MERRELL spring challenge All Women’s Adventure Race

Merrell Spring Challenge Adventure Race Event Rules

1. Course Access: Teams are strictly prohibited from entering the event route until the official race start time, which occurs after they receive course maps and notes.
2. Timing Transponder: Each team must carry the timing transponder assigned to them throughout the race. The transponder must be returned at the finish line, and any lost transponders will result in a replacement fee.
3. Race Bibs: Every team member must conspicuously wear their designated race team bibs during the race, with bibs worn over their outer garments or equipment. Packs may be worn over race bibs.
4. Race Bib Integrity: Race bibs must remain unaltered in any way. Damaged or lost bibs will incur a repair or full replacement fee.
5. Start Waves: Teams are required to commence the race in their designated Start Wave.
6. Team Integrity: Team members must remain together and within sight of each other, with no more than a 50-meter separation between the leading and trailing members at all times.
7. Gear Requirement: Teams must carry all their individual and team compulsory gear from TA1 to the Finish Line.
8. Supporter Restrictions: Teams may not receive assistance or guidance from supporters, and supporters are not permitted in unsupported Transition Areas.
9. Completion Requirement: In order to be officially ranked, all team members must successfully complete all stages of the race.
10. Course Instructions: Teams must adhere to the instructions provided in their event course maps and race notes, particularly those pertaining to road safety.
11. Rafting Safety: During the rafting stage, all team members must properly wear provided life jackets, their own rafting or biking helmets, wet-suits, and footwear.
12. Head Torch Requirement: Teams participating in the 6 & 9-hour events must carry a head torch with fresh batteries throughout the duration of the event. 6-hour 1 torch per team, 9-hour 1 torch per person.
13. Road Safety: Certain portions of the event may occur on public roads. Participants are subject to normal road regulations and are responsible for their own safety.
14. Bike Lights: When cycling in low-light conditions, bikes must be equipped with a front (white) and rear (red) light in compliance with New Zealand law.
15. Checkpoint Penalty: Teams failing to visit one or more checkpoints will incur a 2-hour penalty for each missed checkpoint. Teams that collect all checkpoints will receive a higher ranking.
16. GPS Devices: The use of GPS units or devices is strictly prohibited, except for bike computers that display only speed, distance, and time.
17. E-bikes: E-bikes may be used in the 3 & 6-hour events, but teams must inform organisers, and these teams will be 'unranked' in the official results.
18. Mobile Phones: Mobile phones must be fully charged, switched OFF or set to flight mode, and stored in sealed, watertight bags. While they can be used for taking photos, their primary purpose is for emergency communication only. Phones must not be used for navigation or any other form of communication during the event.
19. Transition Areas: The entire team must enter and exit all Transition Areas together.
20. Respect for Others: Teams and their supporters must respect the rights of local landowners, residents, business owners, and the general public at all times.
21. Private Land: Supporters are not permitted on private land.
22. Gate Etiquette: When possible, use gates to pass through fences. If uncertain, gates should be closed as found, or climbed at the hinge end only.
23. Littering: Littering is strictly prohibited. Participants are responsible for picking up any litter they encounter.
24. Amenities: Utilise available toilets and amenities.
25. Complaints: Any complaints regarding rule violations must be submitted in writing to the Race Director within one hour of a team finishing. Final decisions will be made by the Race Director and the staff panel.
26. Team Member Withdrawal: If a team member withdraws during the event, teams may continue with two members with the Race Director's approval.
27. Withdrawal Procedure: Teams deciding to withdraw from the event must immediately inform the nearest event TA, return their timing transponder, and provide a complete set of race bibs at the race finish line.
28. Compulsory Rules: Any instructions in the course notes labeled as 'you must' are mandatory rules.
29. Control Flags: All team members must pass within 10 meters of each control flag.
30. No Team Member Changes: Team members may not be substituted during the event.
31. Gear Inspection: Teams found to be lacking compulsory gear will incur a time penalty.
32. Transition Area Exit: Teams must exit Transition Areas through the timing area.
33. Penalties for GPS Devices: The use of GPS devices is restricted to safety and non-competitive functions. Any attempt to gain a competitive advantage through the use of GPS devices may result in penalties or disqualification as determined by the race organisers.