RACE CONCEPT

• Adventure racing is a multi-discipline endurance sport where competitors compete in teams, navigating from control point to control point in a number of disciplines.
• Disciplines may include: mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, swimming, rope work and orienteering. Teams are expected to navigate using a map and landmarks. Teams must be able to operate in harsh remote environments in all weather conditions.
• Teams race throughout the night.  They can decide if, when and where to rest. The first team to complete all the race legs will be declared the winner.
• Teams are required to complete the entire race distance together (always within hearing and visual distance of each other), helping and assisting each other.
• Teamwork and team dynamics are essential. A detailed understanding of your teammates and of your own capabilities is essential.

TEAMS ENTERED

1. TEAM 1:
2. TEAM 2:
3. TEAM 3:
4. TEAM 4:
5. TEAM 5:
6. TEAM 6:
7. TEAM 7:
8. TEAM 8:
9. TEAM 9:
10. TEAM 10:
11. TEAM 11:
12. TEAM 12:
13. TEAM 13:
14. TEAM 14:
15. TEAM 15:
16. TEAM 16:
17. TEAM 17:
18. TEAM 18:
19. TEAM 19:
20. TEAM 20:

TEAM FORMAT

• Teams  of 4 members (mixed teams and male teams)
• MAIN CATEGORY - MIXED TEAM OF FOUR – ELIGIBLE FOR PRIZES.
• Pairs of 2 members will only be accepted if the twenty team entries have not been filled. Date for pair entries will be announced closer to race date.
• We will accept entries until a total of 80 athletes have entered

RACE DISTANCE

• The race will cover 100-140 km’s, depending on terrain.
• Top teams are expected to finish the course in 12 hours with the last team in at 24 hours.
• All teams should be able to finish before 13h00 Sunday afternoon

RACE LOCATION

• TBC. (within three hours travel from Johannesburg)
• Registration venue will be announced two weeks before race start to avoid any scouting by teams.
• Any teams or team members found on race course pre-event will not be allowed to start race.

RACE DATES

• Race 1:  13/14 August 2011 .
• Race 2:   15/16 October 2011

TIMES

• Registration: Saturday 09h00-10h00
• Race briefing and team introduction: Saturday 10h00.
• Race maps and race books handout: Saturday 10h00
• Race planning: Saturday 10h00-12h30
• Questions and answers: Saturday 12h30
• Race box hand in: Saturday 12h45
• Race start: Saturday 13h00

 

• Brunch: Sunday 9h00- 14h00
• Prize giving: Sunday 12h00
• Race cut off:  Sunday 14h00

RACE VILLAGE

• A tented race village will be erected at the start/finish.
• Each team will have a designated four person tent.
• The tent will be ready for use for teams arriving for registration on Saturday before race start.
• The tent will be ready for use for teams finishing the race. The camp will be dismantled on Sunday morning after prize giving.
• Teams can use their tents to keep their belongings, refill their supplies and sleep.

RACE GEAR BOXES

• One of the great aspects of this overnight race is the unsupported nature of the race. Teams will need to plan meticulously all their equipment and sustenance, and then pack them into their race boxes.
• Race organizers will move these boxes to various points on the course.
• The use of boxes makes this a true unsupported race, making it easier for teams to compete on an even playing field.
• Teams will receive waterproof gear boxes at the start in which to pack gear and food.
• Boxes will be available at designated transition areas somewhere on route. The position of these transition areas will be indicated in the race book.

RACE DISCIPLINES

• Mountain biking – teams should be prepared for a range of riding including single track, steep hills, gravel roads and sealed roads.
• Trekking – will involve travelling by foot through rugged terrain. Trekking will be over diverse terrain.
• Kayaking – kayaking may be on rivers, lakes, or white water. Details will be outlined at race briefing. Kayaks and paddles will be provided by race organisers
• Rope work - can consits of absailing, traversing, ascending etc. Organisers will provide all equipment.
• Orienteering – orienteering is an extremely important part of the race. The course is not marked and teams are required to navigate using map and compass.

