Rules & Cut-Offs

The rules listed below are current at the time of publication and may be updated prior to the race (although the basis of the rules will stay the same)

  • (all participants) must read and sign the Participant Indemnity
  • Juniors only – (under 18 on race day) must have their parent or guardian advise the organisers, Rapid Ascent, of their intention to enter, must comply with the Under 18 entry requirements as published on the event website and the parent or guardian must read and sign an authorisation and indemnity.
  • Competitors must follow the complete course as marked and directed. Taking shortcuts or using any unfair means of obtaining an advantage over other competitors will result in disqualification. It is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure that the correct course is followed.
  • Your race number must be visible at all times on the outside of your clothing (at the front).
  • Races numbers are non-transferable. Times and prizes will not be recognised if racing under another entry/name.
  • Competitors may only receive external assistance on the course from their support crews and/or team mates within the designated area at designated Checkpoints 1-7. Competitors may also receive support from race organisers and officials at any additional water points and intermediary Race Kitchens. External support may not be provided anywhere else on the course and this includes the supply of water bottles or food by non competitors.
  • Competitors cannot run with a support crew or other external person who is not entered into the race (ie. be paced) for longer than 500m either side of a checkpoint.
  • One competitor cannot provide assistance in forward progression through physical pushing / pulling / towing / pacing, or the provision of food or drinks to a competitor in another category except in emergency circumstances.
  • Australian Road Rules apply at all times on all roads, tracks and trails.
  • All runners (solo and relay team members) MUST carry the Mandatory Gear as specified in the equipment list. A 30 minute penalty will apply for any (and every) item found missing during mandatory gear checks and you will not be allowed to continue until the item is replaced.
  • Relay teams can only change over at the designated checkpoint locations – after their team mate has arrived.
  • Competitors are responsible for the actions of their support crew and may be penalised for actions or breaches of the rules by their support crew.
  • Support crews and team mates are not permitted to run with or pace runners.
  • Any competitor who withdraws from the race MUST notify an official. This is an essential requirement to avoid unnecessary searches being conducted and emergency services being engaged.
  • If a race official considers that an underage athlete is in distress at any point in the race, then the athlete must be seen by a member of the event medical team who will determine if they are fit to continue
  • All runners are permitted to lodge protests against results or decisions enforced during the event. A judging panel of three Rapid Ascent staff members will adjudicate on all protests and other contentious matters, and their decision will be final. Protests must be lodged within 30 minutes of the subject competitor crossing the finish line.
  • Rapid Ascent has sole discretion to alter or amend the race rules in order to increase the safety of participants or for any other reason deemed appropriate.
  • If the race is cancelled or called off after it has started, it is each competitor’s responsibility to get themselves to the start / finish area as soon as you have been notified of the cancellation.
  • Littering is prohibited. 

CUT OFF TIMES

The following cut off times are provisional and may change (slightly) nearer the event. Please note times below apply to both the 100km and 50km events. Note, you MUST depart the checkpoint by the quoted time and you are NOT permitted to return to the checkpoint.

Cut off times for 100km race will be strictly enforced as follows.

  • Start of Leg 2 – you must depart CP2 at Torquay Surf Beach by published Start time + 4h
  • Start of Leg 3 – you must depart CP4 at Anglesea by published start time + 8h45m
  • Start of Leg 4 – you must depart CP6 at Moggs Creek Picnic Ground by published start time + 14h 15min
  • During Leg 4 – you must depart CP7 at the Aireys Inlet Skate Park by published start time + 15h 45min
  • Finish Line – you must arrive at the finish line by published start time + 19h. This is an average speed of 5.21kph based on a distance of 99km

Cut off times for 50km race will be strictly enforced as follows.

  • Start of Leg 2 – you must depart CP2 at Torquay Surf Beach by published Start time + 4h
  • Finish Line – you must arrive at the finish line by published start time + 9h30min. This is an average speed of 5.12kph based on a distance of 48.7km

Cut off procedures

  • For teams who do not make the published cut off time, the next team member will be allowed to continue at the published cut off time but will be an unranked competitor.
  • Individuals who miss a cut off must miss the next leg but they may re-continue from the following transition area.
  • If the last cut off is missed, then competitors must make their way via alternative means to the finish line.
  • If you cannot complete a leg or are forced to stop or withdraw from a leg the following procedures will be followed:
  • You will now be an ‘unranked’ competitor. You will not be permitted to return to that leg but you can recommence the event with the next leg
    • When you get to the next transition area, advise an official that you did not complete the leg and hand over to your team mate who can continue the rest of the course
    • Your team will be unranked, but you can still continue the event.