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Rules & regulations
Competitors must comply with the official Rules and Regulations when taking part in a RacingThePlanet event. The Rules and Regulations also include the Terms and Conditions. Any person not complying with any of the Rules and Regulations may not be able to start the event, may incur a time penalty or may not be allowed to continue.
ARTICLE 1: BACKGROUND
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1.1 RacingThePlanet Events Limited ("RacingThePlanet") organises and operates a unique category of rough country footracing events. Each event takes place over either seven days spanning some 250 kilometres / 155 miles or over 48 hours spanning some 100 kilometres / 60 miles. Both event distances take place in remote and culturally rich locations around the world.
1.2 Events typically involve competitors from over 30 different countries, and give participants the opportunity to meet fellow competitors from around the world.
1.3 RacingThePlanet organises and operates the 4 Deserts, a series of footraces that encompass (1) the Gobi Desert in China (the "Gobi March"), (2) the Atacama Desert in Chile (the "Atacama Crossing"), (3) the Sahara Desert in Egypt (the "Sahara Race") and (4) Antarctica ("The Last Desert"), together with a fifth event which takes place at a different location each year. The locations represent the driest, hottest, coldest and windiest places on Earth. There is also a "RacingThePlanet 100" series (together, the "Events" and individually, an "Event").
1.4 In consideration for the payment of the entry fee, RacingThePlanet allows you to enter the Event subject to the terms and conditions of these rules and regulations.
1.5 Subject to the Conditions of Entry set out in Article 3, anyone over the age of 21 years of age can compete in the Events, with the exception of The Last Desert, which imposes, as a prerequisite, the successful completion of at least two of the Gobi March, the Atacama Crossing or the Sahara Race. Individuals and teams that complete all the 4 Deserts events become a member of the exclusive 4 Deserts Club. RacingThePlanet 100 events do not count towards qualification for The Last Desert.
1.6 The concept of the Events is that individuals and teams leave the starting line and "navigate" through a number of checkpoints to the finishing line of each stage, or the only stage, of an Event as quickly as they can. Competitors must provide and carry on their person all their own food, gear and clothing, and will be provided with a ration of water and, for the multi-stage Events, a place in a tent at night. Competitors will be supported by professional medical and operations teams. Otherwise, no outside assistance is permitted. For a team to be officially ranked, all team members must cross the finish line together. Individuals can finish at any time before the predetermined cut-off time. If any team or individual does not finish before a pre-determined cut-off time, then that team or individual cannot receive a medal.
ARTICLE 2: RULES AND REGULATIONS
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2.1 These Rules and Regulations also form the Terms and Conditions. They govern entry into any or all of the following Events organised by RacingThePlanet, as the case may be:

(a) the Gobi March;

(b) the Atacama Crossing;

(c) the Sahara Race;

(d) The Last Desert;

