Race Guide
The Rouge-Orleans should be a great adventure for everyone involved. We have created a comprehensive Race Guide to ensure fairness, safety, and abide by the laws of the local towns. This will provide all of runners with the Rules and Regulations of the race. Each Runner must read through this prior to the race. Failure to to do so may lead to an immediate disqualification, which would totally suck. We recommend that each crew have a copy of the Race Guide with them at all times.
Click Here to download the 2012 Race Guide (this will be coming late fall)
Before the Race
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1. GETTING STARTED
1.A) Runner Qualifications
All runners must complete ate least one 50 mile ultramarathon with one year of the Rouge-Orleans (February 10th 2011 – February 10th, 2012. We do this to protect the runners. The names and dates of these races must be provided during the registration process.
1.B) To Do List
•Get qualified
•Register at http://www.Rouge-Orleans.com
•Get into kickass shape
•Organize your race crew
•Complete the individual ultramarathon registration online by January, 2012.
1.C) Organize Your Crew
Having a crew is not mandatory but it is HIGHLY recommended. The purpose of the crew is to ensure you make it through the later parts of the race by taking caring of you early on. They will be responsible for your nutrition, hydration, sunscreen, clothing changes, keeping you sane, etc. There will be a few aid stations along the course, but it may not be enough to get you through the race without additional supplies.
1.D) Getting Ready
Once your crew has been organized we recommend you meet with them several times prior to the event to work out logistics. It may be helpful to discuss the following things:
•Cell Phones. In the event of an emergency it’s important to be able to communicate with the race directors and other important personnel. We recommend each crew member bring a fully charged cell phone.
•What to do if a runner and/or vehicle gets lost.
•Where to get gas.
•Where to eat. What types of food and drink to bring along. Nutrition will make or break you.
•What types of clothing and equipment everyone should bring. Weather is uncertain; be prepared for hot and cold weather extremes as well as rainy weather.
•What to do in the event of an emergency.
•Running at night.
•What’s your estimated finish time.
•Who is going to pace and when.
•Running at night
•Who’s going to be driving and at what times.
1.E) Starting times
Starting times are based on accurate pace predictions and estimated finish times. These predictions are critical to a successful event and will allow us to place runners in starting slots that produce the least amount of confusion on the course. It is extremely important that the pace submitted for each runner is accurate. Runners will start in three waves with the first wave leaving Friday night at 7:30pm. Split times will be collated throughout the race to maintain overall standings
1.F) Time Limit
All runners must be off the course by 2:00pm on Sunday. Estimated finish time will determine your starting wave as well as your time limit. The first wave will have 42 hours to complete the race.
1.G) Be ready to run on race day
Good training will help make this an enjoyable race as well as prevent injury. Visit the website for more information on training. If you are unable to finish the race you’ll be fed to the alligators.
1.H) Refund Policy
All entry fees are non-refundable.
2. PRE-RACE MEETING
A mandatory pre race meeting will be held on the night of TBA. Check the website as the race nears for more info.
3. CHECK-IN
Runners must check in at least 30 minutes before their official start time. Check in will be located at race start. When checking in, the following items must be presented to event staff:
1. Two flashlights or headlamps
2. Two reflective vests
3. Two LED lights- ”tail light/butt light”
Runner will not be allowed to start until they show these items. Every person outside the support vehicle will be required to wear a reflective vest and headlamp or flashlight during the nighttime hours. It is highly recommended that you have enough vests and lights for every member of your crew.
Upon check-in, runners will receive their race bib and van numbers.
RULES & PENALTIES
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Violation of any of the following rules could result in disqualification or 60 minutes being added to your race time. Severity of the penalty will depend on the severity of the infraction. Any race official can decide if and to what degree a team has violated any of these rules. Race officials also reserve the right to increase or decrease penalty times based on a case-by-case basis. All decisions by race officials are final.
There will be complaint forms available at the finish line for teams to voice grievances or complaints about other teams. We will review all complaints at the end of the race. We will not penalize or disqualify a runner after the awards ceremony is held at the finish line. (Please be prepared to provide two witnesses of the incident(s)).
The number in parenthesis () represents the length of penalty associated with each infraction
4. VEHICLES
(if you have a crew) – Which we recommend
4.A) Team Vehicle Requirements
Crews are limited to 2 vehicles per runner. Crews must provide their own vehicles. (60)
4.B) Vehicle Restrictions
Large vans, mini-vans, SUV’s and smaller cars are all allowed. Any vehicle wider than 6’6″ and/or longer than 20′ is not allowed. Motor homes, RV’s, campers, trailers, buses or limos are not allowed on the course and/or at the exchanges by any crew or crew support at any time. Failure to meet these standards will result in disqualification. For any doubts about the legality of team vehicle please contact Rouge-Orleans prior to the race for approval. (DQ)
4.C) Vehicle Drivers
It is required that every vehicle be properly insured and driven only by licensed individuals. (DQ)
4.D) Driving
We ask that all drivers be alert and drive at or below posted speed limits. Please be courteous of runners and cyclists on the road. Do not honk in residential areas.
