Rock ‘N The Knob Trail Challenge Race Rules

As it is in many trail races, the Rock ‘N The Knob Trail Challenge has its own rules and practices. Please read carefully the race rules and warnings before the competition.

1. No unofficial runners – No bandits (or pacers) allowed.
2. No course cutting – Follow the marked course at all times – it will be clearly marked with  flagging, directional arrows and markers. If you depart the marked course, you must return to the point of departure on foot before continuing. Cutting the switchbacks is cheating, and leaving the beaten path to avoid mud or water is just bad trail karma – please don’t.
3. Mandatory gear – There is no mandatory gear needed for this race but we suggest a good pair of trail shoes, hydration and maybe some bug spray. If you are allergic to bees or other insects, please carry the appropriate medication (antihistamine, EpiPen, etc.)
4. Optional race aids – Hiking poles, GPS devices, heart rate monitors, and similar devices are allowed – but ONLY IF you use them safely and responsibly (so you are aware of what’s around you and not a danger to yourself or others).
5. Music on the trail – Our insurance is provided through an agency that requests that you do not listen to music via headphones since it impedes the ability to hear others around you. Besides, it is a trail race, why not enjoy the nature that surrounds you.  If you do listen to music, either use one earbud or headphone or play at a volume that you can hear others. If a race official on the course says something to you and you do not hear his/her instructions, you risk disqualification. Under no circumstances are participants permitted to play music through a speaker or any device that is audible to others.
6. Pets – We love dogs, but not during a race. Please no pets on the course. (Pets are welcome at the start/finish area, but they must be under control and they must be on a leash. Pet clean up after your pet.)
7. Do not litter – You can either carry your trash or dispose of it at the aid stations. We are operating under permits from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other parties. Litter could threaten future permits. Anyone caught intentionally littering along the trail will be disqualified. Leave no trace!
8. Passing other trail users – The course uses many popular hiking trails, so please be respectful of all trail users and yield as needed. Be careful, courteous, patient, and safe while passing competitors or other trail users. Communicate your intentions clearly (“Passing on your left”), and remember that it’s much more fun when everyone uses their manners.
9. When nature calls – Some aid stations will have bathroom facilities, either a permanent structure or a port-a-john, but most do not. If you have to pee, find a tree.
10. Accountability – We’ll be tracking your progress around the course – it’s your responsibility to make sure your race bib is visible, and to check yourself IN and OUT of each of the aid stations (even if you are just passing through without stopping). A volunteer at the aid stations will record your arrival and departure, and relay your progress to race HQ.
11. Cut-off times – Aid station captains will strictly enforce the cut-off times that are posted for designated aid stations. Aid station captains also have the authority to pull you from the course if it is clear that you are physically unable to continue in a safe manner. Their decisions are final, and if you refuse to vacate the course when directed, you’ll be disqualified.
12. Dropping out of the race – If you can’t complete the race, you must notify the aid station captain and surrender your race bib, which will officially withdraw you from the race. If you leave the race and don’t show up at the next aid station within a reasonable time, we’ll assume you’re lost, contact your emergency contact, notify authorities and begin our search. This could threaten the race’s future permits. Leaving a race without informing an aid station captain means automatic disqualification and restriction from entry in future races.
13. Injured on the course – If you are injured on the course: if you can still walk under your own power or with assistance from others, please go in the direction toward the next aid station. Don’t try to bushwack, use “Zen” or internal compass to the nearest road or landmark. All aid stations will have basic medical supplies, some will have medical staff and/or have a radio operator that can summon emergency personnel. If you can not move forward, a course sweeper will be behind the last runner and will also have a radio to summon emergency personnel.

Additional event rules:

1. Do your homework – Go online, read and understand all the available information concerning the 3 W’s of the race; the what, the where, and the when. The time put into developing a race website, writing pre-race emails and social media posts are for your benefit, and you alone are responsible for knowing this information about the race before race day. If you have a question, please email us or post on our group or race page, no matter how silly you think it is.
2. You are paying to race – When you sign up for a race, you are signing up to run/race at the event. When you show up at the event, we guarantee to provide a race bib, event timing, start line, a marked course with aid along the way, finish line food and beverages and results posted online through our timing company. Anything not listed above is a bonus provided by us and is not included in your registration fee. We have an obligation to our participants who actually show up to the race. If you do not show up, we owe you nothing – meaning if you don’t show up, we will not mail your stuff.