RACE RULES
Please note, we cannot write a rule for every individual thing that is not condoned, but we do have a fundamental code of conduct that will cover most circumstances:
Runners must not cheat. They must act with dignity and respect their fellow runners, the crew and the environment.
Not acting in accordance with this basic code, or breaking any of the specific rules below, may incur a time penalty or disqualification.
Any such penalties are at the organisers’ discretion and final.
RACE BIBS
1. You must race with your own race bib.
If you run with another person’s bib and you have not formally transferred that bib with the organiser, you will be disqualified and the organiser is not responsible for you on the course. You and the rightful bib owner will also not be allowed to join any Topas race for one year. If this offence occurs a second time, a lifetime ban will be issued.
If you run with another person’s bib, or no bib, you endanger yourself and others while in the mountains. We will not know who you are. We will not have your phone number. We will not have your medical notes / history. We will not have your emergency contact. There will be no proof you are qualified to run. You will not have signed the required indemnity and mandatory kit form yourself.
2. Your race number must be worn on the front of your body. Crew can ask you to adjust this if necessary. If you refuse, you can be disqualified.
Results - Timing
3. Your bib has an electronic timing chip. You must pass all timing systems on course to get a valid finish time. Failure to do so will result in inspection of the result by the organisers.
The Course
4. You must complete the FULL marked course on foot and under your own power. Cheating leads to disqualification and also not being allowed to join another Topas race for one year. If a cheating offence occurs a second time, a lifetime ban will be issued.
5. You must stay on the marked course. Short cuts are not permitted. If you get lost, return to the last sighted marking.
Littering
6. Intentional littering is prohibited – this results in disqualification.
Cut-off Times
7. For your cut-off times, please refer to the info for your distance. You can also check the cut off time info board at the checkpoints – it will tell you the cut off at the current checkpoint and also your next cut off time. Please note, if you go past the Cut Off point undetected by our crew, you will be automatically DNFd. No excuse about not directly being told by our crew is accepted – the cut off time is set to the time of day.
Note: Official communications from the organiser come via official channels only – no personal social media accounts are authorised to share official information.
The cut-off time is the time you MUST LEAVE the checkpoint, not the time you arrive.
If you depart after the cut-off time, the timing system will automatically change your status to DNF (Did Not Finish). If you return to the checkpoint after leaving it, you will also automatically be listed as DNF.
Checkpoint Food
8. This food is for runners only. No supporters may eat it.
You may not leave a checkpoint with the hot food in bowls. This food must be consumed within the checkpoint area only.
Outside Assistance
9. Outside assistance from supporters is only permitted at the designated checkpoints.
At VJM, outside assistance is permitted at all checkpoints.
- 1 bag/runner of max 40L size.
- Medical support is not permitted by outside assistance people. Medical support is provided by the organiser at every checkpoint and runners should present to our medical staff with any serious issues. No massage stations / physio stations.
- At the designated checkpoints, you may use the outside assistance areas. It is not permitted to use the designated organiser areas within the checkpoint.
- You cannot set up a supporter station/table area/tent/chairs, make fires, or use cooking equipment. No flags or banners/branding.
- Food and drinks at the checkpoints are for the runners only and may not be consumed by outside assistance supporters.
10. Any support outside of the checkpoints areas is not allowed.
11. Non-participants may not run along with bib wearing participants. This includes friends or unauthorised media/ photographers. One bib means one person on course.
Withdrawal / Abandoning
12. If you withdraw from the race, you must inform our crew at the checkpoint or by calling us using the number on the back of your race bib.
Mandatory Kit
13. You must carry the mandatory kit at all times during the event.
Top 3 runners will have mandatory kit inspections.
Other kit inspections are carried out at random.
See the mandatory kit for your specific distance for disqualification information.
Audio equipment
14. Headphones are allowed. Portable speakers are not.
- You must switch off audio at all checkpoints so you can hear directions given to you by event crew.
- You must also switch off audio when on all public roads so you can hear approaching traffic.
Use of flares / fireworks
15. Runners may not use flares / fireworks at any point on the course, including the start/finish areas.
Indemnity Forms
16. Any participation in this event is completely at your own risk and you will be required to sign an indemnity in order to participate.
Pets
17. It is not permitted to have your pet run along with you on the course.
Gates
18. Leave any gates on course in the same position as you find them – closed gates should be closed behind you.
Private / Individual Sponsors
19. Flags / banners may not be displayed on the podium. Represent your individual sponsors by wearing their logos only, not bringing large banners or flags.
Finish Bags
20. Finish bags may not contain valuables. The organiser cannot be held responsible for them. Unfortunately, with thousands of bags and bag tags, it is not impossible that one could be lost.
21. No individual requests to receive finish bags outside of the designated time slots will be accepted.
Results – Dispute
22. Any dispute about results must be lodged with the organiser within 48 hours of the finish cut off time.
Organiser GPS devices
23. Leading runners will be required to carry a GPS device from the organiser. Refusal to carry one will result in disqualification.
Tied results
24. In the event of a tie, when two runners decide together to cross the line together, the trophy/trophies (and prizes, if any) will be handed to the two runners and they will be responsible themselves for who gets what. Only 1 trophy for each position is created.