NWTRS Race Rules

These rules ensure fairness, safety, and the integrity of our events. By entering any NWTRS event, participants agree to abide by these rules. Failure to comply may result in time penalties or disqualification.

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1. Course Completion and Shortcuts

All participants must complete the marked course as set by the organisers. Deviating from the course intentionally or unintentionally may lead to penalties or disqualification, as outlined below.

Shortcutting / Course Deviation:

Intentional Shortcuts (to gain advantage): Disqualification.

Unintentional Deviation / Error by Runner: If a participant strays from the marked course due to their own mistake (missing a marker, failing to follow course notes, etc.), the following penalty will apply:

10 minutes added per kilometre missed, rounded up to the nearest kilometre.

(e.g., missing 1.2 km = 20 minutes penalty.)

Deviation Due to Organiser Course Marking Error: If it is determined that an error in course marking caused multiple participants to deviate (e.g., missing flags, tampering, missing signage in a critical location):

The Race Director may, at their discretion, adjust finish times, re-route runners if possible, or nullify affected results if fairness cannot be reasonably restored.

If multiple runners make the same error at the same location due to unclear or missing markings, the course may be considered adjusted and results adapted accordingly.

If only one or two participants make an error others avoided, it is deemed participant error.

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2. Safety and Mandatory Gear

A mandatory gear list may apply depending on distance, weather, and remoteness. This will be communicated pre-race.

Failure to carry any single item of mandatory gear will result in a 40-minute time penalty per item.

Random checks may occur before the race or after you finish.

Participants must be self-sufficient. There are no aid stations on NWTRS courses. You must carry all hydration and nutrition required for the distance.

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3. Headphones / Earbuds

Bone conduction headphones are permitted.

In-ear headphones (single ear only) may be allowed but must not be worn where indicated for safety reasons (e.g., road crossings, shared trails). If you have a noise-canceling setting, ensure this is turned off.

Participants must remain aware of surroundings at all times.

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4. Environmental Responsibility

No littering. Carry all waste with you. Disqualification for littering.

Respect the trails, wildlife, and other users.

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5. Outside Assistance

Outside assistance is not permitted anywhere on course.

Pacing (having someone run with you who is not a participant) is not permitted unless otherwise stated.

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6. Cut-Off Times

NWTRS courses are designed for completion within reasonable timeframes. Any participant deemed by the Race Director to be unreasonably far behind schedule or unable to complete within daylight hours may be withdrawn for safety reasons.

There are no physical checkpoints or aid stations for enforcing cut-offs. Cut-offs will be communicated clearly before each event and are final.

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7. Withdrawals / Injuries

Any participant who withdraws must inform the Race Director immediately upon finishing or via mobile phone during the race where possible. Failure to do so may result in search and rescue operations, and the participant may be responsible for associated costs.

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8. Protests and Appeals

Any disputes must be submitted to the Race Director within 30 minutes of finishing.

The Race Director’s decision is final.

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9. Behaviour and Conduct

Respect volunteers, staff, fellow participants, and the environment at all times.

Aggressive, abusive, or unsportsmanlike behaviour results in disqualification.

Why These Rules?

These rules are not about bureaucracy — they’re here to protect the people, trails, and values that make trail running so special. Thanks for doing your part to keep NWTRS safe, fair, and fun for everyone.