RACE RULES

a) The Competition

The course will be kept secret from competitors until the race briefing on the evening before the race. Competitors must follow the course and alternatives designed by the organisers and must race within the spirit of the competition.

Teams will be provided with a detailed list of checkpoints (map references) and transition points and will be informed as to each stage type (ie kayak, trek, mtb etc). at the race briefing.

Checkpoints, Rogaine Points and Transition Areas

The race will comprise of a number of checkpoints, rogaine points and transition areas.

Transition Areas : Teams must sign in at every transition area.

Checkpoints : Teams must record letters at each checkpoint or incur time penalties (variable).

Rogaine Points : Teams will incur time credits at each Rogaine point recorded (variable).

b) Timing

The clock will start at the beginning of the race. Times will be recorded at each transition area and when the team crosses the line. When a team decides to rest at a checkpoint, the clock doesn’t stop. On some stages there will be time penalties for arriving after a certain time. In the event of a compulsory stop during the race the clock will be stopped for each team affected.

c) 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 will be announced at the race briefing and noted in the competitors race instructions.

d) Placings and Awards

Placing is based on finish times adjusted for any time penalties/credits incurred during the race.

e) 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. Nevertheless the organisers reserve the right to stop a competitor or team from setting off or continuing the event.

f) Support Crew

No support crews required for this years race

g) Equipment

Gear List per team – Compulsory 

First Aid kit, compass, land and survey maps (will be advised of which maps closer to event), one sealed mobile phone.

Gear List per Individual – Compulsory

Glow stick, survival blanket, polyprop top and bottom, fleece top, fleece or woolen hat, whistle, head lamp with adequate batteries for night, waterproof jacket, gloves, backpack and multi-purpose knife.

Kayaks

It is recommended that suitable double sea kayaks are used. Don’t sacrifice safety for speed. Double kayaks should have a minimum water width of 550cm. Single Sea kayaks are alos permitted. Note we will be operating a hanicap system for this years ARC based on Hull speed of boats used.The aim will be that this is as fair as possible and it designed to help level the playing field.

Additional kayak equipment per competitor

Life jacket (6.2kg positive buoyancy, international standard) and marine flare

Mountain Bikes

Cycle helmets must be worn during the biking sections and each bike should be fitted with a rear red strobe light.

Rope work and mystery activities

All equipment for these activities will be provided.

Forbidden Equipment

GPS, additional windsurf masts or sails or any other additions to kayaks.

h) Jury

Any legitimate race protests will be reviewed by the race organisers. Any protest must be filed with the race organiser within one hour of finishing the race.

i) 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. For a team to proceed on a new stage they must have at least 2 team members.

j) Time Penalties

These will occur where teams fail to record letters at checkpoints (variable), retirement of a team member (4 person team only), any breach of rule or regulation and littering.

k) Disqualification

Unfair behaviour or behaviour that brings the race into disrepute, use of unauthorised equipment and abandonment of team member during the race.

l) Team Numbers and Bibs

Each team will be provided with a race number and bibs. The bibs should be visible at all times.

m) Safety / Security

The race will be supported by comprehensive safety back up. Radio Operators and marshals with knowledge of the course will be placed at each transitions area. These will be coordinated by a central control team that will keep a tab on the progress and whereabouts of each team. There will also be a paramedic and ambulance on the course at all times. The kayak legs will be supported by boat safety teams including the coastguard.

n) 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 the team captain on behalf of the team. Competitors should ensure that they are adequately insured.

o) Consideration for the land

To enable us to run this event we have sought permission from a number of private land owners, local Iwi and DOC. 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. Support crews should be conscious of keeping the transition areas as they find them.

p) Officials

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

Entry Terms

Race entry is subject to agreement with the Terms & Conditions of Entry. Click here to read.