(e) the fifth event, which is held at a different location each year; and

(f) RacingThePlanet 100 Events
2.2 You must read these Rules and Regulations carefully prior to registering for an Event. You may only register and enter the Event if you have read, understood and agreed with these Rules and Regulations. These Rules and Regulations represent a legally binding agreement between you and RacingThePlanet Events Limited, (referred to in these Rules and Regulations variously as "RacingThePlanet", "we", "us", and "our").
2.3 Every competitor must sign a copy of these Rules and Regulations, together with the Assumption of Risk and Waiver and Release of Liability in relation to the Event and Waiver and Acknowledgement for Likeness and Intellectual Property in relation to the Event before being allowed to compete in any of the Events. In addition, every competitor must complete and sign all of the Mandatory Forms, as specified by RacingThePlanet, and provide all required information, including but not limited to, the competitor's emergency contact information and medical information.
2.4 RacingThePlanet and our designated Event organisers ("Event Organisers") have complete discretion in applying these Rules and Regulations. These Rules and Regulations may be modified by RacingThePlanet at any time without notice. The revised Rules and Regulations will be posted on RacingThePlanet's website http://www.4deserts.com (the "Website") as soon as reasonably practicable. The Rules and Regulations will be posted together with a list of time penalties that can be imposed and amended from time to time. Competitors will be solely responsible for familiarising themselves with the most up to date version of these Rules and Regulations of the Events at any given time.
ARTICLE 3: CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
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3.1 RacingThePlanet reserves the right, in its sole discretion and at any time, to refuse to allow you to enter into or participate in an Event, or to withdraw or cancel your offer of a place in an Event from you. RacingThePlanet is under no obligation to provide you with any reason whatsoever for such refusal or withdrawal. RacingThePlanet may also (but is under no obligation to) offer you a place in another Event in circumstances where entry into or participation in an Event has been refused.
3.2 You must be between the ages of 21 and 70 at the Event start date to compete in an Event. You may request special permission to compete in an Event if you are under the age of 21 or over the age of 70. All requests will be assessed on an individual basis and the decision of RacingThePlanet in this regard is final and binding.
3.3 You acknowledge and agree that the Events take part in remote parts of the world, where everyday facilities and comforts to which you may be accustomed are unlikely to be available. You are expected to possess outdoor survival skills such as familiarity with outdoor gear, backpacking and common sense. You are not required to possess any technical navigational skills to take part in the Events.
3.4 You acknowledge and agree that competing in the Events will be physically demanding, and that you are aware of the nature of the Events and that there are medical and physical risks associated with the Events. You are solely responsible for your own training and preparation for the Events. By applying to compete in an Event, you warrant that you are physically capable of competing in the Event.
3.5 You acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for obtaining and taking all necessary inoculations and medications (and have taken them in accordance with your doctor's instructions) relevant to the country in which the Event is held (the (the "Host Country"). You also acknowledge that it is your sole responsibility to carry your personal medications with you throughout the Event. RacingThePlanet's medical support staff will not be able to, nor will it be liable for failing to, supply personal medication during an Event should a competitor fail to carry his or her own.
3.6 You acknowledge and agree that endurance racing of the kind contemplated by the Events entails the real risk of serious injury or even death from various causes including equipment failure, dehydration, fatigue, collisions or incidents involving other competitors, spectators, other road users and/or vehicles, aspects of the course, weather conditions, natural disasters, fire, injury, disease and other causes.
3.7 You agree to inform RacingThePlanet on application of any preexisting illness from which you suffer that may affect your performance of an Event or for which medical treatment may be needed. In addition, you agree to inform RacingThePlanet, both on application and thereafter, as the need arises, of all medications that you are currently taking or will be taking while you are participating in any Event.
3.8 RacingThePlanet will provide professional medical support to competitors throughout the duration of the Events. You give permission to medical support staff to make decisions concerning medical care and treatment, and where necessary to authorise such care and treatment in emergency situations. You understand that Event staff will make every reasonable effort, in the circumstances, to reach your emergency contact (if you have supplied one to us prior to the Event) regarding your medical status in the event an emergency arises.
3.9 You acknowledge that the Event operates in very remote areas of the Host Country which may not be supported by local hospitals, and that transportation to the nearest hospital may take several hours or longer. You further acknowledge that the course may pass through terrain where emergency evacuation may be seriously delayed or in some cases not available.
3.10 RacingThePlanet and its Event Organisers reserve the right, with or without consultation of a doctor, to stop and use such force as is necessary to restrain you from starting or continuing an Event.
3.11 By agreeing to these Rules and Regulations and applying to compete in an Event, you affirm that you have the understanding and mental capacity to communicate health care directives for yourself and that you are fully informed and understand the full import of the consents given by you to medical support staff in this regard.
ARTICLE 4: CODE OF CONDUCT
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4.1 Any action of a team or individual which results in either an unfair advantage to the acting parties or in an unfair disadvantage to another team or individual will result in a penalty against the team or individual involved in the action.
4.2 You must immediately and respectfully comply with any direction or decision of the Event Organisers and the medical support staff. Any failure to do so may result in the disqualification of you and, if you are competing as part of your team, your whole team.
4.3 You must, at all times throughout the Event in which you are competing, abide by the Host Country, and behave in a respectful and considerate manner to local people, and to other people involved in the Event (including fellow competitors, Event Organisers and medical support staff).
4.4 You are solely responsible for your own conduct and behaviour, as well as for your own knowledge of and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of the states or countries in which the Events are held. Neither RacingThePlanet nor our designated Event Organisers will be responsible for your conduct or behaviour, compliance (or non-compliance) with, any of the laws or regulations of the states or countries in which the Events take place.
4.5 Your behaviour throughout the Event must not prejudice the progress of the Event, or the safety or wellbeing of any other person involved in the Event (including fellow competitors, Event Organisers and the medical support staff).
ARTICLE 5: ENVIRONMENTAL RULES
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5.1 The Events take place in some of the most remote and pristine areas of the world. It is therefore imperative that competitors leave no trace. The Rules of this minimum impact policy apply to everyone associated with the Event, including competitors, staff, volunteers, film crews, press and sponsors
 Litter
5.2 Absolutely no litter of any kind, including for example water bottles, caps from water bottles, energy bar wrappers or toilet paper shall be left on the course or in the tents provided. If you are found to have littered the course you will be heavily penalized or disqualified. All litter is to be carried to the closest transition or checkpoint for disposal.
 Tread Lightly
5.3 If you encounter plant foliage, do not step on it. Do not pick flowers, cut walking sticks from or otherwise damage the vegetation. Do not light any fires along the course (camp fires will be provided in the campsites). If there are unique rock formations, do not touch, disturb or deface the rocks. If you encounter any unique rocks, ancient ruins or fossils, do not remove them from their location.
 Campsites
5.4 Where the event involves a campsite, basic camping techniques shall be employed. Leave no trace at your campsite. No chairs or other furniture around the campfire may be taken into or around the tents provided. You must sleep either in your assigned tent or otherwise within the inside perimeter of the camp compound. You may not sleep alongside, in front of or behind tents.
 Toilets
5.5 When at a campsite, you must use the toilet facilities provided. When out on the course, all human waste and toilet paper must be buried between 20 and 25 cm below the surface and at least 100 metres from a checkpoint, campsite, course, residential home, or ancient ruin.
5.6 Any breach whatsoever of these Rules will result in a time penalty or disqualification, at the discretion of the Event Organisers.
ARTICLE 6: BOOKINGS AND PAYMENT
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6.1 To compete in any of the Events, you must first:

(a) complete the Application Form online on the Website and submit the Application Form online;

(b) pay the entry fee for the Event in accordance with the instructions given on the Website (you will not be eligible to compete in the Event you have applied for until we have received full payment of the entry fee and the funds have cleared);

(c) sign and submit to us these Rules and Regulations;

(d) sign and submit to us the Assumption of Risk and Waiver and Release of Liability in relation to the Event;

(e) sign and submit to us the Waiver and Acknowledgement for Likeness and Intellectual Property in relation to the Event; and

(f) complete and return all of the Mandatory Forms as specified by RacingThePlanet on the Website (including, but not limited to, the specified medical clearance forms).

