Rules & Regulations

Regulations for Paradise TrailsTM

Organisation

Paradise Trails is organized by Uphill EMGTM, a division of Brand Aid® Pvt. Ltd. The event will take place in the state of Goa on November 24, 2018. At all times, designated organizing team members can be reached in person before or during the race on a special phone number that will be given to each participant. We urge participants that when racing, please try to solve any problems locally but contact us immediately when local solutions don't seem to be working. Prior to the race you can contact the race management on ptg@uphillemg.com

Definition of the event

The trails will circumference the Goan terrain, taking runners through forests, hills and flat trails. The race will start at 6:00 AM with a cut-off time of 22 hours. The race is designed to put runners out of their comfort zones and give them the trail running experience of a lifetime.

Conditions of participation

Paradise Trials is open to all runners over 18 years of age, male or female, and belonging to any nationality. Participants over 16 years old may also enroll for Paradise Trails, subject to prior consent from Uphill EMGTM and written permission from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). They will have to meet the same requirements as adults.

Additionally, to participate, it is essential:

  • To be totally aware of the length and the specificity of the event and to be perfectly prepared for it.
  • To know how to face, without outside help, climatic conditions which can become very difficult due to the forest area (night, cold, heat)
  • To know how to manage, even if one finds oneself isolated, physical or mental problems arising from high fatigue, digestive problems, muscular or joint pain, minor ailments, etc.
  • To be fully aware, that it is not the role of the organization to help a runner to overcome these specific problems and that for such an activity in Goa, security depends upon the capacity of the runner to adapt to the problems encountered, or envisaged

Understanding the rule of semi autonomy

Semi autonomy is defined as having the capacity to be autonomous between two refreshment posts, not only on the food and water front but also that of clothing and security, being able to adapt oneself in particular to problems encountered or envisaged (weather, physical problems, injuries)

This principle is implicated in the following rules:

  • Each runner must have all his obligatory equipment with him/her at all times during the race (see paragraph EQUIPMENT). He/she shall carry this equipment in a pack and it must not be changed during the course. At any time during the race, the marshals can verify the bags, its contents. The runner is obliged to accept these controls in a friendly manner, at the risk of exclusion from the race.
  • Refreshment posts have been supplied with drinks and food to consume on the spot. Only plain water (excluding other drinks) is authorized for filling-up water bottles or bags. Each runner must be sure to have, upon leaving each refreshment post, the quantity of water and food necessary for him/her to reach the next refreshment post.
  • Personal family assistance is not tolerated. All professional assistance (team or professional trainer, doctor or other persons in the medical profession, paramedics...) is also strictly forbidden.
  • The remainder of the refreshment post is strictly reserved for the runners. You must follow the path scheduled inside the refreshment post if you would like to stop.
  • It is forbidden, to be accompanied or agree to be accompanied during all or any part of the race by a person not enrolled in the event (in other words: no pacers!)

Enrolment conditions

A specific medical certificate is necessary to validate your registration. It must stipulate that the runner is physically fit to participate in such a race. It is obligatory to bring this medical certificate to the race and show it when collecting your bib number on site. (IN ORIGINAL)

summary of our general guidelines

We will provide all participants with the safest, well-organized and spectacular running experience as possible. Due to the relative remoteness and inaccessibility of our trails, and the potentially active (mostly friendly) wildlife that participants may encounter, Paradise Trails differs substantially from other organized footraces in India. Adequate mental and physical preparations are of utmost importance for each runner, as the tiresome hills climbs and quad-destroying down-hills (though beautiful), are relentless in their challenge and unforgiving to the unprepared. Enrolling into this race automatically means that you have agreed to the following:

  • No whining of any kind at any time for any reason. Remember you are here on your own free will.
  • The owner of Uphill EMG has the final authority on any issue, question, concern or dispute that may arise during the race.
  • Absolutely no littering of any kind, except for the trash zones provided at every aid station, will be tolerated. You must, at all costs, respect the natural beauty of our playground. Goa is a natural paradise and its trails are meant for others just as much they are for you. Enjoy them don't ruin them.
  • Being pulled out of the race for medical / safety reasons can be decided by the medical / rescue team without the participant's consent. We have given them such discretionary powers to ensure your safety and well being. Please be mature enough to understand this.
  • Participants, carrying large quantities of water and sufficient food supplies at all times is compulsory. Due to the remoteness of the environment, you may have to wait for assistance for longer than anticipated. Always pack for the worst! Your well being (even survival) therefore depends on your good packing sense.

