GRAVEL WORLDS RUN RULES

Rule #1:

BE COOL!!

This really covers a lot of ground. If you hafta ask, it’s probably NOT COOL!! 

  • Yelling at a volunteer….. NOT COOL!!

  • Cutting course….. NOT COOL!!

  • Walking/Riding off of public roads on private property…NOT COOL!!

  • Cussing out a competitor or official….. NOT COOL!!

  • Hiding feedbags on course….. NOT COOL!!

Being not cool has and will disqualify podium finishes and will result in you not being invited back to Gravel Worlds events.

Rule #2:

Ticket to sail.

We reserve the right to refuse participation for anyone if we deem your past behavior was NOT COOL.

Rule #3:

Follow The Rules of the Road!

All Gravel Worlds events are held on open roads. Following the rules of the road are critical for all athletes and driver’s safety.

All athletes must follow the rules of the road. Stop at all stop signs, yield to traffic, stay to the right of the road, abide by posted road signs, listening to any and all instructions given by police/sheriff officers. . Riders who don’t follow the rules of the road will be disqualified from the event.

STAY TO THE RIGHT!! Athletes must stay right of center of the road at all times. Riding on the left side of the road is incredibly dangerous to riders and drivers.

Stay On The Road!!

Regardless of road conditions, you must remain on or directly next to the road. Hopping over fences, riding or running through fields, or going past a ditch into a field is considered trespassing and will result in immediate disqualification.

Enforcement

Unsafe, reckless, or illegal behavior at intersections will not be tolerated. Race officials reserve the right to assess penalties or disqualification for violations related to controlled intersections.

Rule #4:

Don’t litter...

Take care of our beautiful countryside, checkpoints, oasis locations, small towns, and start/finish areas. Seriously, no tolerance for littering. The long-term success of our event requires all of us to keep our roads clean.

Rule #5:

NO OUTSIDE SUPPORT

All Gravel Worlds events are self-supported adventures.

This means: no caching supplies, no friends, family, or team support on the course, and no prearranged support from other runners.  Once you leave the start, consider yourself on a self-supported solo endeavor.  You can resupply along your journey at MANDATORY Checkpoints (we supply water and snacks), OPTIONAL Oases (we supply water and snacks), and small-town retail stores (purchase whatever you desire).  There are NO DROP BAGS! There is NO PREARRANGED TEAM SUPPORT! This one is on you!!!

  1. NO Prearranged Team Support.

    1. While running with teammates is inevitable, prearranged support is strictly prohibited.

    2. Each runner is responsible for their own race success. This includes hydration, nutrition, navigation, and even drafting.

    3. No team vehicles out on the course for any form of support.

    4. Gravel Worlds is about individual success. Every runner needs to have the same chance of success once they leave the start line. An individual runner has the same on-course chance of success as runner with full team support.

    5. Media passes are available for teams/individuals wanting to capture the race on course. You must receive permission and agree to Gravel Worlds codes of conduct to receive a media pass to be actively filming on course.

    6. For media coverage for teams:

      1. Media must be approved by the Gravel Worlds team three weeks prior to the race.

      2. Media personnel are not permitted to interact with any and all participants in any way. Be a fly on the wall.

  2. Once runners leave the start-finish, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN and you cannot receive outside assistance except the following:

    • Gravel Worlds Checkpoints/Oasis Locations are stocked with water, nutrition, snacks, etc.

    • Pre-approved “Gravel Angels” (must be pre-approved by event promoters and offer assistance to all runners).

    • Fellow participants, but this can not be prearranged prior to the start of the event. NO DOMESTIQUES!

  3. If you have specific nutritional needs, carry your supplies for the day.

Rule #6:

Do not modify number plates.

Do not bend or alter the provided number bibs. Do not bend or tape around your headtube, alter, cut, or change the number plates in any way. These alterations often affect the timing and splits that can affect the integrity of our event and create an exorbitant amount of work for our timing staff.

Rule #7:

Equipment

  • Shoes

    • Shoes are required for all runners on course.

  • Lights and High Vis

    • 50k Ultra: Headlamps and Reflective clothing are required.

      • Headlamps must be at least 200 Lumens and turned on through sunrise.

      • Safety Reflective clothing can include vests, headbands, arm bands, and ankle bands that reflects light.

        • Runners are required to have one item above the belly button and one item below the belly button.

          • Example: One Reflective vest and one Reflective Ankle Band.

          • Example: One reflective headband and one reflective belt.

  • Dogs are allowed ONLY in the 5k fun run.

  • Strollers are allowed ONLY in the 5k fun run.

Rule #8:

Respect your fellow athlete...

Encourage others, help others in need, and have fun! Disrespect to other athletes through any form of harassment or profanities will not be tolerated.  GRAVEL FAMILY! 

Rule #9:

Plan your voyage.

Whichever event you choose, it’s your responsibility to be prepared. All participants must have a plan in case you need to drop out (quit prior to the finish).