1. All runners SHALL be nice to the volunteers, and are required to tell them “Thank you” at every opportunity.  There’s a reason this is rule #1.  Volunteers are using their personal time (and gas money) to help YOU finish YOUR race.  If you haven’t volunteered at a race before, I HIGHLY recommend that you do.  After you volunteer at a race come see me if you still don’t understand why this is a very important rule.  We love and respect our volunteers and they’re trying their best to help you, do not be snotty with them or rude.  Remember that.
   
   
2. Crew can ONLY meet their runner at the locations noted in the “Crew accessible locations” document.  Runners that meet their crew at locations not noted will be DNF’d and their day is done.
   
   
3. Stay on the trails!  They are plenty wide for two people to pass one another.  Please don’t step off the trails and do not cut corners. 
   
   
4. Spectators & crews are not allowed on the course during the race. Some of our permits depend on this rule being followed.  Crew shall stay in the vicinity of the aid stations.  Our permit(s) only allow for the runners and volunteers to be on the course, not the crews.  Please follow this rule.
   
   
5. It is highly recommended for racers to leave each aid station with a containers for carrying at least 30 ounces of fluid.
   
   
6. Race numbers must be worn on the front of the body and be visible at all times. It may not be covered or worn on the back, your hat, or head. WEAR YOUR NUMBER ON THE FRONT.
   
   
7. The clock does not stop for any reason until the race course officially closes 36 hours after the designated official start time (6:00 PM on Sunday). 
   
   
8. Cut-off times will be adhered to.  Runners that don’t meet the published cut-off times will be instructed to drop out and get a ride back to the start/finish.
   
   
9. Racers, crew, and staff must not litter, mar, or pollute the landscape or environment. In fact, if you see litter, please pick it up.  Leave no trace!
   
   
10. Stay on the marked trails!  Yes, I know I repeated this rule. DO NOT CUT CORNERS.
    
    
11. 100-mile runners (and crew members/pacers), and 50-mile runners that may be out after sunset are required to wear reflective material facing in all directions. Remember, short portions of our races are on public roads.
    
    
12. While running on public roads, please run on the side of the road that is flagged. Every effort has been made to keep the runners as safe as possible, so we have done our best to minimize road crossings.  Please follow the flags and markings while on the road. Keep your eyes up and your brain turned on! If you have a pacer make this their job.
    
    
13. Headlamps are required for all runners. It’s recommended that you carry at least two BRIGHT light sources in case one of them burns out.  A handheld light is helpful too.  Most of the course flagging is reflective and does not work without a light source to reflect.  Sunrise is at 7:20 AM, and sunset is at 6:40 PM. There is only 11(ish)-hours of daylight at this time of year and this is a difficult course. You are responsible for your own lighting and for your own safety. 
     
14. Runners are responsible for both their own and their crew’s actions; crews are responsible for both their own and their runner’s actions.  Watch out for your friends and for your other competitors!  One of the great things about trail runners is the camaraderie and ability to help each other when things get tough.  You are ALL in this together.
    
    
15. A crew member is defined as any individual who provides material support to a runner (even if it’s only cheering). Crews may meet runners and assist them only at aid stations specifically designated for crew access. Do not provide aid to any runner anywhere else but at aid stations designated as crew-accessible.
    
    
16. Runners are not allowed to get into, or take anything from a moving vehicle.  If they do they will be DQ’d.
    
    
17. Runners (and their pacers) must make their presence known at all Aid Stations located along the route.  Please announce your bib number when arriving at an aid station.  If you do not you may be considered “missing”.
    
    
18.  If a runner withdraws (“DNF”), he/she or his/her crew must contact Race Headquarters, or the RD, or notify an Aid Station captain immediately.  Name, reason for withdrawal, time of withdrawal, and miles completed must be stated.  All runners who drop are strongly encouraged to come to the finish line for both post-race events to greet and celebrate with their fellow racers and crew.  There is no shame in DNF-ing!  Lord knows I’ve done my share.
    
    
19. This rule is a biggee, so PAY ATTENTION.  100-mile runners that decide to drop down to the 50-mile race MUST inform the race director and/or the aid station volunteers that they are stopping at 50-miles at the 50-mile aid station (Start/Finish).  At that point they will receive a 50 mile buckle and an official 50-mile finish time and their day is done!  If the runner leaves the 50-mile turnaround and proceeds beyond 50-miles and drops on the course before finishing the 100-miler, it will be considered a DNF.  At that point he/she WILL NOT receive an official 50-mile finish time, or a 50-mile finishers buckle.  In other words, if you entered the 100-miler and decide to drop down to the 50-mile race, you MUST stop at the 50-mile turnaround A/S and nowhere else!
    
    
20. 100-mile runners that drop down to the 50-mile race are NOT eligible for podium finishes in the 50-mile race. So, if you are running in the top 3 in the 50-mile race and a 100-mile runner passes you and then drops down to the 50-mile race at the start/finish they can’t take your podium finish from you.  100-mile runners that drop down distances are NOT eligible for podium finishes.
    
    
21. Remember, there is NO shame in DNF-ing.  Sometimes it’s the smart thing to do, especially if you’re risking injury.
    
    
22. All Emergency evacuation costs for participants (and/or crews) will be borne and paid for by the racer and/or their heirs. The race organizers are in no way liable, or responsible for emergency evacuation costs.
    
    
23. No sleeping in the porta-potties. No matter how cold or windy it gets.
24. No dogs are allowed to accompany runners.
    
    
25. The Race Director has the authority to overrule any rule posted, or invent a new rule based on extreme or extenuating or unforeseen circumstances. The Race Director has ultimate authority in regards to all rules, their interpretation, and their enforcement. There is no “appeals committee” or “appeals process”.  This statement is here to protect the racers, the volunteers, and the public’s safety.
    
    
26. The Race Director has the right to disqualify any runner, and to cancel the race at ANYTIME in order to preserve the runner’s and volunteer’s safety.
    
    
27. All crews shall follow ALL rules of the road while driving.  DRIVE SLOW AND STAY OFF YOUR PHONE.  Watch out for other runners and cars too! Directions to the crew accessible aid station can be found on the respective pages.
    
    
28. Most importantly, keep smiling and have fun!
    
    
29. Please come prepared for ALL weather conditions.  Remember, it can be hot or rain or snow!  Come prepared!

We have posted these rules for your safety, the safety of the other runners and their crews, the safety of the public, the safety of our race staff, AND for our wonderful volunteers! These rules are the same for all runners. Please understand that failure to abide by any of these rules is grounds for disqualification.