4.E) Respect Local Residents & Communities
While traveling through the local communities, please remember we are guests and you should treat all residents with courtesy and respect. Going out of your way to thank locals will go a long way in securing our ability to return each year.
The following ”Do Not’s” are not intended to cover the broad spectrum of issues regarding respect for local residents and businesses. Therefore, please use common sense while in residential areas (as in all areas), we reserve the right to penalize or disqualify any team based on a lack of respect for the communities traveled through. (60 or DQ)
•Do not honk horns or flash vehicle’s high beams during evening and morning hours while in residential areas
•Do not block any residential or business driveway
•Do not impede traffic by driving too slowly or by not properly pulling vehicle over to the side of the road when stopping
4.F) Park Only in Designated Areas
Some aid stations have limited parking and in some cases teams will be required to park along road shoulders. Vehicles can park at any legal roadside that does not impede racers or traffic. Team vehicles should always stay to the right of the white fog-line when parked along the road. (60)
4.G) Restricted Areas
Vans can stop to cheer on runners at any legal spot along the race route that does not obstruct runners or traffic. (60)
4.H) Following Racers
Vehicles are not to follow runners to illuminate the road for them, or to pace them. (DQ)
4.I) Do not impede the flow of traffic
Crew vehicles are to obey all traffic laws and will be penalized for impeding the flow of regular traffic, which includes but is not limited to- driving too slowly, not pulling off road completely, standing in the road, and crossing the road illegally. (60)
4.J) Van Numbers Must Be Clearly Displayed
Crews must clearly display the runner’s numbers in their vehicle at the front and back. Entrance into certain exchanges is dependent on vehicle number visibility. Do not create a blind spot. Tape for the numbers will be available at start line.
4.K) Driving on the levee
Driving on the levee is strictly forbidden. (DQ)
5. RUNNERS
5.A) Runner Check Points
Racers must let their presence known at all aid stations located along the route. Runner arrival times at time stations will be recorded.
5.B) Reflective Vests / Headlamps / LEDs
Each Runner must have a reflective vest, a headlamp or flashlight, and one LED “tail/butt” lights.
These must be presented at time of check in. Runners starting their legs after 5:30 pm and before 7:30 am must be wearing one of each required item mentioned above in order start running. Additionally, all crew members must wear a reflective vest during these hours when outside their vehicle. Please use new batteries in each flashlight. (60 or DQ)
5.C) Running at Night
Runners starting their legs after 5:30 pm and before 7:30 am must be wearing all required night gear. At times, runners will be alone on the course. The following nighttime rules and suggestions have been developed to help insure the safety of all participants.
•Driving is not permitted on the levee.
•Runners will be visible from the road during most of the night portions of the race. It is recommended that each team keep an eye on their runner. It is recommended to have crew member with you during these hours
•Leave park lights and hazard lights on so that the vehicle is visible to regular traffic
•Please do not stop or slow down in places that will impede traffic or runners, and do not turn your hazard lights on while the vehicle is moving.
•Crew members can either run on foot or ride a bike along with the runner. Pacers must wear the required night gear of flashlight or headlamp, reflective vest, and LED light.
5.D) Run Against Traffic
Most of the race will be done on closed trails, however there will be moments in which runner’s will be required to run along the road. Runners are to run on the left shoulder of all roads (against traffic), using sidewalks when available, unless signs direct otherwise.
5.E) Do not impede the flow of traffic
Runners are to understand that they do not have exclusive use of the roadway and are required to obey all traffic laws. Crews are to obey all traffic laws and will be penalized for impeding the flow of regular traffic, which includes but is not limited to- standing in the road, not wearing the required nighttime gear, and crossing the road illegally. (60)
5.F) Injured Runners During Race
The crew may treat minor injuries. In the event that the runner leaves the course, the team must mark the runner’s spot on the course and begin from this spot when he/she starts running again.
Once a runner drops out of the race, he or she cannot enter back into the race. Once an IV is administered, the injured runner is no longer eligible to run.
5.G Sleeping on the course
Runners may sleep on either side of the trail, but at no time will you be allowed to sleep on the trail. If you decide to sleep in the crew vehicle you must start back from the point at which you stopped. Advancing beyond this spot will result in immediate disqualification. (DQ)
5.H) Littering & Property Damage
Any runners that are reported to have damaged private or public property or to have littered, urinated or defecated on private or public property will be disqualified and will not be invited back. After being disqualified you will be deep fried and fed to the locals. Toilets and trashcans will be provided at major exchanges. Teams will be held liable for any and all damages. (DQ)
5.I) Nudity
Nudity is strictly forbidden. Nobody wants to see naked people running. EVER! (DQ)
5.J) Follow Race Officials Instructions
Race officials include staff and volunteers. Course volunteers at exchanges are considered Race Officials. They have authority to disqualify a runner for rule violations, abusive behavior, or a crew’s failure to follow instructions given by volunteers. Abusive treatment or disregard for their authority will result in at least a 60-minute penalty or disqualification. (60 or DQ)
5.K) Follow Correct Route.
