getting laid well is not for everyone! For the binding details of hourly gates and withdrawals: Official regulations.