RacingThePlanet reserves the right to withdraw the offer of a place in an Event to you and (if already received) not refund you the entry fee for the relevant Event if it does not receive the documentation specified in (c) to (f) above within 10 days of the start date of the Event.
6.2 You are solely responsible for obtaining and complying with all specific passport, visa and immigration requirements associated with travelling to and entering the Host Country and competing in the Event. You should check and confirm the relevant passport, visa and immigration requirements with the relevant Consulate/embassy for the Host Country prior to completing the application form. RacingThePlanet does not accept any responsibility for, and will under no circumstances be liable (including, without limitation, for providing a refund of the entry fee for the relevant Event) if you cannot travel to the Host Country for any reason, including without limitation your failure to obtain a visa, or if you are otherwise unable compete in the Event because of your non compliance with any passport, visa or other immigration requirements.
ARTICLE 7: WITHDRAWAL, CANCELLATION OR ALTERATION
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7.1 You may withdraw from the Event at any time, subject to the following provisions of this Article.
7.2 If you withdraw more than 120 days before the start date of an Event (Gobi March, Atacama Crossing, Sahara Race, and the Roving Races only) you will receive a refund of the entry fee for the relevant Event, less US$600. Note that entry fees for The Last Desert are non-refundable.
7.3 If you withdraw from an Event less than 120 days before the start date, RacingThePlanet will not be liable to refund you any portion of the entry fee for the relevant Event, or otherwise pay you any sum whatsoever.
7.4 You agree that entry to an Event is granted to competitors on a non-changeable, non-transferable basis.
7.5 RacingThePlanet reserves the right to withdraw the offer of a place in the Event to you for any reason and at any time. In such circumstances, we will provide you with a full refund of the entry fee for the relevant Event.
7.6 RacingThePlanet reserves the right to:

(a) modify the Event format;
(b) change the dates of the Event; or
(c) cancel the Event more than 24 hours before the official start time/date;or
(d) cancel the event after it has started.
7.7 If we modify the Event format in accordance with Rule 7.6(a), (b), (c) or (d), we will have no obligation to reimburse you the entry fee for the Event.
7.8 If we change the dates of the Event in accordance with Rule (b), we will have no obligation to reimburse you the entry fee for the Event provided that we reschedule the Event to commence on another date within 12 months from the date on which the Event was originally scheduled to commence, and provided that we give you reasonable notice of the new dates for the Event (which will in any case not be less than 2 months).
7.9 Except as set out in Rules 7.8above, RacingThePlanet will not have any liability to you for the rescheduling or the cancellation of any Event.
ARTICLE 8: LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
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8.1 To the full extent permitted by law, RacingThePlanet is under no liability (whether in negligence or otherwise) to you for any Claim or Loss in connection with the Event.
8.2 Notwithstanding clause 8.1, to the full extent permitted by law, RacingThePlanet's maximum liability (whether in negligence or otherwise) to you for any Claim or Loss in connection with the Event will not exceed the Racing Fee for the Event.
8.3 Under no circumstance is RacingThePlanet liable to you for any Loss including indirect or consequential loss however it arises.
8.4 For the purposes of this Article 8:

(a) "Claim" means any claim, allegation, cause of action, proceeding, Liability, suit or demand made against the person concerned however it arises and whether it is present or future, fixed or unascertained, actual or contingent.
(b) "Liability" means any liability or obligation however it arises and whether it is present or future, fixed or unascertained, actual or contingent including any liability for loss such as loss of profit, loss of revenue or loss of opportunity.
(c) "Loss" includes any loss, damage, Liability, compensation, fine, penalty, charge, payment, cost or expense (including any legal cost and expense) however it arises and whether it is present or future, fixed or unascertained, actual or contingent including:
    (i) any loss of or damage to your equipment or belongings;
   (ii) any loss arising from injury or death;
  (iii) any indirect or consequential loss; and
  (iv) any other loss or damage suffered or incurred by you arising out of or in connection with competing in an Event (including, without limitation, travelling to the Host Country and Host Town / City)
ARTICLE 9: INSURANCE
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9.1 You must take out and maintain your own insurance for all other risks associated with the Event, including personal travel insurance which covers you for the duration of your time in the Host Country. This must cover you fully against the costs of hospitalisation, medical care and repatriation if you become too ill to continue the Event, including the cost of air or other forms of evacuation and/or repatriation should sickness or injury necessitate such a course of action.
9.2 RacingThePlanet has no control over, and accepts no responsibility for, the availability or standard of medical and/or repatriation services and facilities in the areas in which the Events take place, and such services and facilities do not form any part of the contract between you and RacingThePlanet.
9.3 You are solely responsible for your own equipment and belongings during the Event and bear the sole responsibility for incidental or accidental damage (including wear and tear) to, or loss of, your own equipment and belongings. We recommend that you take out adequate insurance to cover your equipment and belongings.
ARTICLE 10: IMAGE RIGHTS, MEDIA CONTENT AND DEVICES
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10.1.1 You irrevocably consent to:

(a) your appearance in the Event being filmed, recorded, incorporated and exploited in whole or in part in any television programme, film, video or broadcast of whatever nature by any means and in any media and format now or invented after the date of these Rules and Regulations;

(b) the use and reproduction of your name, likeness, appearance and photographs, films and recordings by any means and in any media and format for the purpose of advertising, publicity and promotion of the Event and the exploitation of the commercial rights relating to the Event; and

(c) You further hereby waive any moral rights you may have in respect of any use, reproduction, modification, publication or broadcast of your name, image, appearance or likeness.
10.2 Except in emergency situations, you are prohibited from using:

(a) any personal video cameras during the Events, whether as part of a cell phone, small camera or other device; and
(b) wireless handheld internet devices, mobile phones and devices capable of external transmission.
10.3 All content from official blogs, emails, promotional materials and other materials distributed by RacingThePlanet is the exclusive property of RacingThePlanet and must not be copied or distributed without the express written approval of RacingThePlanet.
10.4 If RacingThePlanet considers that any video, in any form whatsoever, was captured during an Event in contravention of Rule 10.2, the competitor to whom the movie is attributable may be disqualified from the Event.
10.5 You are permitted to take still shot cameras to take photographs for personal use only. Any commercial use of such photographs is prohibited
10.6 RacingThePlanet may, if reasonably practicable, provide wireless Internet access at checkpoints and/or the campsite to ensure communications and live website coverage. You are only allowed to use the wireless Internet access in areas designed by Event staff. Laptop computers may be provided to you for sending blogs, emails, and other electronic communications. Access to any Internet sites during an Event except those explicitly approved by the Event Organisers is prohibited. Nothing in this Rule 10.6 will oblige RacingThePlanet to provide wireless Internet or laptop computers at any or all of the checkpoints or campsites.
10.7 You may use your own power sources to charge your personal mobile electronic devices. You may not, under any circumstances, use any of the power sources utilized by the Event staff or volunteers to operate the Event to charge your personal mobile devices. Any violation of this Rule 10.7 will result in a time penalty being imposed on you, or your expulsion from the Event.
ARTICLE 11: THE COURSE
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11.1 RacingThePlanet and the Event Organisers reserve the right to add, modify, cancel or change the course at any time.
11.2 While competing in an Event, you must stay on the marked course. If you inadvertently leave the marked course, you must re-enter the course at the exact place where you left the course. If you intentionally cut or leave the marked course (as we or the Event Organisers may determine in our sole discretion), you may be disqualified or be given a time penalty.
11.3 If you leave a logical or obvious course or direction between course markings, you will be deemed to have intentionally left the marked course. Where two course markers are visible, you must go to the closest marker. If a logical or obvious route is evident and both visible markers are distant marks (i.e., one that is evidently not the next mark in sequence) you must proceed on the logical route. Unless directed to do so by a course marking, cutting switchbacks on paved or dirt courses is considered intentional course cutting.
11.4 The course may be changed by RacingThePlanet or Event Organisers for any reason including but not limited to weather, safety hazards or darkness and we or the Event Organisers may in our absolute discretion adjust stage finish times to reflect any course changes.
11.5 Mandatory stops may be issued at any time due to climate, weather conditions or other factors. You must stay at the checkpoint indicated as a mandatory stop for the full time indicated. Failure to do so will result in a time penalty.
11.6 Staggered starts may be issued for any stage of an Event. Staggered starts are used to ensure that checkpoints are not kept open for unreasonable amounts of time. You will be notified of staggered starts before the beginning of the relevant stage of an Event. Any request to begin a stage of an Event at a start time other than the one assigned to you must be approved by the Event Director or the Medical Director of the medical support staff.
 Course Markings
11.7 The course will be marked by signs, arrows, ribbons, chalk, paint, lights, flags and other devices. You are responsible for (a) staying on the course; (b) slowing down to pay attention to course markings or the absence of course markings; and (c) making reasonable assumptions and decisions with regard to the direction of the course.
11.8 Course markings will generally be visible under normal lighting conditions. Abnormal conditions may include sand, dust, mist, fog, smoke, rain, snow or any other condition that reduces visibility (other than darkness). If abnormal lighting conditions occur, a stage of an Event may be modified, delayed or cancelled until normal visibility conditions return.
11.9 The course will be marked with devices at intervals of between 25 and 100 meters depending on terrain and visibility. If you do not see a marker for 100 meters and you are not on the obvious or logical course, you must immediately return to the last known marker to find the correct course.
11.10 The Event Organisers will make every effort to keep the course markers in place for the duration of a stage of an Event. However, it is possible that markers may be taken, buried, blown over, covered, destroyed or otherwise rendered difficult or impossible to find. It is your responsibility to pay attention to the makings and to make intelligent decisions when following the course.
11.11 Two or more course markers placed together indicate an abrupt change in course direction. Multiple markings will be placed so that they can easily be seen while following the intended course. Markings will be placed between foot and head height and may be placed on the ground, trees, bushes, walls, buildings, or other stationary objects.
11.12 If you are using GPS, you must follow the marked course. You may not travel directly between checkpoints unless the logical or obvious course follows the straight line route. Cutting the course is against these Rules and may, in addition to disqualification or the imposition of time penalties, lead to dead ends or impassable terrain
