Thanks Chris. I had omitted this detail for the Glenreemore event. I have added entry on day info at the top.

I have difficulty calculating map numbers. 8 courses. If I add 5 maps per course, plus extra for the more popular courses. Thats will be 50 extra maps for about 100 runners. That excess bothers me. It's a personal bug bear for me. 

The maps are being printed on Friday morning.

But then if we run out of maps, a later starter who had pre-entered rightly has the expectation of there being a map for them. 

We don't have the option of bringing a printer, but I would not consider it a reliable backup for many of our areas with trying to deal with damp paper in unfavourable weather.

hi Angus I was at pains not to point out a specific event more the practice in general.    I personally dont see the issue with the excess but others may see it differently. I believe the chance of getting people to participate who otherwise would not, outweighs unused maps.        Again other people's opinons may differ. 

This a worthwhile discussion to have. I'd also be of the "last minute" variety and especially with circumstances these days, I find it very difficult to know if I can attend something until the day before (and sometimes not until the day itself). Having said that, printing maps is time-consuming and costly so an early cut-off is understandable. I wouldn't have a major issue with a small amount of waste, especially as the ability to pre-enter gives a good indication of likely numbers.

A compromise solution might be to incentivise pre-entry with reduced rates. Those wanting the flexibility of entering on the day should be happy to pay a premium to subsidise the risk of printing unused maps. This premium could vary depending on the weather forecast 🙂 It'd be interesting to see the data but I'd imagine there's a fairly even distribution between those who pre-enter and those who prefer entry on the day.

As for pre-entrants expecting maps (which I fully agree with), the solution to that could be to have a reasonable cut-off (say 12pm) with EOD only allowed to start after that. If there is a map shortage, especially for pre-entrants arriving later, a finisher could be asked to lend their map and have a fresh copy given to them at the next event.

I think we may be doing a disservice to technology.  A colour laser printer + an Anker powerbank or car battery+inverter isnt a bad answer and is not a huge expense for something that will last many years for the extras that may be needed, and then its toner+reams of waterproof paper.     This strikes me as exactly the sort of stuff grant applications are for !