RACE MAPS

• Maps supplied will be 1:50 000 topographical maps.
• Routes will be given out as course progresses.
• Waterproofing of maps is essential. Waterproofing must be done in such a way that it does not stop teams to copy the route on to the map as race progress.
• Stationary materials for preparing route on map are needed. Different coloured pens, sellotape, scissors, etc.
• If the map is lost or damaged it will not be replaced by the organisers.

COMPETENCY CHECKS 

• At least one member of the team must be capable of navigating by compass and map during the day and night. The team must be able to orientate a map, identify grid references on a map, take a bearing between two points on a map, and understand the impact of magnetic declination.
• The teams must be able to describe what their team would do if it becomes lost.
• At least one member of the team should have experience in basic First Aid.
• All team members must be suitably competent in all disciplines included in the event as specified by the race organiser and be able to complete the event without any assistance from any person other than own team members.
• The following Kayaking Skills must be mastered: managing a capsized craft in deep water; righting and emptying a craft in deep water; getting back in and continuing paddling.
• Swimming 100m of any stroke.

COMPULSORY COMPETITOR EQUIPMENT

Equipment rules are not enforced to inconvenience competitors.

Competitors must each be equipped with the following minimum equipment, and it must be on the competitor at all times.

• Approved cycling helmet and mountainbike.
• Whistle. Must always be reachable: when cycling or trekking on your backpack’s shoulder strap, when paddling on your lifejacket.
• Headlight or torch. Functional and water resistant with sufficient quantity of batteries.
• At least a 2-litre hydration system (water bottles or bladder).
• Sufficient food for the duration of the race.
• Space/Safety blanket
• Waterproof jacket.
• Fleece top
• Buff or balaclava or beanie
• Knife
• Life jacket
• Lighting system for your bicycle. Functional and water resistant with sufficient quantity of batteries. Can be your headlight. It will be Full Moon.
• Mountain bike repair kit
• Glow stick. Must be able to last for the whole race.
• Hat and sunscreen.

COMPULSORY TEAM EQUIPMENT

Each team must be equipped with the following minimum equipment, and it must be with the team at all times.

• 1x Compass. A proper stand-alone compass, not integrated in watch.
• Back pack.  Minimum of one backpack per team.
• 1*Cell phone
• 1* First aid kit.
• Cycle computer
• 1* shelter
• Water purification tablets
• Matches or lighter
• Money
• Pen or pencil
• Kayak equipment bag. Only with team on kayak legs.

EQUIPMENT DEFINED 

• Backpack – any form of backpack capable of containing the equipment and provisions required by the team. Teams must be able to carry their running shoes on the cycling legs.
• Waterproof jacket - Jacket must be waterproof, windproof, breathable, with a hood, be tape sealed and be suitable for potentially extreme conditions. Do not skimp on a light weight jacket that will not protect you in bad weather.
• First Aid Kit – the first aid kit should contain the necessary equipment to cope with injuries while far from assistance. e.g. gauze, muscle-rub (arnica oil, Voltaren/Reparil Gel), anti-inflammatory tablets, anti-histamine tablets, painkillers, headache tablets, antiseptic solution (Dettol/Savlon), triangular bandage, plasters, rehydration powder (Rehidrate), strapping tape, latex gloves, roller bandage, 5ml syringe and needles (for draining blisters) and personal medication (asthma pump, anti-histamines).
• Kayak equipment bag. Any type of bag (marked with the team number) that can contain the whole team’s lifejackets and paddling specific clothing. This bag must be close-able and be able to be attached to the kayak securely. Not a plastic bag. When completing a kayak leg all paddling specific equipment must be placed in this bag, and the bag must be secured to kayak, preferable with a caribinier.
• Shelter – a sheet of waterproof material large enough to cover the entire team (4 people).
• Mountain bike towing system - if the team are using such a system they must have a quick release system to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Manufacturers’ tags must be left on equipment so that organisers may inspect the item's technical specifications.

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY RACE ORGANISERS

• Kayak. Double Fluid Synergy plastic sit-on tops. Two kayaks per team of four.
• Paddles: 1 paddle per competitor.
• Rope work equipment.
• Waterproof gear boxes.

RESTRICTED EQUIPMENT

• Any firearm or weapon
• Maps other than those provided by the organisers.
• Satellite navigation equipment, i.e. GPS that enables user to navigate to a grid position.
• GPS wrist watches that indicate distance travelled are allowed i.e. Polar RS 800.
• Sails, kites or rudders for kayaks.

