The Rock Ultra Paarl Logo

Race RULES

RUNNER’S COMMITMENT

By registering for The Rock Ultra trail runs, arriving at the Start gate of the race and participating in the race, I understand the following essential responsibilities:

  • I am completely aware of the length and difficulty of the event.

  • I am physically and mentally prepared for the challenge of being personally responsible for myself in the race environment, including keeping myself hydrated and nourished during the race.

  • I am prepared to deal with potential problems encountered during this type of event, notably:

    • Challenging weather conditions, which might be extremely hot or cold or wet or windy.

    • Physical and mental problems that arise from unusual fatigue, which may include digestive issues, muscle cramps, articular/joint pains, cuts, bruises etc.

    • I am fully aware that it is not the organisation’s responsibility to manage these kinds of problems for me and that my safety depends primarily on my preparedness and ability to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

  • I am prepared to be able to communicate any emergency that I may encounter personally or of another runner to the organisation and have a basic first aid kit and knowledge.

  • I understand that reporting and assisting in the emergency of another runner takes priority above my competitive results of the race.

  • I understand that I also have a responsibility to the environment that we will be racing in.

SELF-SUFFICIENCY / SEMI-AUTONOMY

All runners should be self-sufficient/semi-autonomous for the race they are participating in. Despite the safety guidelines, aid stations and emergency staff present at the race, runners should be prepared to carry enough fluids, food and gear to deal with adverse or changing conditions. The following important information and rules need to be considered while preparing for the race:

  1. It is each runner’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with the recommended minimum equipment and have that equipment with them during the race. Spot checks of minimum equipment may be performed at any point during the race by race officials and lead to disqualification at the discretion of the race official conducting the check.

  2. Aid stations are primarily to re-supply runners with still water and/or electrolyte drinks. Runners should ensure they leave an aid station with enough hydration to at least make it to the next aid station.

  3. Food provided at aid stations is for consumption at the aid station. Runners should carry with them emergency nutrition to keep going between aid stations. Be considerate when visiting an aid station.

  4. Personal assistance is available to runners in The Rock44 and The Rock Ultra races at designated stations only. No assistance on the route is possible for runners in The Boulder22 race.

  5. Runners in The Rock Ultra will have one drop bag transported to the drop bag station as stated below.

  6. Runners may not be accompanied along the route by any person who is not registered in the race.

  7. The minimum equipment recommended to be self-sufficient/semi-autonomous for each race are:

    The Boulder 22 (B22)

    1. Enough hydration carrying capacity for at least 2 hours (1.2lt recommended).

    2. Charged cellphone.

    3. Spare nutrition/snacks in the form of at least 100gr of dried fruit, nuts, bars, gels or something equivalent.

    4. Cooling towel or Buff.

    5. Sun protection in the form of a hat and sunscreen.

    6. Cup.

    7. In case of wet or cold weather a waterproof running jacket.

    The Rock 44 (RU44)

    1. Enough hydration carrying capacity for at least 2 hours (1.2lt recommended)

    2. Charged cellphone with backup battery and cable.

    3. Spare nutrition/snacks in the form of at least 200gr of dried fruit, nuts, bars, gels or something equivalent.

    4. Cooling towel or Buff.

    5. Sun protection in the form of a hat and sunscreen.

    6. Cup.

    7. In case of wet or cold weather a waterproof running jacket.

    The Rock Ultra (RU100)

    1. Enough hydration carrying capacity for at least 3 hours (1.5lt recommended)

    2. Charged cellphone with backup battery and cable.

    3. Spare nutrition/snacks in the form of at least 300gr of dried fruit, nuts, bars, gels or something equivalent.

    4. Cramp medicine/Electrolytes.

    5. Cooling towel or Buff.

    6. Long sleeve mid-layer/fleece.

    7. Sun protection in the form of a hat and extra sunscreen.

    8. Cup.

    9. First Aid kit with a space blanket, bandage, blister plasters and disinfectant.

    10. A headlamp that can last through the night and spare batteries.

    11. In case of wet or cold weather a waterproof running jacket.

EQUIPMENT

The lists of minimum recommended equipment are there for the safety of each runner. Each runner must realise that the gear may save their life or that of a fellow but It is also important to note that the minimum gear does not guarantee safety in an emergency and additional gear may be required for certain circumstances or certain individuals. It is recommended that each runner carefully consider their requirements when preparing, using the minimum gear as the baseline.

Rules about equipment include:

  1. The recommended minimum gear must be carried in a running pack or running belt for the entire duration of the race. This running pack or belt may not be changed during the race.