Registration

Registrations are strictly online. Payments must be made on www.paradisetrailsgoa.com, via a secured payment gateway that we have provided.

Post registration and payment, a conformation email will be automatically sent with the relevant details to the participant's registered email ID. Remember, no registrations or requests will be accepted, via emails, letters, text messages, etc.

Cancellation and refund policy

It is hereby made clear that no refunds will be processed under any circumstances. The fees of any participant not able to compete in the race will be automatically transferred to the next year and will not be returned. Such transfer of fees will be carried forward only for the next event, and if the participant fails to register for the consecutive event, his/her fees will be forfeited. Furthermore, such participants must note that in case if the race fees increase in the next year, they will have to pay the difference in order to confirm their participation.

Important note: ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST COMMUNICATE THEIR INTENTION OF CANCELLATION IN WRITING, VIA EMAIL ONLY. NO MESSAGES, PHONE CALLS OR OTHER FORMS OF COMMUNICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED OR CONSIDERED AND NO TRANSFER OF FEES WILL BE DONE IN SUCH CASES.

EQUIPMENT

In order to participate in our events, some obligatory equipment is required. However it is important to note that those are the minimum necessary and that each trail-runner must adapt it according to their needs. It is important not to choose apparel and gear that is of the lightest possible weight in order to gain a few grams only, but choose items that will give real protection against the weather, therefore giving a good level of security and performance.

  101 K
Backpack, running belt or any other element allowing you to carry your compulsory gear during the race. OBLIGATORY
GPS OBLIGATORY
(Will Be Provided by Organisers)
Mobile phone with fully charged battery (Keep it switched off as much as you can when you run to preserve the battery) + the security numbers of the organization added to the repertoire + local police / emergency number. OBLIGATORY
Stock of water minimum1-2 liter. (Hand-held bottles or water pouch, Camelbak type or both.) 2 Liter
OBLIGATORY
Whistle OBLIGATORY
Two torches or headlamps in proper working condition with 1-2 sets of replacement batteries for each device. OBLIGATORY
Reflective Vest OBLIGATORY
Adhesive elastic band to enable making a bandage or a strapping (mini 100 cm x 6 cm) OBLIGATORY
Identity papers (Passport, Pan Card, etc.) OBLIGATORY
The sum of INR 500 for contingencies OBLIGATORY
Knife or scissors to cut the elastic band and remove the thorns from your shoe soles RECOMMENDED
Own personal food reserve (bars, gels, dry fruits, snacks... anything you like) RECOMMENDED
Cap, hat or bandana RECOMMENDED
Sunglasses RECOMMENDED

Very strongly recommended:

  • Compass, sun cream, Vaseline or Anti-chaffing cream, needle, Compeed band-aids, poles...
  • All clothing must be the runner's size and without alteration since leaving the factory.
  • You will carry this material in a pack, which is not exchangeable during the race.
  • For all your questions concerning obligatory equipment consult the FAQs.

RACE BIBS

Every runner will be provided with a BIB. Every bib is individually handed to each runner upon furnishing of a valid photographic proof of identity. Your race pack and checking of all your obligatory equipment will also be done thoroughly before giving you your bib.

The race bib must be worn at all times during the race and on the front of the body (chest, stomach, leg) and must be fully visible throughout the entire race. It must, therefore, always be positioned over any clothing and cannot for any reason be fixed onto the back. For photographic and marketing purposes, the name and logo of the sponsors must neither be modified, nor hidden.

Remember, No bib number means NO access to any aid station or medical staff!

RESCUE AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

An infirmary will be open in race campsite for the duration by the event. Runners who have a severe medical problem may make use of it. First aid posts are positioned at different points throughout the course. These posts are in radio or telephone liaison with a race control room. A medical control team is present during the entire duration of the event at the campsite but also at specific key points along the routes. The rescue posts are aimed at bringing help to any person in danger. If it appears that a runner is in too much difficulty or seriously injured to call for assistance; one other runner must go in person to a first aid point or make a phone call to the race officials, or ask another runner to alert the first aiders. It is essential that each runner helps anybody in danger and alerts the first aid point.

Do not forgot, that due to the problems related to the environment, one might have to wait for assistance for longer than anticipated. Your security, therefore, depends upon the quality of the materials that you have in your pack allowing you to survive on your own for short period of time or a few hours.

