Race Rules

1. All participants must complete waivers and equipment checks between 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2007 at Byrd's Adventure Center. All racers must be present at 7:00 p.m. at Byrd's Campground for a pre-race orientation and safety meeting. Special arrangements can be made for those who cannot arrive until race morning by contacting Pam at (479) 667-4066.
The Ozark Challenge is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment. Rules may be added or updated at any time before the event. Team captains will be notified of any changes. Disputes, grievances, or protests should be reported to headquarters to be handled by the Ozark Challenge Governing Board.
Teams, excluding solo racers, may have 3 or 4 members; co-ed teams must
be co-ed by at least 1 member. For insurance purposes all participants must
be at least 18 years of age.
All original members of each team must check in together at each checkpoint. All members of each team must remain within 100 yards of each other member during the event. All team members must cross the finish line within 50 feet of all other members of their team. Racers must be prepared to call out their team number, team name, and individual names at all checkpoints or whenever asked by race personnel.
Racers must exclusively travel under their own power during the race. Any
team or solo racer using motorized transportation of any kind during the
race will be disqualified. No GPS or special night vision equipment allowed.
Emergency cell phones and FRS radios are encouraged but not required.
The time recorded by Ozark Challenge Timers will be the official time. All finishing times will be posted. The top 3 teams in each category will receive awards and prizes at the awards ceremony.
Pets must be well-supervised and must always be on a leash. Racers may not bring pets on the course.
No alcohol or illegal drug use during event. Any participant found under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will be disqualified and asked to leave immediately.
All climbing equipment must be commercially manufactured and certified for climbing, less than 4-years-old, and in excellent condition.
Helmets must be worn during all biking, paddling, and climbing-related activities.
Participants must provide their own vehicles to transport bikes, equipment, and supplies (transport will be provided for boats).
Racers must supply their own bikes, helmets, and repair kits. All racers must have a headlight and taillight on each bike, and must illuminate them at all times while on paved roads.
All boats (2 canoes per team or 1 sit-on-top kayak per solo racer) will be provided by the Ozark Challenge. Teams may only travel two people per canoe. Paddles and PFDs will be provided, or personal paddles (single or double-bladed) and PFDs will be allowed if carried during a TBA section of the course.
Racers must properly wear Coast Guard Approved type III Personal Flotation Devices at all times while on the water. Participants may bring appropriate PFDs (restrictions apply), or may use those provided by the Ozark Challenge. Racers must stay off the water during dawn, dusk, and dark hours. For safety reasons, race officials may remove teams from the water at any time.
All teams and solo racers must supply and carry the required team equipment at all times during the race. Each individual participant must carry the required personal equipment at all times during the race (climbing equipment will only be required for a specified section of the course).
All participants and spectators must maintain a leave-no-trace, safety-first ethic. Anyone found littering or being destructive will be disqualified and asked to leave immediately.
The Ozark Challenge reserves the right to alter or terminate the race at any time for safety or emergency purposes. In the event of severe weather, flooding, or other acts of God, the Ozark Challenge may be altered, terminated, or rescheduled for a later date. All reasonable efforts will be made to prevent these undesirable measures. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.