  2. If a runner decides to use running/hiking poles, the poles must be carried with them for the entire duration of the race. If a runner starts with poles they must finish with the poles and if they start without poles they must finish without poles.

  3. Aid stations will not have any disposable dishes and cups. Runners must bring their own cups and or dishes if they require it.

  4. For safety reasons and respect for each other and the environment; may NOT run with earphones in their ears and no audible music will be allowed on the route during the race.

  5. It is recommended that a device that he can use for navigation along the official GPX route, shared by the organisation. Although the routes are all well marked, there is much benefit in being able to confirm you are on course, especially on the 100km route where way markers are further apart.

  6. It is hugely beneficial to run with a device like a sports watch, able to log your run.

  7. Top 10 finishers in each race may be asked to verify their race run by a personal log of the run shared via a verifiable source.

REGISTRATION AND RACE-BIBS

Race bibs are compulsory to start the race and to validate your finish time at the finish. Race bibs can only be collected at event registration at RIDGEBACK WINES RACE VILLAGE at the following times:

  • Friday, 6 December 2024, 16:00 - 20:00 [RU100, RU44, B22]

  • Saturday, 7 December 2024, 05:15 - 06:45 [RU44, B22]

Registration can be done only if you or your nominated person has:

  • A valid ID with a photo or digital copy thereof

  • For all The Rock Ultra runners - Your race pack

The Rock Ultra runners only have Friday afternoon and evening to register and collect their bibs.

The following important rules about Race bibs:

  1. The Race bib must be worn on the front of the torso at all times and must remain completely visible during the entire race. It must always be placed on top of all clothing and must not be positioned on a leg or the pack.

  2. The bib is the pass to access Race transportation, aid stations, medical points, restrooms, showers, bag drop-off or pick-up areas. Without your bib, you cannot participate.

  3. The bib is only withdrawn if the runner refuses to comply with the race director’s instruction.

  4. If the runner withdraws from the race, the race bib will be cut.

DROP BAGS THE ROCK ULTRA 100KM SERVICE

A Drop Bag service is offered for The Rock Ultra runners at the following conditions:

  1. Drop bags must be dropped at registration during The Rock Ultra registration on Friday, 6th December 2024 between 16:00 and 20:00 at Ridgeback Wines Race Village.

  2. Drop bags must be marked with the Runner’s name and Race number visible.

  3. No electronics in drop bags or any other valuable items.

  4. Drop bags will be transported to the MEULWATER CAMP AID STATION.

  5. Drop bags will be returned to the Race Village after 9 pm Friday.

RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Respecting the environment we race in is a top priority for The Rock Ultra (PTY) Ltd and disrespect or poor behaviour towards the environment will have serious consequences.

  1. Littering is strictly forbidden. Rubbish bins are available at each aid station and they must be used. Leave no trace behind but footprints, no gel tear-offs, no wrappers, lids, plastic or paper waste must be dropped anywhere on the route.

  2. Runners should carry a bag or pouch to carry their waste to the next bin. This includes toilet paper or other sanitary waste.

  3. No disposable cups will be distributed at an aid station. This is to reduce plastic waste by runners. We invite you to bring your own utensils if you wish to eat meals at the aid stations.

  4. Stay on marked trails at all times to avoid damage to the sensitive ecosystem.

  5. Report any littering or misconduct to the next aid station or race official.

CHECKPOINTS

For safety and tracking purposes Runners are checked at some checkpoints along the course. Their location will not be publicised.

These marshalled or electronic checkpoints at which runners must manually or electronically check-in, ensure that runners do not miss important turns or sections of the route.

Marshalls at checkpoints will communicate with the Racehub to relay any important safety information and athlete progress, ensuring positions are updated and any problems on the route or with runners can immediately be recognised.

Unexpected checkpoints are set up along the route.

Runners must have their Race bib visible to be checked.

WATERPOINTS

Waterpoints are manned points with shade and cold hydration fluids for runners to replenish their hydration reserves. All waterpoints are also Checkpoints.

Waterpoints (Races; expected operation time) are:

  1. Anna’s Foundation Waterpoint (RU22; 8:00 - 13:00)

  2. Christmas Camp Waterpoint (RU44, RU100; 7:15 - 18:30)

  3. Diamant Waterpoint (RU100; 08:40 - 14:00)

  4. Flat Rock Waterpoint (RU22, RU44, RU100; 9:15 - 4:00(Sunday))

Water point support offered:

  • Water (drum, no cups)

  • Hydration/Electrolyte drink (no cups)

Runners must have their Race bib visible to be checked.