A runner calling on a doctor or a rescuer submits himself to their authority and undertakes to accept their decisions. The first-aiders and official doctors are authorized especially:

  • To put any competitor unfit to continue the event out of the race (by invalidating the race bib).
  • To rescue runners whom they judge in danger, by any means at their disposal.
  • To hospitalize at their convenience any runners whose state of health requires serious medical help.

Expenses incurred, resulting from emergency assistance or evacuation, are payable by the person rescued who is also responsible for all costs relating to their return from the area to where they were rescued. The only resort is then for the runner to constitute and present a dossier to his personal insurance within the deadline given. Consequently, we strongly recommend that all competitors have their own accident insurances that will cover any eventual costs of search and rescue.

Each runner must stay on the way-marked paths, or the GPS route he's been given, even to rest for a while. Any runner who voluntarily leaves such path is no longer under the responsibility of the organization.

CONTROL AND AID STATION

A control process is carried out on the arrival of any rescue or refreshment post / aid station.Only the runners carrying a visible and duly controlled race number will have access to the aid station.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

The minute you enter campsite, you must obey this simple rule: all trash must be put in a trash can. There will be plenty all around the campsite. It's an easy rule to follow, so just do it!

During the race, the same rule applies and any participant seen littering in the outdoors and along the route will be stopped immediately and shall be disqualified on the spot. This is a serious matter and we must all have the largest respect for this environment, which is our playground. A small pouch for collecting your rubbish is handed to you with collecting your race number. Wear it on you during the race and put all your rubbish in it until you reached an aid station where bigger trash cans will be available. Trash cans are provided in large numbers at every aid station and they must be used.

Also, to avoid the wastage of disposable plastic cups during the race, every runner has to equip himself with a tumbler (minimum volume of 15cl) or a bottle or Camelback type of bag.

DNF RULES/DROPPING OUT RULES

While no one likes to contemplate it, but there may come a time when it is smarter for a participant to decide to drop out than to continue. He/she may also miss the cut-off times or be pulled out for a medical reason. While such participants may likely be upset at that time, they must nonetheless notify race management personnel as soon as possible and surrender their bib numbers. They will be ranked as DNF (Did Not Finish). Except for a bad injury, runners must only abandon at an aid station. They must alert the head of the aid station who will then invalidate their race-bib. If a runner abandons somewhere else other than an aid station, we will have to spend a huge amount of time and resources trying to find and rescue him/her. In case of abandonment before a control point, it is imperative to return to the previous control point and inform the post leader of one's abandonment. It may be very hard for us, or impossible, to arrange transportation for a DNF runner from their dropout points back to the base camp. In any case, a participant may have to wait for long stretches of time and hence despite our best efforts to get them back. Finally, if a runner meets the end of race sweepers, they will invalidate the race bib and help him/her reach the next aid station. If the runner wants to continue to run the course without bib number, he/she will no longer be under the organization's surveillance and control.

GPS

Paradise Trails will be a GPS only navigated race. The route will be preloaded on to GPS devices that will be handed to participants by the organizers. For those unfamiliar with the GPS, the organizers will take amole steps to ensure that every participant understands how the device works. Not choosing to run with the GPS will render a participant disqualified with the status of DNS (Did not Start). Also turning off the GPS will result in disqualification. If your GPS is malfunctioning, contact the nearest Aid Station immediately, or you will be disqualified regardless. It is understood by the participant that while the GPS is in his/her custody, it is his/her responsibility to take care of the device. Loss of the device will have to be reimbursed by the participant.

AID STATIONS

Aid stations are compulsory checkpoints. They are located less than 10K interval all along the route. To avoid penalties, each runner must go through all of the aid stations. This allows the race officials to not only record timings but, more importantly, making sure that all runners have sufficient water with them at all times.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND RESCUE TEAM

Participation in this event is at the runner's own risk. Although race management has experienced medical personnel at various points along the course, the inaccessibility of some of the trail may make it difficult or even impossible for medical assistance to reach the runner immediately. Other than providing us with a proper medical certificate signed by a doctor and downloadable right here in this website (see R&R 6), each runner is encouraged to consult with his or her own personal physician regarding any physical or medical limitations before attempting the run.

Each runner must stay on the GPS route he's been given, even to rest for a while. Any runner who voluntarily leaves such path is no longer under the responsibility of the organization.