 

EVENT RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Team

• The event must be started and completed by the entire team.
• All members of the team must be within visual and hearing distance of all other members of their team at all times, i.e. spread over no more than 100m.
• No substitutions during the race will be allowed.
• The team is to complete the entire event without any assistance.
• Teams receiving any form of assistance, including medical assistance, whilst not in a transition area, will be disqualified.
• Teams are required to pass through all transitions and checkpoints in the order designated by the Organiser.
• Teams will visit designated transitions areas to change racing disciplines, refill their supplies, change clothing and gear, and sleep if necessary.
• Teams only have to carry compulsory gear but are welcome to take more equipment if needed.
• Teams can arrive at the registration with a normal sedan. No 4*4 is needed. Vehicles can be parked at the registration venue for the duration of the event.
• All team members are required to pass through all transitions and checkpoints together. At these check points, which will be indicated by a board displaying a letter of the alphabet, any team member is to clearly mark the letter on the team passport.
• Checkpoints must be done in numerical order, orienteering points can be done in any order.
• Race marshals may request the passport for inspection. Failure to mark any transition or checkpoint on the passport will result in the team to become unofficial, unless the team returns to the missed transition or checkpoint and the team in full complement, re-do the route from the missed point on.
• While organisers do try to avoid bottlenecks, delays may cause teams to wait their turn to complete a discipline. If the delay time is to be ‘returned’ to the team, the marshal will record their time of arrival at the discipline and time of start of the discipline. Specific information will be indicated at race briefing or in the race book.
• Teams who lose their passports or punch will be deemed unofficial.
• Kit inspection may take place at any point in the race. Teams will have to report to an official for kit inspection on request.

2. Support Crew

• No Team support members will be required. Supporters are welcome to support their team’s progress at designated viewpoints. These areas will be indicated at race briefing.
• The best way to follow your team’s progress is to become a volunteer race official. Contact race organisers for more information.
•  No physical support is allowed. Any form of physical support will lead to the team’s disqualification.
• Supporters may provide moral support in any transition areas.
• Supporters are to have read these Standard Rules and Regulations as well as the Event Specific Rules.

3. General Rules

• Any team and/or individual who tests positive for illegal substances will be barred from all events for a minimum period of two (2) years. (See www.infosource.co.za/druglist for illegal substance details.)
• Any individual, male or female, will be barred from all events for life if found to have used physical violence during the course of the event.
• Abusive language will not be tolerated. Persons wishing to express outrage will do so in a controlled manner through their team captain only.
• Teams crossing the finish will be given a “line finish position”. This is pending the outcome of illegal substance test results, complaints and/or any further information coming to the organisers’ knowledge.
• The first team to complete the event, having complied with all rules and regulations and time penalties taken into consideration, will be considered the winning team.
• Any abuse of or disregard for instructions given by race marshals to any team member, will result in immediate disqualification and a disciplinary hearing at the end of the race. The disciplinary hearing may result in additional penalties.
• If a team member withdraws the team may continue, but will be unofficial. If more than two team members withdraw, the rest of the team must withdraw.

4. Medical Assistance

• Medical crews will be available for non-emergency medical treatment and consultation within transition areas when available. Any team receiving any form of medical treatment outside a transition area or a medical support area as specified in the race instructions will be disqualified.
• Medical treatment within transition areas is limited to basic first aid and advice. Should a racer require advanced life support, active fluid replacement therapy (IV), the administration of any oral or intravenous drug, then that racer, subject to the Race Director’s final decision, will be prevented from continuing with the event.
• The medical crew has the authority, on confirmation of the Race Director, to withdraw a racer from an event should the racer’s further participation in the event possibly result in permanent injury, disability or death to the racer or his/her teammates.
• Racers are obliged to carry the team’s personal medications in the team first aid kit or on the person concerned. The medical crew will not be on hand to supply personal medication should the team concerned have failed to supply their own.
• The medical crew will provide immediate emergency treatment and stabilisation. Should a racer require transport by road or air ambulance, the cost of any transport out of the race environment will be carried by the patient
• Racers are strongly advised to take appropriate insurance against the costs of emergency evacuations and repatriation.

