Basic Rules
Checkpoints will be designated on the official race map. Each team, with all of its team members, must pass through all checkpoints in numerical order. In order to ensure proper tracking of teams, racers should verbally announce their team number as they approach the race official(s) at each checkpoint. Race officials will check off each team as they pass through the checkpoints. Some checkpoints will exist at special test locations. Completing the special test is equivalent to passing through the checkpoint (see Special Tests). Teams will not be allowed to leave a designated checkpoint until all three team members are present. In general, all three team members are considered present if there is less than 25 feet separating the first and last team member. Failure to successfully pass through any of the checkpoints in the proper order will result in disqualification of the team.

Special Tests
Details and rules for each special test will be distributed in the race packet given to each racer on race day. At the pre-race meeting the race officials will discuss the details and rules of each special test in detail. Each team must complete each of the special tests according the instructions given. Failure to complete any of the special tests according to the instructions will result in disqualification. All three team members must be present before beginning any of the special tests. In most cases teams will be allowed to repeat a special test until it is completed successfully or the race cut-off time has been reached. Race officials can deem a racer unfit to attempt any of the special tests if they pose a threat to the safety of themselves, other racers, race officials or spectators. Teams will be allowed to assist other teams during special tests. However, teams may not swap team members during the special tests. For example, Team A may assist Team B over a climbing wall but all three team members from Team B must climb over the wall. A member of Team A will not be allowed to take the place of a member of Team B.

Race Legs
The adventure race has three main legs: cycling, paddling and running. Specific rules for each of the main legs follow:
Cycling: The cycling leg of the race will require all three team members to be on non-motorized bicycles for the entire length of the leg. All racers will be required to wear an approved cycling helmet for the entire duration of the cycling leg. Although "riding" the bicycle is not required, all three team members must have a functioning bicycle at the start of the race and must be in possession of the entire bicycle at any checkpoints along the cycling route and at the end of the cycling leg. Race numbers provided by the race officials at the pre-race registration must be placed on the front of each team member's bicycle and must remain visible during the entire cycling leg. No bicycle parts, tubes, patches, tools, etc., can be left on the course (see Littering). Drafting, towing (using a bungee to assist teammates) and any other form of human assistance will be permitted as long as it is deemed safe by the race officials. Teams should stay together during the cycling leg and always stay to the right unless passing. Racers should vocally warn the cyclists in front of them before passing on their left (stating "on your left" is sufficient). Any behavior or equipment that race officials determine to be unsafe for the racer in question, other racers, race officials or spectators will result in disqualification unless the problem is immediately rectified.
Paddling: The paddling leg of the race must be completed by all three team members in an APB, open-top, flat-water, non-motorized canoe that can carry up to three adults safely. If a team furnishes its own canoe the race officials will inspect the boat before the race and determine if it meets the requirements and is safe for use in the race. All three team members must be in their designated canoe at all times from the start of the paddling leg (put-in) to the end of the paddling leg (take-out). All three team members must also wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (pfd or lifejacket) during the entire paddling leg. Race numbers will be placed on the canoes prior to the race start. These numbers must remain on the canoe during the entire paddling leg. Each team member must also wear a race number, provided by the race officials at the pre-race registration, on their person during the entire paddling leg. When boats must be carried on land (i.e., to the put-in or from the take-out) they must be carried off of the ground. Teams that drag their boats on the ground will be disqualified.
Running: All three team members on foot must complete the running leg of the race. Each team member must wear a race number, provided by the race officials at the pre-race registration, on their person during the entire running leg.

Course Markings
The course will be well marked in order to keep racers on the designated routes. Race maps will be provided to each racer at the pre-race meeting for informational purposes. Navigational skills are not required for the race so having the map while on the course is not necessary. Four basic components will be used to provide direction, traffic control and safety during the race: signs, tape, cones and race officials. Most signs along the course will consist of colored arrows posted on fixtures or staked in the ground. These arrows will point in the direction of the designated route and will be placed in all areas where there is a junction with another trail or where a turn is required. Arrows pointing up or down are telling racers to keep going straight. Blue colored arrows should be followed during the cycling leg and red colored arrows during the running leg. Just remember, "blue for bike" and "red for run". The cycling leg will also have several "squiggly" blue arrows along the course. These arrows represent potentially dangerous areas such as steep grades, sharp turns, loose ground or a combination of items. Reduced speed and caution are suggested in these areas. Colored tape will be strung across areas of the course to prevent racers from going on trails that are not part of the designated route. Construction cones will be placed in several locations along the cycling leg of the race to provide traffic control in areas of congestion or where racers could possibly face oncoming bike traffic. The construction cones will be arranged so that racers will always stay to the right of them. Race officials will also be located in several areas along the course to provide directional assistance, ensure safety and monitor racers to ensure compliance with the race rules. Deviation from the designated course by any racer will result in disqualification of the entire team. Note that deviation from the course includes going off of any of the designated trails in any manner even if it is not deemed an attempt to gain an advantage.

Participation Requirements
In order to participate in the adventure race, each team must have registered before the designated registration cut-off date. The registration fee and information for all three team members must be received before the registration cut-off date. Changing team members is permitted up to the pre-race registration on the day of the event (see Changing Team Information). All team members must be at least 16 years of age and show an approved form of identification with date of birth if requested by the race officials. All three team members must register at the pre-race registration on the morning of the event before the pre-race registration cut-off time. All three team members must sign the liability waiver and any other documents required by the race officials. Racers under 18 years of age must have a guardian present and the guardian must also sign the liability waiver and any other documents required. All three team members must be present for the pre-race meeting. Failure to comply with any of the participation requirements will result in disqualification of the entire team.

Changing Team Information
Changing team members or team member information is allowed up to the pre-race registration on the day of the event. The race officials must receive team name changes before the registration cut-off date. Any new team member(s) must meet all of the participation requirements (see Participation Requirements). The new team member(s) will have to fill out the information on the registration form at the pre-race registration unless the race officials prior to race day receive the information. Please note that changes to team information may result in size mismatches in items such as t-shirts depending upon when the changes are received.

Safety
Any action by a racer that is deemed by a race official to be reckless or hazardous may result in disqualification of the entire team. Any equipment that is deemed unsafe or potentially dangerous will not be allowed in the race. Corrective action may be taken by the racer(s) in order to remedy the situation if possible. Otherwise, the team will be disqualified from the race and forced to leave the course immediately.

Littering
Littering, of any kind, by any team member along the course will result in disqualification of the entire team. Waste receptacles will be located in key areas along the course. Racers will have to carry any trash they generate to a waste receptacle and dispose of it properly.

Disputes
The team captain, as designated on the registration form, may file a dispute with the Head Race Official up to one hour following the designated race cut-off time. The decisions of the Head Race Official are final.