Rules of the Race

Every trail race should have a list of rules that runners need to adhere to, along with clearly defined actions that follow if the rules are not met. Rules in a trail race are very important as they have to do with the safety of the runners, the lands that we use and the volunteers that we rely on. 

Along with rules come the consequent actions that will be taken if the rules are broken. It’s important to not only have rules for fair play in place but also to enforce them without bias. This ensures that all runners are treated fairly and have the same opportunities.

When thinking of the rules for your race, remember to check your permits, your insurance requirements, and whether you need to adhere to any external governing systems, such as the rules for a USATF championship race. Often, different governing entities will require a change or addition to your regular race rules.

Here are some typical rules that you will find in a lot of race handbooks. It's up to you to design your own handbook or rule set and consider how these rules fit into it.

Runner Conduct on Course

How should runners traverse the race course? When is an accident an accident and does it matter? 

1. Stay on Course – No cutting switchbacks or going off-trail unless directed by a race official.
2. No Littering – Pack it in, pack it out. Carry trash to the next aid station or finish.
3. Respect Volunteers & Staff – No exceptions. They make the race possible.
4. No Pacing Unless Allowed – Some races allow pacers only after a certain mileage. Others ban them completely.
5. No Crew in Restricted Areas – Crew access is only allowed at designated aid stations.

Gear & Safety

Different regions around the world have different philosophies on runner gear. When participating in a mountain race in Europe, it's common for runners to carry a lot of mandatory gear. In trail races in the US, the requirements are variable. You will want to implement rules around gear and safety that keep your runners safest and your risk lowest.

1. Mandatory Gear (if applicable) – Some common items that might be required for mountain or backcountry races are:
   • Headlamp
   • Jacket
   • Emergency blanket
   • Water capacity
   • Whistle
   • Personal locator beacon (like a Garmin inreach or Spot device)
2. Headphones – Often discouraged or only allowed with one earbud to stay aware of surroundings.
3. Medical Check-ins – Some ultra events require pre-race and in-race health checks.

Timing & Cutoffs

How will you approach timing? Do all runners receive the "gun time" or is are final times based on race bibs/chips? Most races have set cutoff times, have you calculated yours carefully? 

1. Cutoff Times – Must leave aid stations before cutoff. No exceptions.
2. DNF Procedure – You must check out with race officials or at an aid station if you drop.

Special Rules

Championship races – You might find that if you are hosting a championship race there may be some different rules. Governing bodies like USA Track and Field have added input around things like banned shoes, no "muling" for runners, pacers must stay a certain distance away, and aiding outside of designated places. 

Statement of Consequences

You want to make a clear declaration of what the penalty is for rules that get broken. If that is a immediate DQ, time penalty or maybe banning people from your races all together. Setting these parameters up early and communicated is the only fair way to ensure that everyone knows the rules and what lies after. 

Communication

If a rule is broken, it's important to contact the runner to gather information, assess the issue against your handbook, make a decision, and then notify the runner of your decision. It's not an easy task to go through this process, however once you have notified the runner you must then identify that person in the race rankings and mark them as a DQ on the results. 

The truth of trail running is that 99.9% of the people that run are just running for run. But while that may be true there is also a need to have rules and stick by the policies that you have put in place. Every runner has to adhere to the same rules and should be subject to the same conditions as well. That way every one is treated the same and you can keep the trust of your community intact.