Rules

The Downeast Adventure Race is an entry level multi-sport event that consists of mountain biking, white water canoeing, sea kayaking, running, and orientering. This 21 mile race is designed for 1st time racers and experienced racers alike.

Specific race rules are as follows: (New Rules are Highlighted in YELLOW)

1. Teams must consist of four (4) members - three (3) racers plus one (1) support person.

2. Relay Teams must consist of five (5) members - four (4) racers plus one (1) support person.

3. Entrants in the Individual category must provide a support person.

4. New for this year - Support Personnel MUST cross the finish line with their team/individual racers. The race clock for each entry will stop with the last person to cross the finish line.
   
   
5. If one team member withdraws or is disqualified, the team may not continue competing.
   
   
6. Racers may rely on human-powered travel only.
   
   
7. Race bibs must be worn by all racers at all times, on the outside of clothing. Support personnel do not need to wear a race bib.
   
   
8. Racers must complete the whole course, passing through each checkpoint in order.
   
   
9. This year's course will include an orienteering component. This will be on during the mountain biking leg. Racers will ride into the Navigation Check-in Station (labelled on the course map) where they will dismount their bikes and pick up a punch card and an orienteering map showing two control points that they must find ON FOOT. Each control point will contain a unique punch that racers will use to punch a punch card. After both control points are located, racers will navigate back to the Navigation Check-in Station, present their punch card to a race official for verification, and then continue on with the mountain bike section of the race. If the racers have not punched their card with the correct punch, they will choose to either head back out to find the correct control point, or accept a 30 minute penalty.
   
   
10. All kayaks must have some form of internal flotation.
    
    
11. Racers registered as a TEAM must wear a wetsuit (minimum requirement for wetsuits is 3 mil farmer john, shorties are allowed) and an approved Coast Guard Type III PFD while in any boat on the course. For all other racers, a Type III PFD is required and a 3 mil farmer john wetsuit is required while in a sea kayak, and recommended while in a canoe.
    
    
12. Approved bicycle helmets must be worn at all times while biking.
    
    
13. Approved paddling helmets must be worn at all times while canoeing. Helmets are available for rent along with other gear. See registration form for details.
    
    
14. Carry in - carry out. Please do not litter- Littering will lead to disqualification.
    
    
15. Use of GPS is not allowed.
    
    
16. Use of cellular phone is for emergencies only and should be carried in a waterproof bag. Dial 911 if your team needs immediate help.
    
    
17. All adventure racers must show good sportsmanship to fellow racers, volunteers, spectators, etc...
    
    
18. If you come upon an injured racer, you must stop and offer assistance. Failure to do so will disqualify your team. Patrols will be monitoring the course or help can be found by sending a team member to the nearest checkpoint.
    
    
19. Athletes may not receive outside assistance from Race Officials or anyone other than the team's designated support person.
    
    
20. We want to do this race again, please respect all property over which you travel.
    
    
21. Race organizers reserve the right to decide whether or not a person or team may continue for health, safety, or other reasons (e.g. inadequate time to finish the race).
    
    
22. Violation of any of these rules will likely lead to disqualification at the discretion of the race organizers.
    
    Specific Rules for Entrants in the Team Category:
    
23. All 3 racers must complete all sections of the race course.
    
24. All racers must be within 50 feet of each other at all times.
    
25. All adventure racers on a team must cross the finish line together.
    
26. Teams must use one canoe for the whitewater canoeing section (3 people in 1 boat).
27. Teams may carry and use only two (2) canoe paddles during the canoeing section of the race. Kayak paddles are not acceptable.
    
28. Teams must use one single kayak and one double kayak for the sea kayak component.

Race organizers reserve the right to change the rules or the course at any time.