Race Rules + Gear

Racer Documents

Downloads so you can plan for race day:

Racer Information Package – This is your first resource for information on the Sinister 7. It contains everything you need to know about the race and more.

Waiver – This form is mandatory for all racers. Nobody is allowed on the course without one. You can bring it with you signed and witnessed.

Medical Form – This form is optional. Fill it out if you have a medical condition or anything you want our medics to know (contact lenses to heart problems).

Emergency Protocol – Please review this document as it will help you understand what to do in case of an emergency.

Rules and Definitions

Recommended Gear

We strongly recommend that racers carry the following gear. You may elect to carry additional gear, like bear spray, at your discretion.

1. Headlamp w/ new batteries (carried after 6:00pm)
2. Full water bottle or hydration pack
3. Wind/water resistant jacket
4. Toque or warm hat
5. Sun hat
6. Sunglasses
7. Clear eye protection (on Leg 5 due to dense forest)
8. Whistle
9. Space blanket
10. Bear spray or bear banger (IF you know how to use it)
11. Timing Chip (mandatory - assigned at registration)
12. Race Number (mandatory - assigned at registration)
13. Death Race Coin (mandatory - assigned at registration)

If you do not wear your timing chip or bib number and carry the Death Race Coin, as per the race rules, you are not considered a competitor in the event.

Additional Gear

While the list above is suggested gear, please consider bringing extra kit that will help you in case of foul weather or crushing heat. These items can be stored in your support vehicle for easy access. Also see the Support Crew Information other ideas.

Restricted / Prohibited Items

• Headphones: See Rule #24
• Performance-Enhancing Drugs: See Rule #25
• Dogs: Competitors are not allowed to bring dogs onto the course.

Race Rules

Updated April 30, 2019

New! See our new Gender Category Policy.

1. Racers are required to sign a waiver provided by Sinister Sports prior to commencing the race. You are not considered a participant without a signed waiver.
2. Racers are responsible for their own medical coverage and all costs incurred by any form of treatment or hospitalization if they are injured during the race.
3. The race officially begins at 08:00hrs on race day.
4. Near Death Marathon racers have 9.5 hours to complete the race.
5. Ultramarathon racers, including teams, have 24 hours to complete the race.
6. Cut-off times are as follows:
• Start Leg 2 – 12:00pm Saturday
• Finish (Marathon) – 5:30pm Saturday
• Start Leg 3 – 5:30pm Saturday
• Start Leg 4 – 7:45pm Saturday
• Start Leg 5 – 4:45am Sunday
• Last Boat (CP513) – 6:30am
• Finish (Ultra) – 8:00am Sunday
7. Competitors cannot change categories or distances once the race has commenced.
8. The only means of travel allowed for racers on the course is self-powered on foot (running, walking, crawling); if you accept or partake in any other means of travel, you will be disqualified.
9. Pacers are not allowed; registered runners can run together on their specific leg of the race (eg: a relay runner who competed on Leg 1 cannot go back onto the course to pace someone on Leg 5).
10. The timing chip provided at registration must be returned at the end of the race. Not doing so will result in a $60 charge with no exceptions.
11. Race numbers must be visible and worn on the front of your body.
12. Racers must have their assigned race number, timing chip, Death Race Coin, and ID bracelet on their person at all times during the race.
13. All racers must show their Death Race coin at the relay exchange zones, and the summit of each mountain if requested by race marshals. In Greek mythology, Charon is the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the river Styx (that divides the world of the living from the world of the dead). A coin is used to pay Charon for passage. This coin must be carried at all times by soloists and the runner for each leg and given to the grim reaper at the river for access to the boat. Runners who lose their coin will not be permitted access to the boat resulting in a DNF.
14. All runners must check in at all Checkpoints and Transition Areas. Your number and time will be recorded before you continue on the course.
15. The course is marked and runners must adhere to the designated route; any deviance or short cuts will result in disqualification.
16. During the highway sections, racers are not permitted to run on the pavement of the Highway and must stay in the ditch, following the quad track. Racers may only cross the highway at designated marshaled locations when safe to do so. Watch for traffic as the highway is not closed.
17. Upon reaching the summit of Hamell racers must check in at the Forestry cabin with race volunteers. The racer will then be instructed to run along the spine of Hamell and retrieve a summit flag at the cliff bluffs above Hell's Canyon. The racer then must return to the Forestry cabin with the summit flag as proof of having attained the turnaround point. Details to follow on race day at the race briefing Friday night.
18. You may not loiter at the Hamell Forestry cabin for any reason other than to check-in with race marshals and to turn in your summit flag. Seeking the shelter of the cabin for any period of time will disqualify a racer. The Hamell Hut is intended as an emergency shelter only for rescue purposes.
19. ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING ON THE HIGHWAY. Vehicles will be towed and/or fined by RCMP that will be strictly enforcing this rule. Race Parking Pass is required for entry to transition areas and strictly enforced. Obey all parking rules and Parking Marshals.
20. If any act of nature and/or uncontrollable act takes place that inhibits your progress on the course (e.g. train crossing, rockslide) no time credit will be given; these factors are a part of the race.
21. Racers are allowed assistance (i.e. support crew, volunteer, race marshal or bystander) only at designated Transition Areas (TAs). This assistance can in no way help you in covering mileage on the course or give you required items after the race start. Accepting assistance outside a TA from anyone besides a registered racer or medic will result in disqualification. You can receive assistance from registered runners or appointed race medics anywhere on the course, even outside of designated transition areas, providing that the assistance is not in the form of transportation.
22. Racers are not allowed to cache food or gear along the course except at the designated Transition Area.
23. Littering on the course is unacceptable and will result in immediate disqualification.
24. Headphones must be removed in a Checkpoint or Transition Area. Not doing so may result in disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director. If used on course, only one earbud should be worn and the volume kept at an acceptable level so that you can hear your surroundings without disturbing other competitors.
25. Any racer found using, or supplying performance-enhancing drugs to other racers, will be disqualified and permanently barred from all Sinister Sports races. See http://list.wada-ama.org/ for banned substances.
26. Any competitor that drops out of the race must notify the nearest race marshal or director at the earliest opportunity. Do not drop out of the race without telling race officials as this will result in a costly search and you will be billed.
27. Age Limits:
    1. There is no specified age limit for runners. Parents and guardians of a minor are advised to check the course description and determine the best options for the participant.
    2. For competitors under the age of 18, we must receive consent by way of a waiver signed by the competitors parent or guardian. This is required and no exceptions will be made.
28. If emergency evacuation is required, the cost will be the responsibility of the individual in need of assistance. This includes the cost of airlifting and helicopter or ground search if required.
29. Medical staff and/or Race Directors may remove any racer from the race course if they feel it is unsafe for the racer to proceed (e.g. natural hazards, hypothermia, dehydration, frostbite, debilitating injury).
30. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director.
31. Any disputes with the race course, race results, course management, or the actions of other racers must be submitted to the Race Director, in writing, within 30 minutes of the end of the race. If not received within this time, complaints will not be considered.
32. The Race Director will determine if there has been a violation of these rules and will be the final authority in assigning penalties.