MERRELL spring challenge All Women’s Adventure Race

Merrell Spring Challenge Race Rules (2026)

Before You Start

  • Stay off the course until the official start, that means after you’ve received your maps and notes.

  • Start in your allocated wave. No jumping the queue!

During the Race

Team Rules

  • Stick together, your team must stay within 50m at all times.

  • You must start, race, and finish as a team to be officially ranked.

  • Everyone needs to pass within 10m of each control.

  • No swapping team members during the race.

  • If one teammate withdraws, you may continue as a pair, but only with Race Director approval.

Navigation & Course

  • Follow your maps and course notes carefully (especially road sections).

  • Missed checkpoints = 2-hour penalty each.

  • Teams that clear the full course will always rank higher.

  • GPS watches are fine for time, distance, speed , but no navigation or mapping functions.

Gear

  • Carry all compulsory gear from TA1 to the finish.

  • Head torches required:

    • 3-hour: 1 per team

    • 6 & 9-hour: 1 per person

  • Bike lights required in low light (white front, red rear).

  • Rafting stage: life jackets (provided), helmet, wetsuit or drysuit, and footwear must be worn.

Timing & Bibs

  • Carry your timing transponder the whole race, return it at the finish (lost = replacement fee).

  • Wear your race bibs clearly visible at all times (over outer layers is best).

  • Don’t alter your bibs, damaged or lost bibs may incur a fee.

Transition Areas (TA)

  • Enter and leave TAs together as a team.

  • Exit through the timing point every time.

  • Support crews can only help their team in the TA. .

Support & Communication

  • No assistance from supporters during the race.

  • Supporters must stay out of restricted Transition Areas.

  • Phones are for emergencies only (and photos if you must).

    • No navigation

    • No outside communication

Road & General Safety

  • Some sections are on public roads, follow normal road rules.

  • You are responsible for your own safety at all times.

Respect the Environment

  • Respect landowners, locals, and the public.

  • Leave gates as you find them, or close them if unsure (use hinges when climbing).

  • No littering, pick up anything you drop (or see).

  • Use toilets where provided.

Penalties & Compliance

  • Missing compulsory gear = time penalty.

  • Missing checkpoints = 2 hours per checkpoint.

  • Not following rules may affect your ranking.

E-Bikes

  • Allowed in the 3 & 6-hour events only.

  • Must be declared to organisers.

  • E-bike teams will be unranked.

Withdrawals

  • If you withdraw, tell the nearest TA immediately.

  • Return your transponder and bib set at the finish.

Protests & Complaints

  • Any issues must be submitted in writing within 1 hour of finishing.

  • The Race Director and jury will make the final call.

Final Note

Use common sense, look after each other, and enjoy the adventure. That’s what it’s all about.