Rules & Regulations

This is a USAT Sanctioned Event.  Athletes must follow USAT Rules which can be found here: https://www.teamusa.org/~/media/USA_Triathlon/PDF/About%20USAT/USAT%20Competitive%20Rules%20%20%20Updated%2011%2014.pdf

Please keep in mind this is a challenge, not a race. We want you to pace yourself for endurance and finish the event vs race each day as fast as you can and not be able to finish.  With that said, we will be keeping track of time for event timing metric purposes as well as to provide to USAT per their requirement.  There will be no first, second, third place winners, only finishers and participants.

 USA Triathlon

AIR TRAVEL

We will be traveling together and ask that all athletes, crew and staff wear an EPIC5 piece of apparel to represent our group. This may be a shirt, hat, visor, jacket or other item of your choice.

With the exception of Kauai to Oahu, which is a larger plane, we will be split into smaller planes in an effort to evenly distribute luggage and avoid any delays (i.e. bikes!).  Athlete, Crew Chief and Bikes will go on the largest of the interisland planes. 

All associated costs for luggage are the responsibility of the athlete.

Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Fees up to 50 lbs are as follows for interisland travel:

$25         1st checked bag ($17 for Hawaiian Miles members)

$35         2nd checked bag ($20 for Hawaiian Miles members)

$50         Each additional piece

$35         Excess weight fee 51-70 lbs

$35         Oversize (Bike Box) fee

Recommended Checked Luggage (per athlete/team)

  • 1 bike w/bike box (with extra wheels inside if able)
  • 1 large suitcase or 2 small-medium suitcases – for athlete gear & supplies 
  • 1 cooler (will be provided by event) – pack with nutrition & secure closed with luggage straps. Remove ice.

Check one piece of luggage per person to get the 1st checked bag lower rate.

NOTE: Crew should NOT check any luggage and should do carry on only.  We are at high risk for luggage being delayed if we have too much. The airlines will remove a bike box to fit more luggage pieces.

Carry on luggage:

  • Carry-on bag – 1 per crew, pack light (allowed up to 2 pieces per person)
  • Athlete duffel bag (provided by event)
  • 22″ length x 14″ width x 9″ height (45 linear inches)
  • Maximum weight: 25 pounds (11.5 kg)

 

AWARD CEREMONY

Award ceremony shall take place nearby at Fosters Kitchen. All finishers shall receive an award. Each athlete, both finishers & participants will be invited to speak a few words about their experience. Attendance not required, but highly encouraged for both athlete & crew.   A plated dinner, dessert & adult beverages is included.

 

BIKES

  • Mandatory Inspection as part of the pre-event briefing. Please bring bike, helmet, front and back lights.
  • Bikes subject to inspection in transition area or any other time by event mechanics.
  • There will be two bike mechanics on staff traveling with us who are available to assist with bike build & breakdown on each island. They will also be on course to help with any bike issues during the event. Bike storage is the responsibility of athlete and crew (i.e. during run).
  • Bike helmet and chin strap must be worn at all times while on bike, whether moving or not.
  • All bikes must be equipped with operational head and rear lights. Lights must be turned on at sunset. We recommend having a backup light should the first fail. Recommend a solid strong light with minimum 500 lumens as there will be areas of darkness with no street lights.

 

COURSE

If conditions develop causing a change in plans, efforts will be made to either modify the course and/or postpone until conditions are safe.

 

EVENT SANCTIONING

This event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon. As part of this sanction, each participant will be required to hold a current USAT membership, sign USAT waiver (AWRL), and Medical Consent and Release Form. Any participant who does not possess a valid USAT card will be required to complete an application for a single event permit as part of the registration process. We will have forms onsite at the pre event meeting.

 

FILMING

Filming of the event for commercial or private use must have prior approval in writing. Film makers must adhere to all rules of the road and focus on safety first.

 

MEDICAL

  • Event staff ability to provide medical services is limited due to the strenuous nature of the event.
  • While we may have medical personnel on staff, event staff will not be expected to provide emergency medical services. However, all medical situations or emergencies should be reported to medical event staff immediately for awareness purposes. 1st, 2nd and 3rd point of contacts for medical situations will be highlighted on the contact cards distributed at our pre-event meeting.
  • If an athlete becomes injured or cannot continue for any reason, crew support must notify event staff immediately.
  • Support crew is responsible for transporting athlete to the nearest hospital for emergency treatment.

 

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS

Colin Cross is our Professional Photographer for the event. His photos may be used for personal use on Twitter/Facebook by linking to the EPIC5 Official Flickr library. Please publish photo credits to Colin Cross. Any usage in blogs, newspapers, with sponsors, advertising, professional media require approval and/or purchase by contacting Colin at colinfcross@gmail.com.

 

 RENTAL CARS

All ground transportation to be arranged directly by athlete or his/her representative. We recommend this be done as far in advance as possible. Minivans are strongly recommended to fit bikes, luggage and crew.  SUVs may also work but typically have less space.

More details on rental cars can be found HERE.

