1. Race Format

1.1 Objective

The goal is to navigate the course as quickly as possible, either completing the entire route or reaching as far as possible and finish within the time limit.

1.2 Duration

The race must be completed within the designated time limit (either 36 h or 8 h).

  • If a team’s finishing time exceeds the time limit by up to 15 minutes, one checkpoint will be deducted from their score.

  • If a team’s finishing time exceeds the time limit by more than 15 minutes, the team will not receive an official result.

1.4 Results

  • If two or more teams complete the whole course in numerical order within the time limit, the ranking is determined by finishing time.

  • If two or more teams do not complete the entire course but collect the same number of checkpoints in numerical order, the winner is the team that has collected more bonus checkpoints.

  • If teams have the same number of checkpoints in numerical order and bonus checkpoints, the ranking is determined by finishing time.

A team’s checkpoint count and finishing time may be affected by penalties for lateness or rule violations (see section 8.1).

2. Course

2.1 Checkpoints

Not all checkpoints are marked in the terrain, but each location can be identified clearly from the clues provided. Some checkpoints will also have an orange-and-white orienteering flag.

Checkpoints must be collected primarily in numerical order.

If a team abandons the numerical sequence, it may collect any remaining checkpoints on the way to the finish. These bonus checkpoints may be collected in any order.

Proof of visiting a checkpoint is provided by writing an answer on the control card to a question given in the checkpoint description. The correct order of checkpoints can be verified later using GPS tracking.

All team members must be together, within 5 metres of the checkpoint, when registering their visit.

2.2 Staffed Checkpoints

Some checkpoints will be staffed by marshals. All instructions given by the marshal must be followed. Marshals may, for example, check competitors’ gear.

2.4 Restricted Areas

Participants must not enter private yards or cultivated fields. The shores and piers of private cottages are off-limits. Some other restricted areas are also marked on the map.

2.5 Finish

A team is considered to have finished when it has landed on dry ground near the finish flag. In close finishes, the finish referee will direct teams and determine the official finishing order.

After crossing the finish line, the team must present its answer sheet, which will be checked by an official. If there are no discrepancies, the team may then keep the sheet.

At the same time, teams in the competitive categories must present their sealed phone pouch and return the GPS tracker and any rented canoes with all accessories. Canoes can be left at the finish area.

3. Teams

3.1 Team Composition

A team consists of 2–5 members. The team’s official time is recorded when the last member crosses the finish line.

If a team member must withdraw, the team may continue only if:

  • The safe return of the withdrawing member is ensured, and

  • At least two members remain, and

  • The Race Director gives permission to continue.

3.2 Team Progress

Teams must travel together for the entire race, with all members remaining within sight and calling distance at all times.

4. Equipment

Teams must bring to the finish all the equipment they carried when they started.

4.1 Mandatory Equipment

Mandatory equipment is listed on a separate page. It must be carried at all times, except for water travel and lighting equipment, which may be temporarily left in the terrain.

4.2 Prohibited Equipment

Prohibited equipment is listed on a separate page.

5. Assistance and Support

5.1 External Support

Teams are not allowed to use external support or assistance during the race, except for services provided by local shops and restaurants.

No items may be placed in the terrain before the race begins.

5.2 Other Teams

Teams may assist other teams if they wish, but such assistance must be offered equally to all teams in the same situation.

6. Emergencies and Communication

6.1 Emergencies

In emergencies, all participants must assist any injured or ill competitor, even if they are in another team.

Time spent assisting will be credited in the results whenever possible. Failure to assist will be penalised.

Organisers and checkpoint marshals have the right to require a team to rest for a set period or withdraw from the race if necessary for safety reasons.

6.2 Communication

In the competitive categories, mobile phones may be used only to:

  • Request assistance or evacuation for an injured participant

  • Report a hazard in the terrain that threatens competitors

  • Inform the organisers of a decision that could otherwise lead to unnecessary rescue operations

In the recreational categories, mobile phones may be used freely during the race.

7. Environment

7.1 Leave No Trace

Competitors must move through the terrain with respect for nature, leaving as little trace as possible.

All litter and non-biodegradable waste must be carried to the finish or disposed of in a designated bin.

7.2 Open Fires

Open fires (campfires, twig stoves) are prohibited.

8. Violations

8.1 Rule Violations

Breaking the rules will result in a penalty determined by the Race Director, which may include:

  • A warning

  • A time penalty

  • Deduction of checkpoints from the result

  • Disqualification

If time penalties cause a team’s official time to exceed the limit, the team will still receive a result (unlike teams whose actual finishing time exceeds the limit by more than 15 minutes).

8.2 Protests

A team may file a protest if it believes it has received an unjust or disproportionate penalty.

Protests must be submitted in writing to the Race Director within one hour of the race’s end.

The Race Director will hear the protesting team and other relevant parties before making a decision. The Race Director’s decision is final.