RULES

Penalties:

• All teams must be checked in at the finish line by the posted race deadline. The penalty for arriving late to the finish will be the loss of one CP. An additional one CP will be deducted from the team’s total for every 5 minutes thereafter.
• For example, if the penalty for arriving late to the Finish (7:00PM) is the loss of one CP per every 5 minutes late, then one CP will be deducted at 7:00PM; an additional one CP will be deducted from the team’s total for every 5 minutes thereafter. So, a team arriving at 7:16 pm will receive a four point deduction.
• Loss-of-CP or time penalties will be administered by the race directors for any rules violations.
• If specific penalties are not mentioned, penalties for rules violations will be determined on a per case basis by the race directors. The decision of the race directors will be final. There is no formal appeal process.

General Race Rules:

• Only maps provided by HardWin Adventures may be used during the race.
• Teammates must stay within 30 meters of each other at all times.
• Teams may not receive support, food, mechanical assistance, or gear from non-racers.
• Race Volunteers have limited information and may not interpret race rules or provide clarification to racers.
• Teams must have the Race Bib Number (provided) visible at all times except while paddling.
• Racers must assist any person in danger.
• Any person or team withdrawing from the race must notify a race official in person or ensure that their intentions are communicated clearly to a race director. Failing to notify race officials of a withdrawal will result in that team being responsible for all search and rescue expenses. The remaining team members may continue the race as an unranked team.
• Race officials reserve the right to alter time cut-offs or the course itself to accommodate changing conditions, and to ensure that teams finish on time.
• Leave No Trace
• No GPS Devices: Keep all GPS-capable devices (including GPS watches) out of sight for the entirety of the race. If everyone follows this rule, then we should never get an accusation of a team using such a device to cheat. There are a few models of Garmin watches that have an Adventure Race mode. If you intend to utilize one of these watches, check in with Paul both prior to the start of the race and again after the event to validate the activity. (Click here for more information on AR mode and a list of supported watches.)

Awards

Custom awards will be provided for the category winning team for Coed Team, Female Team, Male Team. Solo Male, and Solo Female. In addition, awards will be sent to any solo or team who finishes top 3 overall without winning their category. Awards will be custom made and shipped out post-race.

FAQs:

Can I bring my own boat for the paddle section? In general, no. We are contracting with an outfitter to provide boat rentals. We do not have a specific boat drop. 

Can I bring my own paddle gear? (PFD and Paddle) Yes. Leave any personal paddle gear in a labeled paddle bag. Paddle bags will be brought to the start of the paddle leg and picked up at the end of the paddle and returned to the race start. Anyone not bringing their own paddle gear can rent from the outfitter as paddles and PFDs are included in the race price.

Do you have bike rentals? No, we do not. Last we checked, both Ride 615 and RB’s Cyclery had a couple of bikes available for rent. If you are looking to rent, do so as soon as you can, as there are not many available.

Where should I stay? There is ample space at the start line for you to pitch a tent. There will be bathrooms and water from a spigot to use as well. There are several hotels off the Bellevue exit of I-40 (exit 196.) You can get to the start line in 20 minutes from there.

Where can I eat? There are several restaurants nearby.

Where’s the course elevation profile and map? We will provide the maps just before (or maybe even after) the start of the race to keep you on your toes. The 12-hr AR contains roughly 5 miles of paddling, 45 miles of biking and 8 miles of trekking. The rogaine essentially has as much trekking as you can do in 8-hrs.

Mandatory Gear – AR and Rogaine

CARRIED BY EACH PERSON AT ALL TIMES:

• Backpack
• Emergency Space Blanket
• Food and Water
• Hydration Bladder or Bottles (minimum 70 oz capacity)
• Headlamp or Flashlight (w/extra batteries)
• Whistle

CARRIED BY ONE TEAM MEMBER (AND ALL SOLOS) AT ALL TIMES:

• Compass
• Duct Tape (minimum 5′)
• First Aid/ Safety Kit: (Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight Medical Kit .7 or equivalent)
• Knife (minimum 3″ blade)
• Lighter or Waterproof Matches
• Water Purification
• Fully charged cell phone in waterproof container stored in backpack for emergency use
• Race-provided GPS tracker
• Race Provided Maps
• Race Provided Passport

Mandatory Gear – AR only

WHILE CYCLING (EACH TEAM MEMBER)

• Bicycle (mountain bike required, no road, cyclocross or gravel bikes)
• Helmet
• Front Light mounted on bike or helmet
• Rear Red Flashing Light
• Spare Inner Tube (even if you ride tubeless)

WHILE CYCLING (ONE PER TEAM)

• Tire Repair Kit: patches, tire levers, and pump
• Bike Tools: 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm Hex Wrenches; Pedal Wrench (hex wrench OK if it can remove your pedal); Small Philips & Straight Screwdrivers

WHEN PADDLING

• Paddles – each boat rental will come with paddles. Canoes will receive single-blade paddles, kayaks will receive double blade paddles. Racers/teams providing their own paddle gear must have all gear stored in a paddle bag.
• PFD (lifejacket) – PFDs will be included in your rental, but you are welcome to bring your own in a paddle bag as above.
• Boat will be provided

TECHNOLOGY – AR and Rogaine

• GPS features NOT ALLOWED: any GPS capable device that can display a map, coordinates, speed, or distance. This includes smartphones with GPS ability and running watches.
• GPS features ALLOWED: GPS trackers that measure distance, speed, altitude, tracking for later review. GPS watches with a certified Adventure Race mode are allowed, but must be verified pre and post race with the race director
• Phones may be used for emergency calls ONLY. Smartphones must be turned OFF except for emergency use. No use of navigation, social media, internet, calls for advice, etc. during the race.
• Altimeters are allowed.
• Bicycle computer / speedometers are allowed.