ADVENTURE RACING RULES
Our goal is to ensure a safe, fair, and challenging experience for all participants. These guidelines are designed to maintain the integrity of the sport and the spirit of adventure racing; please review them thoroughly, as all teams are expected to understand and abide by these standards throughout the event.
1. General Conduct and Sportsmanship
1.1 Fair Play and Penalties
Any action intended to provide an unfair advantage or disadvantage to another team will be penalized at the discretion of the Race Director (RD). If a team is unsure if a strategy or piece of equipment is permitted, they must consult the RD beforehand. Approved tactics will remain confidential. Penalties may include time added to the final result, an unofficial rank (DNF), or disqualification (DQ).
1.2 Compliance and Respect
All team members must comply with the instructions of any Race Official. Racers are expected to demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship; courtesy and respect toward fellow racers and staff are mandatory.
1.3 Medical Assistance
Teams must assist any fellow team in need of medical attention. Failure to do so will result in strict penalties.
1.4 Protests
Any protests regarding rule violations must be filed with the RD within one hour of the team’s finish. All decisions made by the RD are final.
2. Electronic Devices
2.1 Communication Devices
Any device capable of satellite communication (e.g., GPS, satellite messengers) is prohibited.
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Watches: "AR Mode" is required and subject to verification by race staff. If a watch is found not in AR mode, the team faces penalties and forfeits eligibility for awards or prizes.
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Permitted Devices: Devices without screens or data-providing capabilities (e.g., SPOT, Suunto Track Pods) are permitted if registered with race management. Other devices must be registered and sealed in a non-viewable bag provided by race management.
Penalty: Violation of these terms will result in Disqualification (DQ).
2.2 Cellular Phones
Phones are for photography, emergencies, or contacting the RD only. Any other use is prohibited.
Penalty: Disqualification (DQ).
3. Gear and Equipment
3.1 Mandatory Gear
Mandatory gear must be carried at all times and is subject to course spot-checks.
Penalty: 2 Control Points (CPs) deducted per missing item.
3.2 Documentation
Maps, punch cards, and course instructions must be carried for the duration of the race.
Note: Lost passports result in the loss of credit for any CPs not recorded at a previous Transition Area (TA).
3.3 Identification
Race numbers must be visible on the outside of bikes and backpacks at all times. They do not need to be worn over PFDs.
3.4 Watercraft
Race officials provide watercraft, PFDs, and paddles. Personal equipment is allowed only if transported in labeled "Paddle Bags." Modifying boats (skegs, sails, etc.) is strictly prohibited.
Penalty: Disqualification (DQ).
3.5 Safety Gear
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PFDs: Must be worn at all times while on the water. Penalty: DQ.
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Helmets: CPSC-certified bike helmets are required at all times while cycling and when directed by officials. Penalty: DQ.
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Lights: Rear bike lights must be active after dark; glow sticks may be used for malfunctions. Front lights must be mounted on the bike and active when entering/departing TAs. Helmet lights are allowed only if a primary light is also mounted to the bike. Penalty: 1 hour per infraction for missing rear lights.
4. Traversing the Course
4.1 Team Integrity
Team members must remain within 30 meters (or within sight and hearing distance, whichever is closer) at all times.
Penalty: 2 CPs for first offense, DQ for second.
4.2 Travel Methods
All travel must be under the team’s own power. Bikes are permitted only on designated segments.
4.3 Course Integrity
Altering or moving race markers, flags, or CPs is prohibited.
Penalty: Disqualification (DQ).
4.4 Rules of Travel
Teams must adhere to specified routes where mandated. Where no path is designated, teams may choose their own route. Travel on forbidden roads or areas is prohibited.
Penalty: 4 CPs for first offense, DQ for second.
4.5 CP Verification
Teams must manually punch their passport in the correct space. If a team mispunches, they must punch the correct box in the wrong space and report the error at the finish line for a 15-minute penalty per occurrence. Failure to punch the passport results in no credit for that CP.
4.6 Littering
"Leave No Trace" principles are mandatory.
Penalty: 4 CPs per infraction.
4.7 Unsupported Race Status
Teams may receive assistance from other teams or the general public (e.g., store purchases, water, emergency help). Assistance from spectators, friends, or planned support personnel is prohibited.
Penalty: At RD discretion.
5. Withdrawals and Emergencies
5.1 Mandatory TAs
All TAs are mandatory. Failure to visit a TA results in an unofficial finish (DNF).
5.2 Medical Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, the team must contact the RD and remain on-site until assistance arrives.
5.3 Team Withdrawals
Officials reserve the right to remove a team for health or safety reasons.
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3-Person Teams: If one member withdraws, the remaining two may continue as an unofficial (DNF) team. The team is responsible for assisting the withdrawing member to a manned CP or TA.
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2-Person Teams: If one member withdraws, the team must stop. An individual may join another team provided they adhere to all team requirements; no solo racing is permitted.
5.4 Notification
Any withdrawal must be reported to a race official immediately. Failure to notify will result in the team being held liable for all search and rescue expenses.
6. Race Cutoff and Rankings
6.1 Cutoffs
Teams must check in at the finish line by the designated cutoff time.
Penalty: 1 CP lost per 10 minutes over the cutoff. If a team is over the time limit due to course penalties, they will lose 1 additional CP.
6.2 Ranking Criteria
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Total CPs acquired.
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Total optional CPs acquired.
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Fastest finish time.
6.3 CP Accuracy
Teams missing a CP are ranked behind teams that gathered all CPs. No penalty is assessed if the marker is located more than 25 meters from the correct location (as plotted by provided UTMs or pre-marked maps).
6.4 Adjustments and Penalties
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Course Changes: Officials reserve the right to alter the course or time cut-offs due to environmental conditions.
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Penalty Application: Time penalties are added to the final time, except for the top ten teams, who must serve them on the course if possible.
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Prizes: Only official finishers are eligible for bonus prizes.