Updated July 6th, 2022

1. Race format

1.1 goal of the race

The goal is to navigate the race course as fast as possible, either completely or partially, and get to the finish line in time.

1.2 DURATION OF THE RACE

The goal is to arrive at the finish line in a 100 hour time period (4 days and 4 hours).

  • If a team’s time is over 100 hours but under 100 hours and 15 minutes, one control point is deducted from the total number of control points the team has found.

  • If a team’s time is over 100 hours and 15 minutes, it will not get an official result.

1.4 RESULTS

The team that finds the most control points in the set time period is the winner.

If multiple teams find the same amount of control points inside the set time period, the team that has crossed the finish line first is higher in the rankings.

The amount of control points found and the finishing time can also be affected by penalties caused by infringements (see 8.1).

2. RACE COURSE

2.1 RETRIEVING CONTROL POINTS

Control points are marked on the terrain with an orange-white flag commonly used in orienteering competitions. Exception: some control points may not be marked with a flag, but they are some other clearly visible objects. The object is depicted in the control descriptions.

Control points must be retrieved (or “punched”) in numerical order.

Visiting a control point is proven by punching the control card (provided by the race organizers). The punching is done with a pin punch located on the control point. On some control points, the punching can be done in a different manner, stated in the control descriptions.

If the team does not find a punch (or even an orange-white flag) but believe they are in the right place, they can prove they have visited the control point by taking at least two photos of the place and team members (excluding the photographer).

When punching at the control point, the entire team must be together, no more than 5 meters from the control point.

The water vessel must be with the team on certain control points. These control points are announced on the control descriptions and marked on the map.

2.2. Manned control points

Some of the control points are occupied. On these checkpoints the team must follow all instructions of the control point staff. The instruction can be, for example, a text attached to the control point flag asking you to wake up any control point staff sleeping nearby.

The control point staff may for example check that the competitors have any mandatory equipment on them.

2.3 Crossing a watershed

When the team crosses a watershed (drainage divide) marked on the map, they must disinfect their vessel and paddles before launching their vessel on a different rivers system (drainage basin).

The disinfecting can only be skipped if the team does not launch their vessel in a certain drainage basin (ie. the boat and paddles do not touch the water in that area).

The disinfection must be recorded on video so that it clearly shows the team in question, a map and terrain so that it is possible to confirm the location.

The route taken by a team can be checked afterwards.

If the disinfection is not done or there is no proof of it, the team is imposed a time penalty.

2.4 PROHIBITED AREAS

It is forbidden to pass through people's yards. There may also be some other areas marked on the map where moving is forbidden.

The competitors may not enter inside any free-to-use cabins in the wilderness, as they are not intended for commercial events. In an emergency, overnight stays inside the cabin are allowed.

3. Team

3.1 TEAM composition

A team has 2–5 members. A team has completed the race when the last member of the team crosses the finish line.

If one member of the team has to drop out of the competition, the team can only continue the competition if:

  • the safe return of the dropped-out member is ensured AND

  • the team still has at least two members in competition AND

  • the race director gives the team permission to continue the competition.

3.2 MOVING AS A TEAM

The team must travel the entire journey together so that all members are always within sight and shouting distance.

4. EQUIPMENT

The team must finish the race with all the equipment they had at the start of the race.

4.1 MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

Mandatory equipment is listed on a separate equipment list.

Some of the mandatory equipment (such as a whistle) must be always on the competitor, some (such as the packraft) may be temporarily left in the terrain. More detailed instructions on this are in the control descriptions.

4.2 PROHIBITED EQUIPMENT

Prohibited equipment is listed on a separate equipment list.

5. Assistance and supplies

5.1 External assistance

The team may not use any external assistance of supplies provided by others during the competition. Exception: teams are allowed use the services and supplies of shops and restaurants in the area. Also, see 5.2.

No equipment can be brought or hidden in the terrain before the start of the race.

5.2 Other teams

A team may choose to help other teams, but this assistance must be offered equally to all teams that need similar help in that situation.

6. EMERGENCIES AND COMMUNICATION

6.1 EMERGENCIES

In emergency situations, all competitors must help the injured or ill, even if the person is on another team.

Time spent helping is credited in the results where possible. Failure to assist a person in an emergency will be penalized.

Organizers, such as control point staff, have the right to require the team to either rest on the spot for a set time or withdraw from the competition altogether, if it is obvious that this is necessary for safety reasons.

6.2 COMMUNICATION

Teams are only allowed to use a mobile phone if it is essential to

  • call aid or call evacuation for an injured

  • report of a danger that might threaten other competitors in the area

  • report to the organizers about a decision done by the team that would otherwise lead to pointless rescue operations

7. ENVIRONMENT

7.1 Leaving tracks

Competitors must respect nature when moving in terrain and leave as few traces as possible.

All rubbish and non-perishable waste must be transported to the finish or left in a rubbish bin that is in use.

7.2 Fire

Competitors are allowed to use open fire in the wilderness with safety and precaution.

If forest fire warning (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/warnings) is in effect during the start of the race, using any kind of open fire (campfire, open fire or pocket stove) is prohibited for the duration of the whole race unless the organizers announce otherwise.

8. INFRINGEMENTS

8.1 INFRINGEMENTS

Violation of the rules will result in a penalty determined by the race director. The penalty may be a warning, time penalty, deduction to the amount of control points visited or disqualification of the team.

If a team’s total time exceeds 100 hours and 15 minutes because of time penalties, they will still get a result (unlike a team who crosses the finish line after 100 hours and 15 minutes).

8.2 Objections

A team may object if it feels it has received an unjustified or unreasonably large penalty. Objections must be submitted in writing to the race director no later than one hour after the end of the competition.

The race director will consult with the objector and other necessary parties before deciding. The decision of the race director is final.