A medical control team is present during the entire duration of the event at the start and finish but also at specific key points along the routes. We strongly encourage the use of personal mobile phones for obvious safety reasons but because some of our trails are so remote, the device may not always work. Due to the remoteness of the environment, one might have to wait for assistance longer than anticipated. If it appears that a runner is in too much difficulty or seriously injured to call for assistance, the runners following them, or accompanying them must attend to their needs. If a participant finds another participant unconscious or in a semi-conscious state, he/she must not attempt to feed them or give them anything by mouth as they may be at the risk of choking through anything in their throat. If a runner is slightly injured but can get to the next aid station, the other runner should either get them there or make sure they are warm and tell the aid station crew where the person is so that rescue can be arranged. If the victim's injuries are such that they cannot be moved, the victim must be kept warm and on his side while others get help from the nearest aid station. The cardinal rule when providing first aid is to not hesitate to get help from professional whenever one realizes that he/she cannot provide the vital help needed. Communications with medical personnel then becomes the first requirement when dealing with a sick or injured runner. It is essential that each runner understands that the safety of all depends on the quality of the communication that is provided.

An unwell or injured runner calling on a doctor or a rescuer submits himself to their authority and undertakes to accept their decisions. The first-aiders and official doctors are authorized:

  • To stop any competitor considered unfit to continue the event (by invalidating the race bib).
  • To pull out and potentially hospitalize a runner at their discretion whom they judge in danger, by any means at their disposal.

Expenses incurred, resulting from emergency assistance or rescue, are payable by the person who has been rescued. The only resort is then for the runner to constitute and present a dossier of his/her personal insurance within the deadline given.

PENALTY AND DISQUALIFICATION

Race officials present on the course, and those in charge of different control and refreshment posts are authorized to uphold regulations and to immediately impose a penalty for non-respect, based on the following Rules:

BREACH OF RULES PENALTY - DISQUALIFICATION
Lack of any obligatory equipment Immediate disqualification
Taking a serious shortcut Penalty 1 hour to disqualification depending on the gravity of the action. Remember that the GPS you are given will keep track of your way so it will be easy for us to check how much you've cut.
Throwing away rubbish outside designated thrash disposal zones (voluntary act). Immediate disqualification
Rude behavior or loss of your cool towards anyone involved or not involved in the organization of this race, from marshals, to Volunteers to other participants, to even locals Penalty 1 hour to disqualification depending on the gravity of the action
Not helping someone in difficulty Penalty 2 hour to disqualification depending on the gravity of the action
Receiving help outside authorized zones Penalty 2 hour for the first time. Disqualification if repeated.
Cheating (using transport, sharing race number, doping, etc.) Immediate disqualification and ban for life from all Uphill EMG Races
Race number not visible Penalty ¼ hour (during which the runner adjusts his race number in the correct manner)
Recognized dangerous attitude (e.g.: sticks with unprotected points pointing at the runners or the spectators) Penalty 1 hour
Not passing through a control point Penalty 2 hour the first time. Disqualification if repeated.
Inappropriate or harmful behavior to others or wildlife Penalty 2 hour the first time. Disqualification if repeated.
Refusal to comply with an order from race control, from a race official, from a head of post, from a doctor or from a rescue worker Immediate disqualification
Departure from a control post after the hour limitation Immediate disqualification
Loss or voluntarily damage to the GPS device Will be paid by participants at actual.

Any other breach of the rules as sanctioned by the Race Marshals/Team/Jury.

COMPLAINTS

All objections must be in writing and lodged with the organizers, with a caution of INR 1000 (non-returnable if the objection is not valid), within two hours of the arrival at the finish line of the runner concerned. Event Jury will be made of: A representative of the runners, the President of the company that sets up the race, a member of the technical team, any relevant people chosen for their competences by the president and course director (a doctor, for example). The jury is authorized to give a ruling in the time compatible within the imperatives of the race on all the objections lodged during the event. The decisions will final, binding and without appeal.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that all competitors have their own accident insurances that will cover any eventual costs of search and rescue. Such insurance can be taken out with any organization of the competitor's choice.

INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS

Competitors who are sponsored may only have the sponsor's logos on their clothing or equipment used during the race. All other publicity accessories (flags, banners) are forbidden at all points of the race including at the finish, at the risk of penalties imposed by the jury.

PHOTO COPYRIGHT

Every competitor relinquishes their claim to photographic copyright during the event, and he relinquishes any recourse against the organizer and against his approved partners for the use of his image. Only the organization can pass on these rights for the image in any media, via an accreditation or an adapted license.

Paradise TrailsTM and Uphill EMGTM, the company behind this event, hold legal trademarks. Any communication about the event or that company, use of photographs of the event must be made respecting the name of the event, the trademarks and with the official agreement of the organization.