These race rules and procedures are designed for the safety and well-being of everyone involved in the race including runners, crews, volunteers and spectators. The runner is responsible for knowing all the rules. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the disqualification of the runner.

Runner Responsibilities:

1. Note any aid stations closed to crews and spectators: The race information page may specify aid stations that are accessible *only* to runners. This may be for the safety of our runners and volunteers, to get permission to locate the aid station, and/or to keep the race running smoothly. As a runner participant, *you* are responsible for your crew and spectators understanding this limitation. If they show up, you will be disqualified.
2. Caution at road crossings: Vehicles have the right-of-way at all times. There are some busy road intersections on the course, do not be complacent and forget to look both ways before crossing. We will have run officials at the busiest crossings. They are there to stop runners, if necessary, not cars. But ultimately, you need to be responsible for your safety. Never assume a vehicle will stop for you!
3. No unauthorized aid caches/drops or crew help: No one is allowed to cache, drop or store supplies on the race course before or during the run. Runners are not allowed to receive aid between checkpoints from their crews.
4. Do not litter: Either carry your trash or leave it at the aid stations. We are operating under permits from the City of Duluth and the State of Minnesota and litter could threaten the acquisition of permits in the future. Littering along the trail will be cause for disqualification.
5. Cut-off times: Cut-off times will be strictly enforced at the turn-around and at each aid station thereafter. Decisions are final, no exceptions. Please refer to the aid station chart for cut-off times. Sweeps will be taking down the course behind the last official runner. Anyone refusing to vacate the course will be disqualified!
6. Checking in / checking out: It is the runner’s responsibility to properly check-in and check-out of each aid station. Race numbers must be clearly visible.
7. If you decide to drop out of the race: If any runner is unable to complete the run, the runner must notify the aid station captain and surrender their race number. Upon surrendering their race number, the runner is officially out of the race.If a runner leaves the race and does not show up at the next aid station within a reasonable time, run officials will assume the runner is lost and notify authorities. This situation will cost the race time, money, hardship and credibility. It may also threaten the race’s ability to acquire necessary permits for future races. Leaving a race without informing the aid station captain is grounds for disqualification and restriction of entry in future races.
8. If you get lost or injured: If you get lost or injured, stay on the trail and wait. Inform another runner that you are injured and ask that they notify race officials at the next aid station or checkpoint.
9. No pacers allowed: No one that is not registered and running the race is allowed to run with a competitor for the purpose of pacing and support.
10. No course cutting: Runners must follow the marked course at all times. If the runner departs from the marked course, the runner must return to the point of departure on foot before continuing. Please do not cut switchbacks on the course. Switchbacks are designed to ensure the sustainability of the trail. Doing nothing to risk the sustainability of the trail we are using will ensure that we will be able to use it for future races.
11. Passing other runners and trail users: All runners will meet other runners coming toward them on the trail. Please be considerate of runners coming your way on the narrow trail. Runners going uphill please step off the trail for runners coming downhill. In most cases the runners going downhill will be going faster and concentrating on their footing. It’s easier for the uphill runner to step off the trail.
12. Road crossings: The main concern is the safe movement of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. There are not that many busy road intersections on the course, but do not be complacent and forget to look both ways before crossing. Vehicles have the right-of-way at all times.We will have run officials at the busiest crossings, especially early in the race when runners are grouped together. The runner is a pedestrian and must obey all directions of the race official and all laws pertaining to road pedestrian crossings.
13. Relieving yourself: It’s a fact of life, so must be mentioned. Solid human waste should be buried (find a stout stick and dig a quick hole with it) well off the trail and away from water. Liquid waste should not be deposited on the trail itself or near water. You should be at least 100 feet from any water source when relieving yourself. A non-entrant in the race should not see you relieve yourself.
14. Have Fun!

Trail Running Etiquette

While we included these with an eye toward trail running, they aren’t bad practices for use on trails regardless of speed or means of locomotion.

Adapted from trailrunner.com with nods to Leave No Trace and IMBA.

1. Don’t Litter. Pack out what you pack in. Be mindful of “micro-trash” (tops of gel packets, small wrappers from energy bars or hard candy). Consider carrying a small resealable bag to put your garbage in until you can find a trash receptacle.
2. Stay on the Trail. Run in the middle of the trail, especially in wet conditions. Running around the puddles/mud only widens the trail, causes further erosion and negatively impacts the surrounding vegetation. If the trails are extremely wet consider running elsewhere until they dry out to minimize damage to the trail.
3. Be Friendly / Don’t Startle other Trail Users. Let other trail users know you are approaching with a friendly “Trail” or “Runner on your left”. Be ready to yield to other trail users. Uphill runners yield to downhill runners in most situations except in a race situation where slower runners yield to faster runners.
4. Don’t Litter in a Race. The sweep is not your housekeeper. They are there to remove trail markings and act as a safety net for other runners, not to clean up garbage. Consider carrying a water bottle or hydration pack to eliminate the need for cups (and the litter they cause). Learn and use minimum impact methods of disposing of solid human waste. If you do need to stop, ensure that you are far enough off the trail that other trail users will not notice you.
5. Give Back. Support local trail organizations. Volunteer for trail maintenance projects. Volunteer at a local trail race.
6. Be Aware. Know what is going on around you, be on the lookout for other trail users. Tune into the sounds and sights of the natural environment. Some folks like music or podcasts while they run. Keep the volume low enough to stay aware, or even leave an earbud out of one ear. Note that some races discourage earphones/buds for safety and insurance reasons. Please respect their requests.
7. Remember to say “Thank You”. To the trail organization, race directors, volunteers, and other trail users who yield you the right of way.
8. Don’t Litter Ever! Yeah, you’ve probably figured out by now that this one is a big deal… Leave no trace. ’nuff said.