Rules

The goal of this race is to have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of this type of event. While some are here to compete, many are participating for the fun of it. Please ensure that all members of your team are familiar with these rules. They are here to make sure we have the safest possible event and a level playing field for all.

Team Rules

Teams may have up to Twelve (12) runners/walkers in total.
Team Captains must submit the team roster, in Leg Numbers order, during morning registration (or email it to us in advance) and the team must run in that order for the duration of the event. Team members must run/walk in the order that was pre-determined prior to the race. This is in keeping with the spirit of the race and to create a team environment and atmosphere.
Teams may only substitute one runner/competitive walker for another during the running of any leg for medical reasons. Should a team substitute a runner/walker for any reason the team will have to continue without the substituted runner.
All Runners/Walkers who will be starting any of the five stages MUST check at the Stage Start no later than 20 minutes before the start of each Stage.
You may accompany a teammate while they are completing a Leg. There will however be NO Pacing allowed by individuals who are not registered participants.
Team vans must not obstruct vehicular traffic at any point along the race route.
Each team is responsible for dropping off and picking up their respective runner/walker at each of the 35 exchange zones.
There will be a mandatory pre-race Captain's meetings for each of the three different races. Please see the schedule on page two.
Team Support Vehicles may stop at any point in a leg to provide refreshments to their respective runner/walker. Team must exercise EXTREME CAUTION when stopping to support their team member. On paved roadways Team Support Vehicles must have ALL FOUR WHEELS off of the pavement. On gravel roadways Team Support Vehicles must park on the right-most side of the road. Four-Way Flasher lights MUST be used at all times when stopping during the race.
If a runner/walker cannot finish a leg (or start their next one) they can be replaced by the next runner in order who must pass to the next runner at the next exchange zone. Order continues with that person left out. Can only return to the race with clearance from the Medical Directors.

Individual Rules

You may only be a member of one team.
All runners/walkers must be at least 16 years of age on the day of the race.
Always Run/Walk on the far Left Side of the road Facing Traffic. For paved sections of roadway, if it is not possible to Run/Walk on the shoulder, you must stay on the far left side of the paved roadway. If a vehicle approaches you must move to the left and Run/Walk on the shoulder. See 90 minute penalties.
If the course requires you to cross any roads all rules of the road apply. This means that you must stop for all Stop Signs, and/or obey the direction of police officers on the race course.
Selected Exchange Zones will be stocked with Water and Sports Drink. Staging Areas will be stocked with Water, a Sports Drink, Gels and Fresh Fruit.
It is the responsibility of each individual to either hand-off all litter to their Team Support Vehicle or dispose of their litter at the garbage and recycling bins provided at each Exchange Zone and Staging Area. Penalties will be assessed for non-compliance. See 30 minute penalties.
Each team must supply their own reflective vests and headlamps or flashlights. These will be reviewed and approved by the Technical Director prior to the start of the relay. Each runner must wear a reflective vest and headlight or flashlight between 8:00PM and 6:00AM. Team support members must also wear a reflective vest and headlight or flashlight during these times any point where they are outside their vehicle and/or on the race course.
No Bicycles are allowed on the course at any time.

Vehicle Rules

The Team Support Vehicles must display the identification number provided by the Race Organizer. Only vehicles with the proper identification will be allowed to support their respective Runner/Walker.
Team Support Vehicles will be given a departure time at each of the five (5) Stage Starts. Vehicles must obey the direction of the Race Organizer.
Team Support Vehicles are not permitted to aid their respective runner/walker by using vehicle lighting or headlights during night legs.
Team Support Vehicles must not pace the runner. Team Support Vehicles must stop in a safe place (see Team Rule #9) when providing refreshments and/or supporting the runner.
Vehicles must have all four wheels off the road when stopped along the race course (see Team Rules).
Detailed Violation Reporting Guidelines will be included in the Team Captain's Handbook.

Penalties Structure

Thirty (30) Minute Penalties:

Standing on road
Littering

Sixty (60) Minutes Penalties:

Vehicle parked with wheels on road
Person not crossing road safely
Driving same speed as or pacing runner
Throwing water or any object at a vehicle
Runner not crossing the road at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible
Supporting a runner with a vehicle other than your two designated support vehicles
Parking in designated areas at exchange zones and not dropping off runner before the zone (some people arrive late, stop the van and drop off their runner before parking which blocks the road for other vans
Being on legs where vehicle not allowed (see upcoming Captain's Manual for details)
Having 2 vehicles in areas where only 1 team vehicle is allowed
Excess noise at night in populated areas

Ninety (90) Minutes Penalties:

Vehicle not pulling over to the shoulder to let an emergency vehicle pass (either way).
Sitting out of vehicle windows.
Not running on left side of road
Not running in single file, causing unsafe traffic conditions for either runner or vehicle.
A runner not stepping off the road when there is oncoming traffic.
Not running in team order
Urinating or defecating in public
Not obeying orders from police, medical people, volunteers
For walkers – running – or failing to walk
Volunteers not showing up

Disqualification:

Any team using a camper vehicle or trailer must follow the by-pass driving route (see forthcoming Captain's Manual on March 1st, 2008) and team members will have to be shuttled to the Camper Vehicle in the Team Support Vehicle. Failure to comply will mean immediate disqualification.

Reporting of Rules Violations

There are two possible ways that a rule violation may be detected. The first is when a Race Official observes the rule violation directly. The second is when another team witnesses the violation. All teams are encouraged to watch for rule infractions by other teams. Since we cannot be everywhere on the race route self-policing will help ensure a safe, fair and fun event.

Teams wishing to file protests have two options:

File a written report and turn it in to a Race Official at the end of a Stage
File a written report within 30 minutes of their finish in Grand Bend. Be specific and detailed.

The Race Officials will evaluate all reports and make the final decision. This is the same system that is used at similar events.