AID STATIONS AND SUPPORTER POINTS

At strategic intervals along the race route are food and drink stations or aid stations where athletes can sit down to rest and enjoy a variety of foods and hydration products. All Aid stations are also Checkpoints.

Aid stations that are accessible to the public and have a supporters area where runners may receive support from an appointed assistant in the form of replenishing nutrition and hydration supplies, a change of apparel or shoes and a massage are Supporter points.

Certain Aid stations will have a cut-off time for each event. All Supporter points will have a cut-off time for each event. When the cut-off time is reached no runners, other than the sweeper team, will continue past the Aid station.

Aid stations and Supporter points (Races; expected operation time) are:

  1. Owloon Views Aid Station (B22, RU44, RU100; 5:45 - 9:45)

  2. Pincushion Aid Station (B22, RU44, RU100; 6:30 - 23:00) 3.

  3. Spice Route Supporter Point (RU100; 7:30 - 12:30)

  4. Jan Phillips Aid Station & Supporter Point (RU100; 9:30 - 17:00)

  5. Meulwater Camp Aid Station & Supporter Point (RU44, RU100; 8:45 - 22:00)

  6. Rhebokskloof Supporter Point (RU44, RU100; 10:30 - 2:30(Sunday))

Aid station support offered:

  • Water (no cups)

  • Coke (no cups)

  • Hydration/Electrolyte drink (no cups)

  • Ice

  • Marmite/Bovril sandwiches

  • Salty chips/biscuits

  • Wine gums/sweets/chocolate

  • Bananas and Oranges

No disposable cups or dishes will be available at any Aid stations. Runners must have their own cups and mandatory water bottles or hydration packs.

Runners must be sure that they have the necessary quantity of food and drinks to keep them going until the next aid station.

To enter the aid stations, runners must wear their Race bibs.

ROUTE-MARKING AND ARROWS

The Rock Ultra routes are marked in the following ways:

  1. Red arrows on yellow boards indicate direction at intersections and turns.

  2. Reflective tape on the trail confirms the correct route.

  3. White lime markings on the ground indicate the correct route.

  4. Yellow sign boards with special instructions eg. CAUTION, WATER-CROSSING etc.

WARNING: if you can't see any way markers, turn back!

If you get lost and you miss a checkpoint you will not be eligible for a top 10 position.

GPX files are available to download for additional self-navigation.

GPS navigation with a sports watch or cellphone is highly recommended for 100km runners.

SAFETY AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The Rock Ultra (PTY) Ltd have contracted Medics in Motion to assist with the emergency medical response. Advanced Life support and intermediate life support units will be strategically deployed along the routes.

Other trained Safety officials will be on the Race route to offer assistance in the case of minor incidents.

It is up to a runner in need of assistance or injured to call for help by:

  1. Going to an aid station.

  2. Calling the Racehub (phone number should be saved in mobile/cellphone)

  3. Asking another runner to call for help

  4. By activating the Emergency button on the Paarl Trails Whatsapp Bot.

Runners must assist any person in danger and alert the Race hub.

If a runner is unable to reach the Racehub in a critical emergency, they should contact the National Emergency number directly - especially if you are in an area where only emergency calls are possible - National Emergency number from any cellphone - 112.

Several unexpected events, including inclement weather, could make you wait for help longer than expected. Your safety therefore depends upon the quality of the items that you have put in your pack.

All medical, paramedical, first aid and guide staff, as well as any person appointed by the race organisation, can:

  1. Remove any participant who is deemed unable to continue the event

  2. Demand any competitor to use any item of the mandatory equipment

  3. Evacuate any runners deemed to be in danger

  4. Refer runners to the most appropriate care facility

A runner who is treated by a doctor or reached by the search and rescue staff will defer to the professional’s authority and agree to accept their decisions.

If a runner's state of health justifies treatment via intravenous drip, the runner shall compulsorily withdraw from the race.

Comfort care is based on the decision of the medical staff within the limits of care available.

Runners must stay on the marked path, even when they sleep.

All runners who voluntarily venture from the way-marked course are no longer under the responsibility of the organization.

CUT-OFF TIMES

Cut-off times are set to limit the time runners spend on the route, provide a safety net for struggling runners and allow the majority of runners to complete their race at a comfortable pace. This pace plus 20 minutes is used to determine cut-off times for each point.