5. Complaints & Appeals

• All complaints and/or queries are to be directed through the team captain. Only the captain is allowed to direct questions, objections and complaints to the organisers and/or their Management Team.
• In the event of there being discrepancies in finishing positions resulting from such reports and/or complaints, the Prize Giving will only take place after a verdict has been reached by the Race Director.
• Positions announced at Prize Giving are subject to the results of illegal substance tests and any further findings brought to the attention of the organisers.
• Any team wishing to appeal or complain any aspect of the event can do so. Complaints are to be received by the Race Director within 1 hour of the team crossing the finish line. Complaints may only be made with firsthand knowledge. No second-hand reports will be accepted or considered.  Appeals regarding decisions are to be received by the Race Director within 1 hour of the decision.
• The Event Organiser, as advised by senior marshals, will consider appeals.

6. Disqualification/Time Penalties

• Any team transgressing the 100meter, visual and hearing distance rule will be disqualified.
• Any team found not to be equipped with the compulsory equipment, as specified, during a kit inspection, will not be allowed to start the event.
• Any team found not to be equipped with the compulsory equipment during the race will be given a two hour penalty per missing item, to be added on to final racing time.
• Any team found to have transgressed the rules and regulations of the event and/or acting contrary to the spirit of the event will be liable for disqualification.
• The Race Director may impose a disqualification or penalty taking into consideration the spirit of the event. A statement will be requested from the applicable team captain should they wish to explain or justify the team’s actions.
• Any team and/or individual refusing to undergo testing for illegal substances will be disqualified.

7. Spirit of the Event

• Not cheating with regard to the rules and regulations of this event and the sport.
• Where one team finds another in need of medical attention – they must stop to assist.
• Abiding by the rules and regulations of this event and sport.
• Being eco-friendly, polite and prepared to assist a fellow man in need.
• Not misleading organisers and/or marshals with inaccurate/incomplete information.
• Not removing checkpoints, their illuminating devices or signage of any sort.

ECO AWARENESS

Teams are to adhere to the following stipulations at all times:

• All waste is to be carried to the closest transition or checkpoint for disposal.
• Human waste is to be buried between 20 and 25cm below the soil surface.
• Picking of flowers, cutting of walking sticks and/or any damage to the natural vegetation (even though they might appear to be dead) is prohibited.
• The making of fires, whatever the circumstances and no matter how small, are prohibited along the entire route.
• No tree, rock, etc. may be defaced in any manner.
• Be polite and courteous to local inhabitants. Pass quietly through settlements, especially at night.

The transgression of any of the above will render the entire team liable to disqualification.

ENTRY FEE

• R600 per competitor.
• Only 80 competitors will be allowed; in combinations of four person teams or pairs.
• All athletes will receive a technical racing shirt.
• All teams will receive Sunday brunch.

• S. Muller
  Standard Bank
  Rivonia branch, branch code 001255
  Account number 420 104 496
• Download entry form from downloads in left pane.
• Mail entry form and proof of payment to bio@netactive.co.za.
• Entries are now open.
• Entries close 29 July 2011.
• No refunds of entry fee after 29 July 2011.
• To ensure the correct shirt size entries should be received before 13 July 2011. 
• Team substitutions can still be made until 10 August 2011. No charge for this.

 

 

PRIZES

• First 5 mixed teams of four will receive product vouchers to the value of:

First	R 2400.00
Second	R 1600.00
Third	R 1200.00
Fourth	R 800.00
Fifth	R 400.00

•  All athletes will receive a technical race shirt.
• All athletes will receive goodie bags.
• All finishers will receive trophies.
• Spot prizes will be handed out at prize giving.

USEFULL CONTACTS

• Equipment needs – Heidi at bio@netactive.co.za
• Navigation  skills– Lisa at lisa@ar.co.za
• Kayaking skills -
• Rope work skills -

 

VOLUNTEERS

• The best way to be part of the race if you cannot participate yourself is to become a volunteer marshal.
• If you are interested please contact Heidi - 082 564 6468 or mail us at bio@netactive.co.za.
• All volunteers will receive a race shirt, food and drinks.
• Come and be part of the action.