Race Rules & Guidelines
for all events
MANDATORY ITEMS & GEAR
GPS TRACKER
(provided by organizer) – Must be returned upon finishing or DNF. Loss or damage cost (5,000 Pesos) will be on the account of the participant
HYDRATION BAG
At least 1.5 liter capacity hydration bag or its equivalent in hand-held or belt bottles and extra food
FIRST AID KIT
antiseptic, antacid tablets, band-aid/gauze, cotton, salt, loperamide tablets
CELLULAR PHONE
fully charged and with load
FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLAMPS
preferably with extra batteries
CUPS, SPOON, FORK
for hot beverage, hot food, or soup
WATERPROOF RATED JACKET OR PONCHO
MYLAR OR EMERGENCY BLANKETS
WHISTLE
CASH
Race
RULES & GUIDELINES
1
A duly-signed and duly-accomplished Medical Certificate not older than six months prior to the event date must be submitted in hard copy upon claiming of race kits. Failure to do so will mean non-inclusion in the race without the benefit of a refund. There will be no exemptions. If you intend to join all 2023 KOTM events, we will accept the same medical certificate for all the events provided it is at least six months old on May 2023 or issued on December 2022 the latest.
Any existing health protocol as mandated by authorities, if any, during the conduct of the event will be implemented.
2
Every participant is required to sign a liability and waiver form prior to the race.
3
Since mountain weather is unpredictable, runners are required to bring the mandatory items and gear listed aboveÂ
4
All runners must check in at the Start line at least an hour before gunstart to have their gear inspected. Runners without night time safety equipment will not be allowed to run.
5
Race numbers must be worn in front and must be visible at all times. Non-compliance will merit a one-hour time penalty.
6
No event switching is allowed while the race is in progress. Registrants who wish to downgrade to a lower distance must inform the Race Director/Organizers of their intention to change events within the registration period only. No refunds will be given.
7
Registrants are not allowed to change race numbers nor have substitutes run the race on their behalf. Registration fees are not transferable to other persons, KOTM or FR races, with the exception of the 2020 Forest Bathing Trail Ultra. Absolutely no refunds will be given for non-participation for whatever reason. Furthermore, no refund will be given in case of cancellation or postponement of the race due to factors and/or unforeseen events beyond the control of the race organizer.
8
While the organizers will exert their best efforts to mark the course, it is the participant’s responsibility to familiarize himself/herself with the route. No time credits will be given to any runner who gets lost.
9
Drop bags, if allowed in the runner’s distance category, must be properly secured and marked with the runner’s name, race number and event. Organizers will not be responsible for any loss or breakages.
10
Given the distances between and inaccessibility to motorized vehicles of most aid stations, all runners are required to have at least a 1.5-liter capacity hydration bladder or its equivalent in handheld bottles and enough trail food to sustain them between aid (refreshment) stations.
11
All runners are advised to bring their own drinking cups. No cups of any kind will be available in the water stations to minimize litter.
12
Runners who decide to pull out of the race or declare themselves as DNF (Did Not Finish) must contact the Race Director or nearest race marshal to inform him of his intention/status. Failure to do so may merit a suspension or ban from future FR or KOTM races.
13
Cell phone signals exist (Smart and Globe networks) but are intermittent. Runners may contact these numbers for any concerns: 0917 803 0664 and 0999 998 7654.
14
Evacuation costs for runners who declare themselves as DNF at any point of the course will be for the said runner’s account/expense. Motorcycles may be hired at negotiated rates.
15
While the organizers will exert efforts to maintain the cleanliness and pre-race condition of the route, it is imperative that each participant do his own share by being a responsible trail runner. Runners are strongly advised to mind their trash at all times. Garbage bags will be available in each water station.
16
Runners are encouraged to practice trail courtesy. Slower runners are advised to step aside for overtaking runners. Those going downhill must give way to runners going up an incline. And since the route is an open, public trail, participants will meet a few locals and pass through small villages along the route as well. Runners must observe extra caution when passing through rice paddies and vegetable gardens. They must close all the gates they pass along the route after use.
17
Participants are strictly prohibited from running in all the hanging bridges and are advised to pass each bridge one at a time.
No event switching is allowed while the race is in progress. Registrants who wish to downgrade to a lower distance must inform the Race Director/Organizers of their intention to change events within the registration period only. No refunds will be given.
18
Runners must conduct themselves properly at all times and are requested to treat all the race marshals and volunteers with utmost courtesy.
19
Unregistered runners, pacers, mules and guides are not allowed.
20
Cheating and course-marking sabotage are grounds for immediate disqualification.
21
Any complaint on cheating must be made within 24 hours after the close of the race and must be made in writing, signed and submitted to the Race Organizer/Race Director for proper action. This must also be accompanied by visual proof/s of the alleged cheating. Any complaints after the 24-hour period will not be entertained.
22
The event pushes through, rain or shine, unless the Organizers/Race Director announce/s its cancellation at least 48 hours prior to gun start for reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather or any condition that may render the course unsafe.
23
The Race Director/Organizer reserves the right to modify the rules and the race route at any time or while the race is in progress for the benefit, safety and welfare of the participants.
24
frontRUNNER Magazine/the Organizer reserves the right to use pictures and videos taken for publication in any form of media without any consideration, monetary or otherwise. Owners of published photos/videos will be duly recognized. Additionally, anyone who volunteers to take event photos must seek the prior approval of the organizer first.
25
No TV, film, or video crew, person, producer, director or other broadcast media representative may accompany or cover any racer or the race itself without the specific written permission of the organizers.
26
Official results will be published within 48-72 hours after the event.
27
Use of trekking poles is allowed subject to these conditions;
If a runner checks in with this item, it automatically becomes part of his mandatory gear and will be subject to random inspections at any given time and any point of the race where failure to produce the same will be meted a one-hour time penalty to be added to the finish time. This means that a runner must carry the poles from start to finish once he/she presents it during check-in. The bib of the user will be accordingly marked during check-in.
When not in use, these poles shall be folded or stowed in such a way so as not to impede the movement of nor endanger other participants.
It is absolutely NOT allowed to use a trekking pole or any of its equivalent such as wooden walking sticks at any point and time of the race by picking them up in drop bags, stash points or elsewhere. Violation will merit an immediate disqualification.
28
During H1, support crews are allowed in all stations EXCEPT in Dayap due to its limited space. Likewise, pop-up personal stations in any area outside a 100-meter radius of all the designated station are not allowed and violation will merit immediate disqualification.
29
All support crews must pay their own trail fees where it is required before they proceed to areas such as Mounts Pulag or Ugo for purposes of checking on (but not extending support to) their runners. Please do not use the name of the organizers to gain free entry to the said places.
30
Checking of mandatory gear will be done randomly at unannounced times and stations along the route. Failure to present an item asked for merits a one-hour penalty per missing item to be added to the finish time.
31
Running without a shirt/top is not allowed and violation of such merits a disqualification.
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