11.13 The course will be marked by lights and other illuminated marking devices at night. You are required to carry a light that is sufficient to find unlit markers in the event that lights and other illuminating devices are covered, fail or go missing.
11.14 If you remove or change the location or direction of course markings, you will be disqualified. If the offending competitor is part of a team, the whole team will be disqualified.
 25 Meter Rule for Teams
11.15 Team members must never be out of sight of each other, or alternatively have a distance greater than 25 meters separating the first team member from the last team member, whichever distance is the shorter, while on the course. Team members must go through the starting line, all checkpoints and finishing line together.
ARTICLE 12: UNIFORM
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12.1 Competitors must wear, at all times, a shirt with patches and/or stickers in compliance with the instructions by RacingThePlanet. Failure to do so will result in the individual or team being held where the offense was discovered until it is corrected, or in disqualification. You must also wear a nationality flag no smaller than 5 x 8 cm (2 x 3 inches) on each sleeve of your shirt at all times. Any incorrect patch placement, including of nationality flags, will result in a time penalty.
12.2 RacingThePlanet may have sponsors for an Event. You will not be allowed to have your own sponsors that conflict with RacingThePlanet sponsors. You are not allowed to wear any personal sponsor badges, advertising or other patches on your shirt or jacket sleeves.
12.3 You must wear an Event bib on your chest or stomach which must be fully visible throughout the entire Event. The Event bib must always be positioned over any clothing or front pack. You must not fix your Event bib onto your leg. The Event bib must not be folded or hidden at any time. A time penalty will be imposed for any incorrectly placed bib.
 Yellow Leaders Bib
12.4 The overall and women’s division leader in a stage of an Event will be awarded a Yellow Bib at the end of that stage. The Yellow Bib must be worn during the entire next stage. It is an honour to wear the Yellow Bib and strict compliance with this Rule must be observed. This does not apply in single stage Events.
ARTICLE 13: EQUIPMENT
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13.1 You must, at a minimum and at all times carry the equipment on the Mandatory Equipment List, posted from time to time on the Website. You will be solely responsible for familiarising yourself with the most up to date requirements of the Mandatory Equipment List.
13.2 You must carry your own equipment and belongings. No other competitor may carry any of your equipment or belongings for you, including a teammate.
13.3 You must supply your own food and drink mixes for the entire event. Competitors must start with at least the minimum number of calories stated in the mandatory equipment list (multi-stage: 2,000 calories per day, or 14,000 calories for the entire Event; single-stage: 2,000 calories). The Event Organisers may, at their sole direction, check a competitor's food supply to ensure that the proper amount of calories remain for the duration of the Event. The medical support staff will have the final decision as to whether the calories carried are sufficient for an individual competitor.
13.4 Additional gear requirements may be required for each Event depending on expected terrain and weather conditions. You will be personally advised of these requirements by RacingThePlanet prior to the Event.
13.5 It is your responsibility to ensure that your equipment is fit for purpose prior to the start date of the Event. Competitors may be subject to random equipment checks by Event Organisers at any time. If any item of equipment as specified on the Mandatory Equipment List is found to be missing, the Event Organisers will impose a time penalty for each item missing or you may not be allowed to continue the event. If the Event Organisers consider that you have insufficient equipment to complete the Event, or if it is determined that you are carrying a food supply with an insufficient amount of calories, they shall have the right to exclude you from the Event.  If you are excluded from the Event under the provisions of this Rule 13.5, no refunds will be given and RacingThePlanet will not be responsible for any resulting costs, including costs of repatriation.
ARTICLE 14: WATER
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14.1 The Event Organisers will supply a ration of water at each checkpoint. Water supplied is to be used for drinking only. Additionally, hot water for cooking purposes will be supplied at designated checkpoints and all campsites on the course. Any intentional breach of this Rule 14.1 will result in the imposition of a time penalty.
ARTICLE 15: COMPETITION TIMING
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15.1 Event headquarters will keep the official time clock for the Event, beginning when each stage starts and stopping when each individual or team crosses the finishing line of each stage. The time for a team is the time when the last member of that team crosses the finishing line. The winning individual and team will be the individual and team with the lowest combined times of the stages after taking into account any time penalties.
15.2 Cut off times will be established daily throughout each checkpoint of an Event. If individuals or teams fail to reach and depart designated points by a specified cut-off time, they will not be allowed to continue the Event during that stage, and the individual or team will not be eligible for a medal. Initial cut-off times will be announced before the stage starts. Initial cut-off times may be modified, and additional cut-off times may be added, during the Event at the sole discretion of the Event Organisers.
15.3 Special timing may be used for The Last Desert, depending on weather conditions. For example, the winning time may be based on total distance covered, or on time. If timing is based on the total distance covered, the individual or team with the most distance covered would be the deemed the winner. If timing is based on time, the individual or team who has covered the most distance in the least amount of time will be deemed the winner.
ARTICLE 16: CHECKPOINTS
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16.1 You will be given Course Instructions before the start of the Event. As part of the Course Instructions, each competitor will be given an Event Passport. The Event Passport must be marked by a designated checkpoint staff member, at designated checkpoints and at the finish line of each stage, with the date and time of arrival at the finish line of each stage. This will ensure that there is no discrepancy in your official finishing time.
16.2 All checkpoints must be completed in the designated sequence.

