Race Rules

The Course

The course will be kept secret from competitors until race packs are picked up the day before the race. Competitors must follow the course and alternatives designed by the organisers and must race within the spirit of the competition.

Further information about the nature of each stage will be available to competitors closer to the event.

Transition Areas

Teams are required to sign in to each transition with the marshal on duty.

Timing

The clock will start at the beginning of the race. Your team will be given a NavLight timing tag at registration, you will use this to record your visit to each checkpoint (more info on how this works here). Times will also be recorded at each transition area and when the team crosses the finish line. When a team decides to rest at a checkpoint, the clock doesn’t stop.

Cut Offs and Alternative Courses

The organisers reserve the right to impose cut off times on sections of the race for logistic and safety reasons. These are designed to make sure all teams enjoy the day out and make it back to the event centre before dark.

Placings and Awards

Placing is based on time. The team who completes the full course the fastest will win. Those who complete a shortened course will place behind those who complete the full course irrespective of finish time.

Responsibility

Each competitor enters under their own responsibility. They can judge whether they should participate in the event, start, and continue to the finish line. However the organisers reserve the right to stop a competitor or team from setting off or continuing in the event should it be deemed necessary.

Spectators

Spectators may view the race from any publically accessible location (including the event centre) and they are responsible for their own safety when doing so. Spectators may not go onto private land upon which the event is taking place without explicit permission from the race organisers. Special care should be taken when viewing from areas with possible hazards such as farm equipment, stock, water bodies, and cliffs. Young children should be supervised at all times.

Equipment

Teams must carry all compulsory equipment as per the gear list. Failure to do so will result in a 1hr time penalty. There will be spot checks carried out by marshals on course and before the event start.

Protests

Any protest must be filed with the race organiser within one hour of finishing the race. This will then be reviewed by the race organisers to determine the outcome.

Withdrawal

In the case of withdrawal of a team member or the entire team during the race, the team captain must inform the organisers by any means available in the shortest possible time. Failure to do so may result in a search and rescue operation. If a team member has to pull out of the rest of the team may continue but they will be unranked. For a team to proceed onto a new stage they must have at least 2 team members.

Time Penalties

These will occur for any breach of rule or regulation and littering.

Disqualification

Unfair behaviour or behaviour that brings the race into disrepute, use of unauthorised equipment and abandonment of team member during the race. Teams will be disqualified if they break any of the road rules.

Safety / Security

The race will be supported by comprehensive safety back up. Marshals with knowledge of the course and direct contact to race HQ will be placed at each transition area and at various points on the course. These will be coordinated by a central control team that will keep a tab on the progress and whereabouts of each team.

Insurance

All participants compete at their own risk and the organisers will not accept liability for any personal accident or injury during the event. A liability waiver form must be signed by each team. Competitors should ensure that they are adequately insured.

Consideration for the land

To enable us to run this event we have sought permission from a number of private land owners and the council. It is important that we treat the land that we pass through with respect. To this end it is a requirement that all teams carry out their own rubbish. Any team seen to be littering will receive a 2hr time penalty.

Due to the increased fire risk at this time of year there is a total ban on any items that could cause a spark, including matches and cigarette lighters.

All gates must be left as they are found. If you choose to climb over a gate please do so at the hinge end.

Officials

Team members must respect instructions given by officials and must also follow their decisions regarding health, security and safety.