Race Rules & Etiquette

Participating in a Trail Whisperer Race Series event may take you through Provincial Parks. You may also go through Crown Lands, residential areas, and private property. Routes are open to the public on race days, including hikers, mountain bikers, and other runners. Some trails allow dogs off leash. Please be alert and courteous of other trail users and locals.

Check-in Race Day (Mandatory). You must check-in before the race starts. Check-in even if you have picked up your race package the day(s) prior to race day. This is mandatory and for safety reasons.

Be Aware. It can be easy to go off into your own world when you are working hard. We want to be respectful of other trail users. Be aware of what is happening around you. Adjust your actions appropriately and politely.

Do NOT Litter. We want to leave the trails and surrounding environment as clean, or cleaner than before the race started. Fair warning…we take this seriously, so littering may lead to disqualification.

Open trails. Always be courteous and please give right of way to non-race trail users and mountain bikers. Trails are maintained by local communities. For example, WORCA in Whistler is a key participant. It is important that we do not negatively impact other trail users.

Stay to the Right and Pass on the Left. If you are racing, you must yield (to the right) to others wishing to pass (on the left). Not everyone using the trails will be aware of this trail etiquette. So, remember to be alert and polite.

Call Out When Passing. Let the person(s) you are about to pass know that you are approaching and intending to pass them. This will allow them to yield and you to pass in a safe manner. Seriously, do NOT sneak up on others. Their startled screech may give you a heart attack.

Race Bib Numbers must be visible on your front! We record bib numbers at various points on the course. If we can’t see your number, it’s like you were never there.

Carry fuel and hydration. Yes, we have aid stations, however, the aid stations can be far apart. You never know what the day will bring. You may find you need fuel and hydration between aid stations.

Only One Earbud. We prefer you listen to the melodious bird song. If you must listen to something else, please only wear your right earbud. Keep the volume low or wear ‘open’ ear buds.

Practice good sportsmanship. This seems to be the standard in the trail running community, so let’s keep it going. Please no swearing on course. Be respectful to the volunteers. They are there for you!

No pacing or bandits. Non-registered individuals may not join racers either on-foot or otherwise along the course.

Stay on race route. Do not short cut switchbacks, etc. It hurts the environment and it is cheating and you may be subject to disqualification. If there is a problem with the course marking, please let us know so we can fix it.

At Road Crossings, Obey Marshals and Traffic Control. Vehicles have the right of way, and we do not want our racers getting hit by a car. You MUST obey marshals and USE highway crossing walk signals where applicable. If no marshals are present, obey the rules of the road. Think about it…you would have to tell your friends that you were hit by a car on a trail race!

Railroad crossings. Some races have active railroad tracks on the course. Check both ways for trains before proceeding.

Dogs. Sorry, dogs are NOT allowed to run with participants. Dogs may be at the event but must always be on leash. Be aware when on course as other trail users may have off-leash dogs with them.

Trekking poles are allowed. Do not use poles at the start until the field has thinned out. If you use poles, please be aware of where you are placing or flicking them. We do not want a pole in someone’s foot or other body part.

Injured runner. If you come across an injured fellow runner, please stay with them until help arrives. Every Aid Station and Race Sweep has a radio and can call for medical assistance.

Leaving the race course. Runners may only leave the race route for an emergency. They can also leave to help a runner in distress. Another reason to leave is to access an outhouse or bathroom. Additionally, viewing some incredible scenery close to the trail is acceptable. If you leave the race course for any of the stated reasons, please return promptly. Go back to where you first left the trail.

Dropping out. If you need to leave the race, you MUST inform a Marshal, Aid Station volunteer or a Race Ranger. Make sure to give them your bib number. If we can’t account for your whereabouts an expensive search and rescue operation will be initiated.

Have fun! It’s a rule! After all, you signed up for this!!