(a) All members of a team must enter and leave all checkpoints together.

(b) Missing a checkpoint will result in the individual or team being disqualified unless they backtrack to the missed checkpoint. The individual or team must then proceed from the first missed checkpoint back through all checkpoints as per the mandatory sequence (even if the individual or team has passed through that checkpoint before).
16.3 You must not spend more than 15 minutes at a checkpoint unless approval is given by a member of the medical support staff.
ARTICLE 17: NIGHT ZONES
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17.1 You must wear a flashing red light after sundown. The red light must remain pinned to the rear of each competitor’s backpack at all times until sunrise, while on the course. This red light must be worn in addition to the headlamp and backup light source as specified in the Mandatory Equipment List.
17.2 During a night zone, several tents will be erected at a selected checkpoint called the ‘Overnight Checkpoint’. You may only sleep at a designated ‘Overnight Checkpoint’ or risk disqualification. Hot water may, if reasonably practicable, be provided at the Overnight Checkpoint. You should however be prepared to eat without having access to hot water.
17.3 Under no circumstances may you sleep alongside any part of the course.
ARTICLE 18: INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
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18.1 Subject to any special timing used for The Last Desert in accordance with Rule 15.3, the first individual to cover the six stages in the shortest accumulated time is the winner.
18.2 All other competitors will be ranked according to their finishing time. Competitors who started in the team category will be eligible for individual ranking if their team does not complete the Event (i.e., if one or more of their teammates withdraws or is disqualified from the Event).
18.3 Age rankings are based on the competitor’s age at the start of the event. For example, if the Event begins on 15 June and you are 29 years of age, and you have a birthday on the 16 June, you will be deemed to be 29 for the duration of the Event, and will be classified in the age group for a 29 year old.
ARTICLE 19: TEAM RESULTS
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19.1 Teams are made up of a minimum of three or more individuals of any sex. Each team must designate a team captain.
19.2 The first team to cover all six stages of an Event in the shortest accumulated time is the winner. All other teams will be ranked according to their finishing time. Teams can only be ranked if all members have completed all six stages of an Event.
19.3 If a team member withdraws or is disqualified and this leaves the remainder of the team with less than three people then this will result in disqualification of the whole team from the Event
19.4 If a team is disqualified then each remaining member of the team can still continue in the Event in the individual category. If a team has more than three team members then they can continue to compete in the team category as long as at least three of the original team members remain.
19.5 The Event Organisers may impose a time penalty on any competitor if, in their sole discretion, they determine that an unfair advantage will result from the disqualification of a team.
ARTICLE 20: OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
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20.1 The official language of the Event is English. You are solely responsible for reading and understanding all official Event signs, directions, and oral instructions given by the Event Organisers and medical support team.
ARTICLE 21: PROTESTS
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21.1 Protests (including, without limitation, disqualification, time penalties, time recordings and the conduct of other competitors) must be filed with the Event Director within 30 minutes of a team or individual's finish of the relevant stage of the Event. Protests must be made to the Event Director or an Event Official, and may be made verbally, provided the protest is made discreetly and respectfully.
21.2 Any public protest or display of disgust concerning an Event organiser, the contents of the Official Rules & Regulations, or their application, will result in severe time penalties being imposed, or in disqualification of the protesting team or individual.
21.3 The procedure for determining any protest will be determined by the Event Director and all decisions of the Event Director shall be final and binding.
21.4 Any protest that the Event Director, in his or her sole discretion, considers to be made in bad faith or in retaliation for a previous protest will result in a time penalty being imposed on the protesting team or individual.
ARTICLE 22: THE LAST DESERT (ANTARCTICA)
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22.1 Only competitors who have completed at least two of the Gobi March, the Atacama Crossing and the Sahara Race will qualify to compete in The Last Desert.
22.2 Invitations are issued at the sole direction of RacingThePlanet. Poor sportsmanship in any Event may preclude a person from receiving an invitation.
22.3 RacingThePlanet will aim to send invitations to individuals who qualify for The Last Desert in accordance with Rule 22.1, and who RacingThePlanet considers suitable to compete in The Last Desert, approximately one month after qualification.
22.4 RacingThePlanet shall, in its sole discretion, decide when The Last Desert Event shall be held. Depending on the number of individuals who qualify, The Last Desert may not be held annually and RacingThePlanet shall be under no obligation to hold The Last Desert Event every year.
ARTICLE 23: AWARDS
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23.1 Awards will be given as follows:

Events (excluding The Last Desert)
Overall
1st place: Trophy
2nd place: Trophy
3rd place: Trophy
Women
1st place: Trophy
2nd place: Trophy
3rd place: Trophy
Men
1st, 29 and under, M1: Trophy
1st, 30-39, M2: Trophy
1st, 40-49, M3: Trophy
1st, 50-59, M4: Trophy
1st, 60-69, M5: Trophy
1st, 70, M6: Trophy
Women
1st, 29 and under, W1: Trophy
1st, 30-39, W2: Trophy
1st, 40-49, W3: Trophy
1st, 50-59, W4: Trophy
1st, 60-69, W5: Trophy
1st, 70, W6: Trophy
Team
1st Team: Trophy
2nd Team: Trophy
3rd Team Trophy
Finisher
Medal
Other
Spirit Award: Trophy
Sportsmanship Award: Trophy
Cable-French Award: Trophy (Gobi March Only)
All Competitors
T-Shirt or Jacket
The Last Desert
Overall
1st place: Trophy
2nd place: Trophy
3rd place: Trophy
Women
1st place: Trophy
2nd place: Trophy
3rd place: Trophy
Team
1st place: Trophy
 
