Introduction

These rules are written to ensure the safety and integrity of the Ultra O-gaine. Following these rules will make your event experience, and those of the other participants, better. These rules will be enforced by the Checkpoint Adventures staff and the Ultra O-gaine volunteers. All decisions by the race director are final. Race organizers reserve the right to change the rules, requirements, and the course at any time.

Passports & Instructions

Each team will receive an official event passport and instructions before the race. Teams must read and follow all instructions provided.

It is the participant's responsibility to punch their passport where a punch is required. If a punch is placed in the wrong box (i.e. mis-punched) on the passport, the team shall clearly indicate which CP the mis-punch represents by writing the applicable CP number in the mis-punched box. Mis-punched CPs not identified as describe here will be considered a missed CP.

It is the participant's responsibility to have event staff mark/sign their passport correctly when a mark/signature is required.

Mandatory Gear

All mandatory gear must be carried at all times during the race, unless noted otherwise. Mandatory gear may be randomly checked by event staff during the race.

Support & Assistance

Teams must be entirely self-sufficient throughout the event. All teams must provide their own food and water before and during the race. No outside assistance is permitted at any time except in designated areas. However, teams are permitted to help each other. Teams may be awarded a time bonus for helping other teams in need.

Withdrawing

Voluntary withdrawals must occur at a manned checkpoint by notifying a race official. Upon race official approval, teams may continue if one member withdraws. The remaining competitors must carry full team mandatory gear. No competitor will be permitted to continue alone.

Checkpoints & Routes

Teams must visit the checkpoints as indicated by passport instructions, unless otherwise directed by race officials. Travel in restricted/unauthorized areas is not permitted at any time.

If a checkpoint punch or marker is "missing", participants shall mark their passport with "M" boldly and clearly written in the block for the "missing" CP and a brief explanation on the back of the passport. (e.g. "CP3 missing punch" or "CP6 missing bag"). Upon submitting their passport at the finish, participants shall file a dispute with the race director. See Disputes below.

Littering

All racers and spectators must follow a Leave-No-Trace ethic. No littering of any kind will be tolerated. Any team found littering will be disqualified.

Disputes

The team captain, as designated on the registration form, may file a written dispute with the race director within 30 minutes after the course closes. After submission of a written dispute, the director will consult with the Checkpoint Adventures advisory committee. The director and committee reserve the right to review all disputes for as long as they deem necessary. All decisions by the race director and advisory committee are final.

Penalties

Time penalties will be imposed per occurrence, unless noted otherwise.

Disqualification
  • Failure of a team to pass through each checkpoint as specified by the passport instructions or as directed by race officials.
  • Using a mode of travel other than by foot.
  • Any travel other than human powered travel.
  • Use of any GPS, computer, or other device not specifically approved by the race director.
  • Use of any map not provided by the event director.
  • Littering.
  • Assistance outside of designated areas by anyone not competing in the event.
  • Lighting a fire.
  • Arriving more than 30 minutes late at the starting line.
  • Disobeying instructions from a race official.
  • Non-assistance to a person in danger.
  • Possession and/or use of a weapon.
  • Violation over the identity of a competitor or change of a team member during the race.
  • Removing or altering a punch device, trail sign, or marking.
  • Travel in unauthorized/restricted areas.
Two CP Deduction (highest valued checkpoints)
  • Teammates not staying within 100 feet of all other team members at any time during the event. All team members must check in together at each checkpoint, unless otherwise directed by passport instructions or race officials.
  • Picking up and/or dropping off gear in a place other than an area designated by the event director.
One CP Deduction (highest valued checkpoints)

Not carrying any piece of mandatory gear. This penalty will be imposed per item. (e.g., missing 2 of 3 compasses = two CP penalty). Mandatory gear must be carried at all times, unless specifically indicated by passport instructions or race officials. This includes the passport in usable condition.

The following will result in unranked status
  • Arriving at the finish after the designated cut-off.
  • Missing a mandatory checkpoint, unless indicated otherwise by race officials or passport instructions.