Event Rules

 

The safety of the Simpson Desert Ultra participants is the highest priority and at the forefront of every decision made by Event Organisers. By registering for the Event I hereby agree to abide by the event rules and understand that failure to comply with them may result in time penalties, withdrawal from the Event or being prohibited from starting the Event.

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1. You must complete the marked course on foot under your own power.

2. Trekking poles are permitted for all areas of the course.

3. Performance enhancing drugs are prohibited.

4. It is not permitted for anyone else to compete under your name or vice versa.

5. Your bib number must be visible at all times and must not be obstructed by clothing or packs.

6. The red flashing light must be attached to the back of your pack and be on during night hours.

7. The hi-vis vest must be worn over the top of any clothing and pack during night hours.

8. Timing at the Simpson Desert Ultra is manual.

9. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure they check in at the completion of each loop and check out at the resumption of the next one with the crew at the timing tent in the Hub.

10. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure their number is recorded at each check point.

11. Hydration and nutrition supplies will be provided at each manned aid station. A full list of likely food/beverage options will be made available to participants in advance of the event to allow for adequate planning.

12. There will be two emergency aid stations on each loop that are to be used for emergencies only.

13. Participants must render aid to fellow participants who require help. Failure to do so may be deemed unsporting and penalties may apply. When rendering aid take note of the time spent and report the time back to staff at the next checkpoint for credits to be applied.

14. You must stay on the marked course. Short cuts are not permitted and will result in being ineligible for a finish time.

15. If you get lost, return to the last sighted marker. If you cannot find the last sighted marker use Avenza Maps to course correct.

16. You must carry your own mandatory gear at all times where directed to during the event. Random gear checks will occur. For every item that is missing a 30min time penalty will be added to the overall time of the participant. Where the item can be replaced on course the participant will be permitted to continue and no further time penalties will occur. Where the item cannot be replaced it is up to the discretion of the event safety team as to whether the participant can continue and if so, a further 30min time penalty will occur.

17. For severe breaches of mandatory gear or failure to comply with requests of event marshals, the runner may be disqualified.

18. You must obey the directions of checkpoint staff and course marshals at all times.

19. Cut off times will be enforced at all checkpoints. If you miss a cut off you must withdraw from the event.

20. Any participant requiring IV fluids will be withdrawn from the Event. This decision is final.

21. The Medical Director has the authority to prevent a participant’s continuation in the Event if it is deemed unsafe for the individual’s health and/or safety. This decision is final.

22. Littering is strictly prohibited and any participant verified to have littered will be required to discuss the matter with event staff and disqualification may occur.

23. You must not leave human faeces in the open on course. There is very little in the way of vegetation on course and we ask that where possible bowel movements be restricted to the toilets provided at every check point. Where it is not possible please ensure that waste is buried a minimum of 15cm deep, with toilet paper carried out. You are required to carry snap lock bags for this reason.

24. Dogs may be permitted at the Event Hub with prior permission from event organisers. Where allowed dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. 

25. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on course or at aid stations/Event Hub.

26. Leave any gates or fences as you find them.

27. Aid can only be received from support crews within 200m of a designated manned checkpoint and the Hub. No aid can be received from support crews outside of these areas.

28. Support crews are only permitted to access the Hub.

29. Support crews must comply with all instructions from event staff and officials. The participant is responsible for the actions or breaches of rules by their support crew and may be penalised for them.

30. Support crews must obey all road rules and drive within the speed limits. Please ensure that support crew receive sufficient rest and sleep breaks.

31. Support crews and supporters must not eat any food provided at checkpoints.

32. Support crews are not allowed to collect withdrawing participants from anywhere other than the Event Hub. Any participant withdrawing from an unmanned checkpoint or along the course will be collected by event crew.

33. The Event Organisers are not responsible for the safety or whereabouts of support crew.

34. Supporters are permitted to walk/run the final 200m with their participant/s into the Hub on any loop. They are not permitted to walk/run with them at any other point on the course.

35. Pacers are not permitted.

36. The Event Organiser reserves the right to discourage and/or penalise behaviour deemed unsporting.

37. Breaking any of the rules may incur a time penalty, disqualification or pre-race withdrawal. Any such penalties are at the organisers’ discretion and are final.