In case of any changes (see Exceptional Conditions), the new cut-off times will be announced via SMS/Whatsapp/Email.

All participants must leave the checkpoint/aid station before the cut-off time (whatever their time of arrival at the checkpoint).

At the cut-off time is reached no runners, other than the sweeper team, will continue past the checkpoint. Their bib will be cut and they will be transported back to the event area by the Race transportation.

Cut off points information (Name, Distance, Time):

THE BOULDER 22 - Pace: 13 minutes per kilometer (4.6km/h)

  • Ridgeback Race Village, 21.5km, 13:00

THE ROCK 44 - Pace: 13 minutes 48 seconds per kilometer (4.3km/h)

  • Nantes Dam crossing, 20km, 11:45

  • Pincushion Aid Station, 28.1km, 13:30

  • Rhebokskloof Aid Station, 41.5km, 16:30

  • Ridgeback Race Village, 45.5km, 18:00

THE ROCK ULTRA - Pace: 14 minutes 30 seconds per kilometer (4.1km/h)

  • Spice Route Aid Station, 27.55km, 11:48

  • Taal Monument Aid Station, 42.65km, 15:47

  • Nantes Dam crossing, 64km, 20:52

  • Meulwater Camp Aid Station, 68.12km, 21:51

  • Rhebokskloof Aid Station, 87.2km, 2:30 (Sunday)

  • Ridgeback Race Village, 99km, 5:00 (Sunday)

DROPOUT AND REPATRIATION

In the case of an injury the Race official, paramedic or doctor will report the runner’s retirement.

If a runner decides to withdraw from the race, they must do so at a checkpoint. They must inform the person responsible for the point or report their withdrawal and inform the Racehub of their decision.

Runners must make their way to the nearest checkpoint to report their withdrawal from the race. Once they are collected for repatriation, they will hand their Race bib to the responsible checkpoint official.

Repatriation will take place at the discretion of the Race organisation unless it is a medical emergency. Runners who decide to withdraw at Supporter points may arrange their own repatriation and hand their Race bib to the responsible official once they get collected.

RECOVERY ZONE SERVICES

Post-race recovery services are available at the Ridgeback Race Village.

  • Recovery massage 20 minutes - R180

  • Calf and Foot massage 10 minutes - R100

  • Ice bath 5 minutes - R100

  • Compression boots 10 minutes - R100

  • Both Ice bath and Compression boots - R150

Pre-race bookings can be made by WhatsApp to Esti Smit - +27 72 976 1332

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS

For each race, there will be an Overall Men's and Ladies’ ranking that will be announced and recognised as they finish the race.

  1. The Boulder 22 - Male and Female

  2. The Rock 44 - Male and Female

  3. The Rock Ultra - Male and Female

The top 10 positions in each RACE may be asked to verify their run with a verified tracklog.

The top 3 positions in each category will be recognised at the prizegiving ceremony for each race.

  • The Klippie 5km - Boys and Girls - Under 9, Under 12, Under 16

  • The Boulder 22 - Male and Female - U18(16-18), Open(19-39), Veteran(40-49), Master(50-59), Grand Master(60+)

  • The Rock 44 - Male and Female - U18(16-18), Open(19-39), Veteran(40-49), Master(50-59), Grand Master(60+)

  • The Rock Ultra - Male and Female - U18(16-18), Open(19-39), Veteran(40-49), Master(50-59), Grand Master(60+)

Results for all participants are available at www.therockultra.co.za

Age Categories:

  • U9 - Younger than 9 years

  • U12: 10-12 years

  • U16: 13-16 years

  • U18: 17-18 years

  • Open: 19-39 years

  • Veteran: 40-49 years

  • Master: 50-59 years

  • Grand Master: 60+ years

PENALTIES: TIME PENALTIES AND DISQUALIFICATION

The Start line at Ridgeback Race Village will be the first Checkpoint of each race. Every runner who opens their race by crossing the Start line must be accounted for in the following ways:

  1. Finisher - Checks all Checkpoints along a specific race’s route to the finish line.

  2. Disqualified - Checks the Finish line but missed one or more Checkpoints along the specific race’s route.

  3. Did Not Finish - Arrives at a Checkpoint after the designated cut-off time for their specific race for the Checkpoint.

  4. Medically Unfit - The Runner is declared medically unfit to continue their race at a specific Checkpoint by the Medical Team.

  5. Emergency Rescue - The Runner is reported as injured or doesn’t arrive at their next due Checkpoint within a reasonable time - triggering the ERP and repatriation by the Rescue Team.

