A Summary of Key Waitārere Forest Run/Walk Event Rules
Good sportsmanship applies at all times
- You must obey event officials at all times
- Treat other competitors, officials and volunteers with respect and courtesy: there is no event without them
- DO NOT discard bottles, gel satchels or anything else on the course
- If you deliberately impede the progress of another competitor, you will be disqualified
- You must wear shoes and may walk if you wish
- Buggies and prams are permitted however please be aware of other runners on course and give way where necessary
- There are penalties for athletes if the Race Rules are not followed and these include Time Penalties and/or Disqualification. If you do receive a Penalty and wish to protest it, see the Race Referee within 15 minutes of finishing
- Numbers: Numbers must be worn on the front of the body. Cutting numbers or altering is not allowed.
- Passing: Runners must yield to overtaking runners. Runners should voice the command “Track” or ”On your right,” when overtaking another. It is the responsibility of the faster runner to overtake safely.
- Slower runners must yield to the passing runner on the first command.
- Stay left where running and be aware that shorter distances may be joining the same route as you at any time.
General Rules
Ignorance of the rules will not be considered as an excuse.
- It is the participant’s responsibility to maintain adequate hydration. Organizer will provide hydration stations on the run.
- Cutting the course: Short-cutting and/or cutting trail switchbacks or course is not permitted and may result in disqualification. A participant is required to stay on the designated trail that is marked and or specified as the course. It is the participants responsibility to know the designated course. Lack of tape or barrier on the course will not be constituted as an excuse for cutting course.
- Outside assistance: The Waitārere Forest Run is about participation and enjoyment however there is a competitive element. Outside assistance is ok however it must not give the participant an unfair advantage over other runners.
- Conduct: Foul running, unsportsmanlike behaviour or the use of profane or abusive language is grounds for disqualification.
- Protests: Protests of any nature must be submitted within one hour of the finish time of the person lodging the protest. Protests must be submitted in writing and signed by the accuser. Saying somebody cut the course is not good enough – it must be written and described as accurately as possible. All protests will be investigated. It is not always possible to see infractions. The Waitārere Forest Run is on trails and 4wd tracks, out of sight and marshalled only where necessary. In every case there will need to be verification of the infraction. Officials will not be drawn into a “hear-say” argument.
- Music Devices: Music devices are permitted as long as they are personal, cannot be heard by others and are not interfering with others enjoyment of the course. Examples: no speakers with projecting music. Headsets and earphones are able to be worn but must be at a level where the participant can hear marshal instructions and any vehicle and participants.
- Penalties: Penalties will be determined by the severity of the infraction. The minimum penalty will always be 2 minutes.
