| Race Rules |
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Safety for runners and race volunteers is fundamental and drives most of these rules. Stay alert! Watch your footing along these trails. Some may be wet, muddy or rutted—and maybe a combination of the three --and certain sections have rock outcroppings to navigate. Keep your eyes open for animals and poison ivy, too! Respect for the environment at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and the privacy and property of the people who own homesteads within the park boundaries round out these rules. (Yes, there are a few sections of privately owned property.) Everyone will be expected to take each rule seriously and to display courtesy, good taste and sportsmanship at all times. Leave no footprint behind; carry all trash and recyclables with you and dispose of appropriately. Race marshals will be traversing the route throughout race day to monitor the course and assist runners as needed. Notice: You will be running through a natural area where many species of wild animals reside. As such, participation in this race can be dangerous. Stay alert, remain on the course at all times and do not confront animals if you encounter them during the race. Pre-Race Orientation All runners MUST participate in the pre-race orientation meeting for their respective race on Saturday morning (race day), OR in the general meeting on Friday afternoon, January 20th. Anyone missing their required session will NOT be allowed to race. No exceptions. Race Numbers The race number must be worn on the front of the body and be visible at all times. Runners not properly displaying numbers will be stopped until the situation is corrected. Whistle or Air Horn Each competitor will be given a whistle or small air horn or similar device that must be carried at all times. If an animal is encountered that does not move out of the way, sound the device. It may motivate the animal to move. If not, continue to blow the whistle or use the horn in short bursts. This signal will be considered a call for help, no matter the purpose. Race marshals on the course will respond to the signal when they hear it. (Further details to be provided at the pre-race orientation meetings.) Medical Issues If possible, go to the nearest aid station for help. All aid stations will be equipped with radios. Volunteers will assist and call for support as appropriate. If incapacitated, use the air horn. Race marshals will be listening for these calls and will respond as promptly as possible. Cut-Off Times 25 kilometer race begins at 8:30am. Runners have until 2:30pm to complete the course. 50 kilometer race begins at 7:00am. Runners have until 4:30pm to complete the course. 50 mile race begins at 6:00am. Runners have until 8:30pm to complete the course, and must also have cleared the “Mud Tram” aid station at approximately mile 42 by 5:30pm. Dropping Out If you choose to drop for any reason, go to the nearest aid station. Volunteers will radio race marshals to assist your exit from the course. Pacers Pacers and crew are not allowed on the course. Except along the dirt road, Janes Scenic Drive, at the beginning and end of each route, the course does not accommodate crew access to the runners during the race. Runners should be prepared to receive support only from the aid stations and drop bags. Headphones Headphones, ear-phones, i-Pods and the like will NOT be allowed on the course. Runners must remain alert and focused on their surroundings at all times. Cell phones generally do NOT work along the course. Trekking Poles Runners will be allowed to use trekking poles or similar gear during the race. Park Rules Florida State Parks have their own list of rules. Click on the following link to view them: Florida State Park Rules Emergency Contact Specific race-day emergency contact information will follow. |