Let us know if you need help!

 

SAFETY

  • Safety is top priority. All traffic signals, rules & laws must be obeyed at all times by both athlete & crew support.
  • Safety must be exercised at all times, especially when on any of the highways. Please stay on the shoulder except when crossing.
  • Runners must have operational headlamps to be turned on at sunset. We recommend having a backup light should the first fail. Recommend a solid strong light as there will be areas of darkness with no street lights.

 

SWIM

Athletes will be required to wear the official event swim cap during the swim. These will be provided in the EPIC swag bag

Each Athlete’s team is required to provide swim escort support on Kauai, Oahu & in Kona. If a crew member is unable to provide support, please contact us to assist with finding a volunteer.

Event will provide watercraft (SUP or kayak – not always a choice).

 

SUPPORT

  • This is a self-supported course, meaning each athlete is responsible for securing his/her own nutrition and crew, as well as ground transportation (i.e. rental cars for you & your crew – see RENTAL CAR section). Should you need assistance with finding crew or reserving rental cars, we’re happy to help.
  • Due to the strenuous nature of this event, a minimum of 3 person support crew is required.  Supporting an athlete can be an epic event in itself and sleep deprivation will likely set in.
  • The role of the crew is EXTREMELY important as they are the lifeline for the athlete’s health & safety. Support crew is a requirement & must be able to think for the athlete when he/she has reached exhaustion. It’s important the crew is able to rest too.
  • There will not be aid stations out on the course, however there will be limited aid station support & medical supplies at the transition areas as well as in staff vehicles.
  • Athlete crew will provide primary support during the swim, bike & run. 
  • Each crew car shall have clearly marked signage on the rear of the car indicating athlete crew support (event will provide signage during pre-event meeting).
  • While driving, crew should only pull over when it is safe and there is plenty of room to completely clear the road for other cars.
  • Emergency flashing lights should be used at all times when pulled over or tending to an athlete.
  • We recommend the leapfrog method between support & athlete.
  • Each support crew must have a minimum of one English speaking person who can translate for the athlete and other crew if needed.
  • Support Crew or athlete must check in with event staff at each transition.
  • There must be a minimum of two crew in the car at all times

 

TEAMWORK

Although this event will be one of individual endurance, no one would be able to finish it without the cooperation inherent in good teamwork. Each support team will be required to provide for their participant’s needs and must not hinder or interfere with another team or person at any time. On the other hand, the underlying philosophy of this event is to encourage and promote the spirit of camaraderie with respect for all. Therefore, honesty, good judgment and sportsmanlike conduct are all integral parts of the event and will be expected of everyone at all times.

 

TIME LIMITS

There are no time limits to finishing each day other than being able to make the group flights.

 

TRADEMARK AND EVENT LOGOS

The event name and logos are registered marks which may not be used or reproduced in any manner without prior written consent from the Race Director. Any artwork including the logo must be submitted in advance to the Race Director and approved.  A logo licensing fee may be charged. Such marks, as well as selected sponsor logos, may be required to be worn and/or displayed by participants and team members during certain portions of the event. Notification of such requirements, if any, will be made as part of the registration process. Participants may make copies of pertinent written materials in connection with preparations for the event; however, such copies are for personal use only and may only be distributed to bona fide team members who may not reproduce them in any manner thereafter.

 

USA TRIATHLON MOST COMMONLY VIOLATED RULES

Helmets: Only helmets approved by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may be used in USAT sanctioned events. Helmets must be worn at all times while on your bike. This means before, during, and after the event.

Penalty: Disqualification

Chin Straps: Chin straps must be buckled at all times when on a bicycle. DO NOT unbuckle your chin strap unless you are off your bicycle.

Penalty: Disqualification on the course

Drafting: Drafting–keep at least three bike lengths of clear space between you and the cyclist in front. If you move into the zone, you must pass within 15 seconds. Position–keep to the right hand side of the lane of travel unless passing. Blocking–riding on the left side of the lane without passing anyone and interfering with other cyclists attempting to pass. Overtaken–once passed, you must immediately exit the draft zone from the rear, before attempting to pass again.

Course: All competitors are required to follow the prescribed course. Cutting the course is an obvious violation and going outside the course is a safety issue. Cyclists shall not cross a solid yellow center line for ANY reason. Cyclists must obey all applicable traffic laws at all times.

Penalty: Course Marshal’s discretion

Unsportsmanlike-Like Conduct: Foul, harsh, argumentative or abusive language or other unsportsmanlike conduct directed at race officials, USA Triathlon officials, volunteers, spectators or fellow athletes is forbidden.
Penalty: Disqualification

Headphones: Headphones, headsets, walkmans, ipods, mp3 players, or personal audio devices, etc. are not to be carried or worn at any time during the event.

Wetsuits: Each participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, participants may wear a wetsuit at their own discretion. Above 84 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited.

Abandonment: All personal equipment and belongings taken out onto the course must stay on the athlete the entire time. No garbage, clothing, etc. shall be thrown on the course.