Crews are responsible for ensuring that their runner stay on course. If a runner gets off course, they are to return on foot or in their support vehicle to the point where they went off course and continue from there. Do not drive ahead to make up for the mileage that they may have added. Signage is occasionally moved; be prudent in your knowledge of course. (60)
5.L) Visible Race Number
Race numbers must be worn and visible on the front of each runner at all times while on the course. Bib numbers must be pinned to the outer most layer of clothing, including jackets, shorts, and reflective vests.
5.M) Prohibited Items
The following items are not allowed on the race course: rollerblades, unauthorized bicycles, dogs or animals, joggers/strollers, scooters, skateboards, and any other device that may endanger others or put runners at an advantage over the other participants. Runners may not use walking sticks, ski poles, or the like. Jet packs and hovercrafts are cool, but not allowed on the course. (DQ)
6. THE CREW
Runners can be penalized for the actions of their crew. This would suck, so pay attention.
6.A) On the Course
Crewmembers may be on the course at any point with the runner.
6.B) Runner Support
Crewmembers may support their runner by any means that does not involve progressing the runner forward or supplying them shade. Aiding a runner in their forward progress will result in an immediate disqualification. (DQ)
6.C) Impeding Progress
Crewmembers must yield to all official runners. (60)
6.D) Pacing
Pacing is allowed during the race. Crewmembers may ride a bike or run with their runner.
6.E) Night Running
Crewmembers are required to follow the same night running rules as the runners while on the course. (60)
6.F) Runner Withdraw
If a runner withdraws from the event the crew must immediately notify a race official. If an official is not near by contact the race director.
6.G) Emergency Evacuation
All Emergency evacuation costs for participants or crews will be borne by that person or the heirs. The race organizers are in no way liable or responsible for emergency evacuations
7. SAFETY & WEATHER
Safety is our number one priority. There are many potential hazards in a race of this type including, but not limited to: automobile traffic, road and trail conditions, animals on course, and weather. We ask that all Runners and crews please take appropriate precautions to insure a fun and safe event. Runners are to understand that they do not have exclusive use of the roadway or trails and are required to obey all traffic laws.
7.A) In the Event of an Emergency
We will have limited medical staff on hand. First aid personnel will be stationed at all major exchanges. They will be equipped to handle only minor sports injuries. Please be aware of this and plan ahead for how you will handle any emergencies. It is the responsibility of each team to be aware of the location of hospitals and other medical facilities and their hours of operation.
In the event of an emergency notify the nearest race official, as they will be able to communicate with nearest medical personnel or call for an ambulance if the emergency is severe enough. If you are not near any race officials, please call the Race Director. If the emergency is severe call 911 and then the Race Director.
7.B) Bad Weather
The race will occur rain or shine. However, under certain severe weather conditions where significant damage or alterations to the course occur, we reserve the right to cancel the event. There will be no refunds given if the race is canceled due to weather. Conditions that may result in a race being canceled or delayed include but are not limited to the following: severe electrical storm, snowfall, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, etc.
7.C) Lightning
If there is lightning at the start of the race we reserve the right to delay starts until the lightning clears. If you see lightning on the course after the race has started, get your runner off the road and into the support vehicle. Make a note of the time and the location where you exited the course. If lightning clears within 1 hour put your runner back on the road where they left and make a note of the time. If lightning persists longer than an hour, move ahead to the next exchange. For every hour of lightning, you may move ahead one exchange. Keep close track of where and when you left the course and where and when you returned to the course. At the end of the race we will have a form available for you to report these locations and times. We will then calculate your average pace and apply this pace to the segment of the course that you missed. In this way we will adjust all overall race times.
POST RACE
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8. COMPLAINTS
There will be complaint forms available at the finish line for runners or crews to voice grievances or complaints. We will review all complaints at the end of the race.
9.) AWARDS
9.A) Awards
Awards will be presented to the top 3 finishers from each category within each division. Awards Ceremony will be at the finish line at approximately 7pm.
9.B) Personality Awards
There will be a form available at the finish line for teams to vote on personality, volunteer, and exchange awards.
Personality awards are as follows: Friendliest Team, Best Team Name, Best Decorated Van, Best Team Costume, Most Traveled, and Best Aid Station. We will tabulate the votes at the end of the event and hand out the personality awards at the awards ceremony.
10.) CONTESTS
10.A) YouTube Challenge
Record your team’s rouge-Orleans experience and put it on YouTube.com. Let us know when you’ve posted the video and the team with the best video will receive a FREE TEAM ENTRY for next years Rouge-Orleans.
Best Decorated Team Van. (Don’t break any laws. 
)
11. THE COURSE
Detailed maps of the course will be available in November
11.A) Animals on the Course
The Mississippi River Levee passes through both private and public land. There WILL be instances in which animals will be on the course. For the most part this will be limited to cows. We will have a vehicle drive the course to try and move any cattle from the levee. In the even the event that you encounter a herd of cattle use your best judgment.
11.B) Aid Stations
There will be major aid station located at approximately miles 25, 50, 75, and 105. The exact locations will be available in November.
11.C) Medical stations
There will be medical professionals available at miles 50, 75, and 105.
11.D) Terrain
The course is flat with a mixture of cement, dirt, gravel, and rocks.