4 Deserts (Overall)
Overall
1st place: Trophy
Women
1st place: Trophy
Team
1st place: Trophy
 
23.2 Teams are only eligible to win the 4 Deserts (Overall) award if they have completed the Gobi March, the Atacama Crossing, the Sahara Race and The Last Desert with the same team members.
23.3 Individuals who successfully complete the 4 Deserts will be eligible to be designated as a 4 Deserts Club Member.
23.4 The 4 Deserts Champion will be determined by adding the cumulative rankings of all Events completed and by assigning a value to those rankings. For example, a first place ranking in the Gobi March would receive a score of one (1), a second place ranking in the Atacama Crossing would receive a score of two (2), a tenth place ranking in the Sahara Race would receive a score of ten (10) and a third place ranking in The Last Desert would receive a score of three (3) for a cumulative score of sixteen (16). If that competitor has the lowest total score among competitors in The Last Desert, he or she will be designated the 4 Deserts Champion.
23.5 If, before completing The Last Desert Event a competitor has completed any of the other 4 Deserts Events then your best ranking will be used to determine your overall ranking.
ARTICLE 24: GENERAL
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24.1 You acknowledge and agree that by taking part in the Event you shall not rely on, and shall have no remedy in respect of, any statement, representation, warranty, understanding, promise or assurance (whether negligently or innocently made) of any person other than as expressly set out in these Rules and Regulations.
24.2 If any provision of these Rules and Regulations is be held to be unlawful, void, or for any reason unenforceable, then such provision shall be deemed severable from these Rules and Regulations, shall be enforced to the fullest extent allowed by law, and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining Rules and Regulations.
24.3 No waiver or amendment by RacingThePlanet or by you of these Rules and Regulations shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both by you and RacingThePlanet.
24.4 The agreement between you and RacingThePlanet governing the Events is made on the terms of:

(a) these Rules and Regulations;
(b) the Assumption of Risk and Waiver and Release of Liability in relation to the Event;
(c) the Waiver and Acknowledgement for Likeness and Intellectual Property in relation to the Event;
(d) the Application Form for the Event; (e) the Mandatory Forms as specified by RacingThePlanet on the Website (including, but not limited to, the specified medical clearance forms).

A copy of the Rules and Regulations, Assumption of Risk and Waiver and Release of Liability in relation to the Event, Waiver and Acknowledgement for Likeness and Intellectual Property in relation to the Event, Application Form for the Event and Mandatory Forms as specified by RacingThePlanet on the Website (including, but not limited to, the specified medical clearance forms) are available from RacingThePlanet upon request.

Any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Rules and Regulations, or the subject matter or formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims), shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the British Virgin Islands. Each party submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands.
24.5 In applying to compete in an Event, you hereby consent to RacingThePlanet using all personal information collected from or about you in connection with the Event (including information collected by the Event Organisers) for the organisation, operation, administration and promotion of the Event. You further consent to your personal information being provided to others assisting RacingThePlanet in connection with the Event. You may contact RacingThePlanet at: info@racingtheplanet.com to request access to any of the personal information relating to your collected and held from time to time by us.

The Rules and Regulations are in place to ensure a safe, fair and environmentally sound event. Penalties will be issued if any of the Rules and Regulations are broken, in particular those listed below.

The issuing of penalties is governed by this guiding principle:

Any action of a team or individual which results in either an unfair advantage to the acting parties or in an unfair disadvantage to another team or individual will result in a penalty against the team or individual involved in the action.
 

Rule

Penalty Item

Description

Penalty Issued

2.2

Mandatory Forms

Failure to fully complete the Mandatory Form and submit to RacingThePlanet by fax or email before the event starts.

Not allowed to start the event.

2.2

Waiver Forms

Failure to fully complete the Intellectual Property and Liability Waiver before the event starts.

Not allowed to start the event.

5.2

Litter on Course

Any litter on the course known to be dropped by you (either by identification or seen by another competitor or event staff) will result in a penalty. Every time this is reported a penalty will be apply.

1 hour

5.2

Litter in Tents

Any litter left in tents when they are vacated in the morning will result in every competitor officially assigned to that tent being given a penalty. Every morning that litter is found your tent a penalty will be applied.

1 hour per person

5.4

Furniture in Tents

Any time a piece of furniture is found inside or in front of a tent (in particular a stool(s) or a chair(s)) every person assigned to that tent will receive a time penalty.

1 hour per person

5.4

Sleeping Outside the Camp Compound

Competitors are required to sleep in their assigned tents or within the Camp compound. Sleeping outside the compound (including at the back of tents) will result in a time penalty.

1 hour

5.5

Use of Toilets

If you are seen not using the toilets provided at camp or using the toilet within 100 meters from the course you will incur a penalty. Each time this is reported by an event staff a penalty will apply

1 hour

10.2

Use of Phones, Blackberries etc

You are allowed to carry communication devices such as phones and Blackberries, but they must not be used on the course except in the case of an emergency. If you are seen to be using any communication device, other than the laptops provided for your use in the Cybertent, a penalty will apply.

