Black Bear Adventure Race

Race Day: The Essentials
This is a partner event. You and your partner must stay within sight of each other, for both safety and competition. The goal is to help each other complete the race as a team. You will not be allowed to proceed past the checkpoint(s) without your partner.
You must stay on the marked route at all times. The route is marked with surveyor tape and flags. Volunteers wearing blue shirts will be stationed along the route to make sure you’re going the right way.
You are all in this race together, and although we’re all here to win, remember that safety and sportsmanship come first. Consideration of others takes precedent over everything - please stop to assist other teams if they are in need of assistance. Each team is responsible for and encouraged to bring water and snacks for the race. Even though it may be chilly, you must stay hydrated. Please remember to bring a change of clothes for post-race announcements and awards given to the 1st place racers from each division. Please review this entire packet for the rules, regulations, and race map.


Race Location: South Campus Rail Trail
Directions: From Highway 6, take the Chucky Mullins Drive exit and go south, away from campus. After going straight through a four-way stop sign, you will see the entrance to the trail on the right. Look for us there! If you pass the pedestrian crosswalk, you have gone too far. Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/shXxz8d5CC12
Parking is available along Chucky Mullins Drive or near the former Whirlpool Plant. Please use caution when crossing this busy street, and please cross at the marked crosswalk if possible.

Race Day Itinerary:
Check-In begins at 8:00 a.m. at RACE CENTRAL, located at the trail entrance. You and your partner will receive your race bag and bib numbers at this time. You do not have to check in at the exact same time as your partner, but both partners must check in by 8:45 a.m. Please alert or remind the registration volunteers if you have any pre-existing medical conditions at this time.

Race Heats & Start Time: Your team will be organized into your division and given a start time; teams will have a staggered start time (time trial start). The first team will be released at 9:00 a.m. at the starting line. Teams will be released in this order: Elite Men, Elite Women, Elite CoRec, Rookie Men, Rookie Women, Rookie CoRec and Open.
Contingency Plan: If there is threat of dangerous weather, please monitor the Facebook Event Page for any updates and changes from the Race Crew. We will also send an email before the race should we need to cancel the event. The race will proceed in rain, but not in severe weather (lightning). The forecast looks good at this time, with highs in the mid-60’s.

What to Wear + Bring:
Wool and/or polypropylene layered clothing and socks (cotton is not advised)
Windbreaker/light jacket (temps are unpredictable in April)
Running shoes, particularly trail running shoes that can protect your ankles
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
Personal medications! (epinephrine pens, asthma inhalers, diabetic glucose, etc)
Water & high energy snacks (we will have 2 water stations along the route)

Black Bear Adventure Race Official Rules + Regulations:
General
1. Teammates must stay in sight of each other at all times during the event. Racers will not be allowed to continue past checkpoint(s) without their partner.
2. All racers must have their Rebel Trail Challenge racing bib number on them at all times. Racing bib numbers will also be applied to each racer’s hand with semi-permanent marker by the Race Crew at check-in.
3. Throughout the course, there will be checkpoints to verify that all racers stay on the course and are safe and secure. The Race Crew reserves the right to issue a 5-minute penalty if the team does not stay on the designated route.
4. The Race Directors (Section Leaders) have the final say in regards to all issues related to the rules and regulations.
5. Know and practice theses Outdoor Ethics of Leave No Trace:
Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in and pack it out.
Leave what you find. Respect wildlife. Be considerate of other visitors.

Race Routes
1. Volunteers (in blue shirts) and signs will be positioned along the trail to guide your team. You MUST follow the designated trail, which will be marked with surveyor tape and flags. These marked routes exist for three reasons: race uniformity, safety and fairness for all racers.
2. Please be advised that none of the trails we will be traveling on during the course of this event are closed to the public. It is your responsibility to conduct yourself in a safe and responsible way while at the same time representing the Black Bear Adventure Race and the sport of adventure racing in a positive way.

Finish Timing and Awards
1. The first team that crosses the finish line with both team members in the least amount of time will be declared the overall winner of their division. The official team finish time is the average of the two teammates’ times (teammates must stay within sight of each other). There are seven divisions: Elite Male, Elite Female, Elite CoRec, Rookie Male, Rookie Female, Rookie CoRec and Open.
2. Both team members must cross the finish line together, having completed the course as laid out by the Race Crew. Elite divison winners will be announced after the last elite team finishes, and Rookie division winners will be announced after the last rookie team finishes.
3. Every racer will be entered into the raffle drawing!

Team Withdrawal
1. If a team decides to withdraw, the team must withdraw at a First Aid/Water Tent located on the rail bed trail, except in the event of a medical emergency.
2. It is the responsibility of participants to inform Race Crew if and when they withdraw from the event.

Medical
1. Teams are permitted to receive limited medical attention at First Aid tents and still continue on in the event. Teams requiring medical attention anywhere else on the racing route will be removed from the event.
2. In all circumstances, medical personnel have the FINAL say in regards to competitors continuing on in the event.
3. In the event of a medical emergency on the racing route where one or more members of your team are incapacitated, use word of mouth notification to inform other of your emergency and request they inform the nearest First Aid Tent or race volunteer.
4. Teams must bring their own water and snacks, as well as prescription medications. Water stations will be provided along the rail bed, but racers should not rely solely on these stations for hydration. Over the counter medications will be provided as needed.

Disqualification
Team Disqualification will occur for:
Unfair behavior or deliberately cheating
Purposefully choosing an alternate running route
Use of unauthorized equipment, or use of drugs/alcohol
Abandonment of team member during the race
Non-assistance to a person in danger
Any breaches of rules and regulations stated above



**No refunds will be given. A racer may find a substitute to take their spot. The payment interaction will occur between the racer and the substitute. Race Crew, Health, Exercise Science and Recreation Management Department or Ole Miss Campus Recreation will not be responsible for the money exchange. Once the substitute is determined, please email awalker8@go.olemiss.edu with the new racer information.