The Finish line at Ridgeback Wines will be the last Checkpoint of each Race.

  1. All Finishers must check the Finish line Checkpoint to close their race time and will be recorded as a Finisher once it has been verified that they checked all the required Checkpoints.

  2. A runner who checks the Finish line Checkpoint but is found to have missed another Checkpoint will be disqualified.

  3. Runners who do not make the cut-off time at a Checkpoint along the way must be reported to the Racehub as Did Not Finish by the Aid station manager and repatriated back to the Race Village by vehicle.

  4. Runners who are declared medically unfit to continue their race must be reported to the Racehub by the Medical team and repatriated back to the Race Village by vehicle.

  5. Runners who require Emergency Rescue must be reported to the Racehub by the Medical team.

If a runner has missed a Checkpoint during his race, the responsibility lies with the runner to prove that he has checked the checkpoint by providing the Race Organisation with a valid digital log from a smartwatch, sports watch or mobile device.

If a runner breaks these rules, the Race directors, Marshalls, and aid stations’/checkpoints’ team leaders can instantly apply a penalty according to the following chart:

BREACH OF REGULATION

PENALTIES – DISQUALIFICATION

Short-cutting the route

At the race director’s discretion based on the advantage gained.

Smartphone turned off or in airplane mode

15-minute penalty

Being seen littering on the route by fellow runners or officials

30-minute penalty for cleaning the area

Lack of respect for others by a runner or his support towards the organisation or other runners

Disqualification

Not assisting a person in an emergency or need of medical care

Disqualification

Cheating (e.g., using a means of transport, sharing a race bib, ...)

Disqualification

Race bib not visible

15-minute penalty

Not having passed through a checkpoint

At the race director’s discretion based on the advantage gained.

Refusal to comply with an order from the race directors, race stewards, aid station’s team leader, doctors or search and rescue staff.

Disqualification

Use of poles not carried from the beginning of the race

30-minute penalty

Time penalties can be immediately enforced by race officials, meaning the runner must “stand down” for the duration of the penalty time. Time penalties must be logged with the Racehub.

If a breach of regulation is discovered or reported after the race, the race director can also decide to apply a penalty on the finish time of the runner.

In the case of the disqualification of a runner, the runner is not entitled to a refund of the entry fee.

COMPLAINTS/PROTESTS

Any complaint regarding the rankings must be submitted to The Rock Ultra (PTY) Ltd by email within two hours after the runner's arrival and be reported to the Race Director or MC.

Any other complaint must be submitted to The Rock Ultra (PTY) Ltd by email within 10 days after the end of the event.

Reports of a breach of regulation must be witnessed by 2 or more persons and preferably have some proof. An accusation can be protested by the supply of evidence proving compliance.

EXCEPTIONAL CONDITIONS

If necessary, The Rock Ultra (PTY) Ltd reserves the right to modify at any time the routes, starting times, cut-off times, the position of aid stations and medical support, and any other aspect related to the smooth running of the events.

In case of force majeure, bad weather conditions or any other circumstance endangering the participants' safety, The Rock Ultra (PTY) Ltd reserves the right to:

  1. Postpone the start of the race

  2. Modify the cut-off times

  3. Change the start date

  4. Adapt the race’s courses

  5. Cancel the races

  6. Stop temporarily the race

  7. Stop the race in progress

Refund Policy in Exceptional Conditions:

In the event of race modifications, postponements, or cancellations due to force majeure, adverse weather conditions, or any other safety-related circumstances, The Rock Ultra (PTY) Ltd is not obligated to provide refunds for entry fees.

Participants acknowledge and accept that their entry fees contribute to event planning and operational costs, which may have already been incurred regardless of whether the race proceeds as planned.

RIGHTS FOR IMAGES

Every competitor expressly foregoes the right for any images during the event, just as they renounce any right of appeal to the organizers and their partners for the use of their image. Only The Rock Ultra (PTY) Ltd can transfer this right for images to any media.

INSURANCE

Each participant must have insurance which covers the cost of search and rescue and evacuation in South Africa.

All runners leaving the course without notifying the organisation via the official process will be charged all search and rescue costs.

NB: you pay for your helicopter evacuation. The choice of evacuation method depends on the organization, which will put the runner's security first.

The choice of the method of evacuation and the choice of hospital depends on the search and rescue and medical officials.

PACERS

Pacers are not allowed during the race.

ORGANIZATION

THE ROCK ULTRA (PTY)ltd by All Mountain Co