1 hour

10.2

Video Filming

It is prohibited to use video cameras on the course. If you are found to take videos which are posted on Youtube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter or any website, you will incur a penalty. You may request special permission to take video but there must be a written agreement between you and RacingThePlanet.

2 hours for each video and footage to be deleted.

10.7

Charging Personal Items on Event Charging Facilities

You must use your own power sources, such as solar panels or powertravellers, to charge any personal items. If you are seen to be charging using event power sources (including through a USB in the laptops) a penalty will apply.

1 hour


11.2

Not following course markings

If you do not follow the course markings from flag to flag in the order in which they are placed a penalty will apply. This includes following a course 10 meters from the markers, cutting corners / switchbacks and missing a flag. This will apply based on sightings from event staff or other competitors.

1 hour

11.5

Mandatory Stops

Failure to comply with a mandatory stop will result in a time penalty on top of the total time of the mandatory stop. For example if a competitor leaves the checkpoint early from which a mandatory stop has been enforced.

1 hour on top of the full period of mandatory stop


Staggered Starts

If a staggered start is put in place you must comply with the start time that has been assigned to you, based on your times thus far. Failure to comply with this, other than with approval of the event director and medical director, will result in a penalty

1 hour

11.14

Removing or Moving Course Markings

Any competitor seen to remove or change course markings will be disqualified

Disqualification

12.1

Patches

If patches are not attached in accordance with the patch placement instructions then a penalty will apply. For each day that this is not rectified the penalty will apply.

1 hour

12.1

Patches

If the patch on the back of your backpack is not properly attached and clearly visible then a penalty will apply. For every day that this is not rectified the penalty will apply

30 minutes

12.1

Uniform – wearing of sleeveless shirts

Competitors must wear a shirt with short or long sleeves while on the course with patches clearly visible as per the patch placement instructions. The competitor will not be able to continue until the shirt has been changed

1 hour

12.2

Sponsor Logos

Sponsor logo's can be worn on your clothing provided they do not conflict with RacingThePlanet Partners or Sponsors and they are not worn on your sleeves or obscuring your bib number or event patch. You will be given a chance to rectify / remove any sponsorship branding which does meet these requirements. Failure to remove them when asked will result in disqualification.

Disqualification

12.3

Bib Number

Your bib number must be on your chest or stomach, must not be folded and must be clearly visible at all times while on the course. Each time event staff at a checkpoint reports your bib not on your chest / stomach, folded or not clearly visible a penalty will be issued.

1 hour

12.4

Retaliation Protests

A protest deemed to be in bad faith or in retaliation for a previous protest.

2 hours

13.2

Accepting Outside Support

If you accept any external support such as purchasing food, taking food from a local person or competitor will result in a penalty.

2 hours

13.2

Accepting Outside Support – Transport

If you do not walk on your own for any part of the course, however small, you will be considered withdrawn. This includes accepting any external support such as traveling in any form of transport such as camels, 4x4 (event or other), donkey cart, etc.

Withdrawal

13.5

Mandatory Equipment Missing (pre-race)

If any mandatory item is missing in entirety or does not meet the necessary requirements during check-in (including quantity, type and calorific value of food). The competitor can be given a chance to purchase or borrow the missing item but the item must be produced and shown to the event director before leaving for Camp 1.

Not allowed to start the event

13.5

Mandatory Equipment Missing (mid-race)

If any mandatory item is missing in entirety or does not meet the necessary requirements upon a spot check being carried out from the time the competitor crosses the start line to when they cross the finish line.

Essential Items include: number of calories, sleeping bag, backpack, shoes, headlamp, electrolytes, red flashing light, compass

Non-Essential items include: Blister kit, back up headlamp, alcohol gel, Sunscreen.

Disqualification if it is an essential item or 1 hour penalty for non-essential items

13.5

Inadequate Food

If a competitor is not deemed to have sufficient calories to complete the race safely (2000 calories for each of the remaining days)

Disqualification

14.1

Water

Water that is used for washing (either yourself or your clothes) or any other use except consumption will receive a penalty. The penalty will apply each time this is seen.

1 hour

17.2

Sleeping on the Course

Sleeping on the course, other than at the designated “overnight” checkpoint or with the approval of a medical support staff will result in a penalty and you will be required to start moving or withdraw from the event.

1 hour or withdrawal

21.2

Public protest or display of disgust

Any public protest, display of disgust and/or disrespectful behaviour to any event staff will result in severe penalties or disqualification.

10 hours or disqualification


Going to Prohibited Areas

The headquarters, staff and media tents are out of bounds to competitors. Any competitor going within this area (including inside the tents) will have a penalty. In addition any area on the course or in or around the campsite that is communicated as being out of bounds will also result in a penalty if a competitor ignores instruction not to go there.

1 hour


Loss of Event Passport / Bib

Any competitor who loses their bib number or event passport will be given a replacement and will receive a penalty. The penalty will apply every time each item is reported lost and a replacement is required to be given. If a lost bib number or event passport is not reported then the penalty will be doubled.

30 minutes


IV Drip

The medical team is present to support the competitors, however, if an IV drip is provided, the competitor will be disqualified

First IV drip results in withdrawal
**Note all penalties above may result in disqualification on the second offence.
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