The Cumby Race Rules (in person races)

We are pleased you can join us for the in person Full Cumby 25 km, the Half Cumby 14 km or the Quarter Cumby - 6 km.  Please read the following rules and guidelines so that we can keep everyone safe.  All the way to the end!     

• We will be following the current Public Health Order to prevent the spread of COVID.  The race director will send you an update the week leading up to race day.       
• You must show ID to register on race day.  No bandits and no running through the finish chute if you are not registered.  Please have your bib visibly displayed as we will be taking numbers at the checkpoints and, of course, at the finish line.    
• All participants under 19 on race day must have parental consent, and parents/guardians must sign a waiver on race day. You must be at least 16 on race day to participate in the 25k.  Youth on the 14k and 6 km course are recommended to have a racing adult with them at all times.  We anticipate that parents and guardians have the best knowledge of their child’s capabilities.  Please be aware the this is a wilderness course with many uphill climbs, rocky and rooty sections, and steeper pitches. The Quarter Cumby course will be especially well marked with pink flagging tape and ground markings. We have increased the number of marshals for this particular Cumby race route.  
• Racers, if you come across an injured runner you must stop and provide assistance. Stay with the injured runner, the next runner will go to the nearest marshal or checkpoint to get help.  The contact for Race Central will be provided to you prior to race day.  There will be mobile first aid attendants, as well as first aid available at the aid stations.     If you are injured, ask for help from the next runner.  Stay with the runner, or marshal or aid station and the attendant will come to you.     
• The course will be well marked with lime, signage and pink ribbons, especially at trail junctions. Stay on the designated, marked trail. Organizers reserve the right to change the route from the posted trail map as required.  
•  If you need to end your race prematurely, go to the next marshal or aid station, and announce your decision. The marshal will direct you to the possible ways back to race central. You may have to walk or wait until a ride is available. It is very important that you do not leave the race without alerting a race official that you are not completing it.  You must also check in at Race Central.  If we have not been alerted that you are not completing the race we will need to send out a search party while you might be happily at home in the bath.  Grrrrr!     
• We do not have priority access to the lands and they are used by many people, dog walkers, hikers, runners, elders and mountain bikers.  Please respect everyone on the trails.  Please note the Cumberland Trail Network Etiquette guide for running in the Cumberland Trail Network under resources on this website.  Please note that you represent the running community in training for the Cumby and for running the Cumby. 
• Mountain bikers may pose a significant risk to runners.  Be particularly aware of bikers coming downhill on runners going uphill with restricted visibility. In some situations it may be advisable to step off of the trail. We have designed the courses such that on most trails, runners and mountain bikers proceed in the same direction, however not always.  You have a role to play in minimizing your risk. Be aware of your surroundings.    
• If you come across a bear or a cougar, do not proceed.  Alert other racers that there is a bear or cougar in the area.  Hopefully they will wander off.  Please see the links about traveling in bear and cougar country on our website.   
• No Nordic poles.  No baby strollers.  No dogs. No smoking. No littering.   
• One ear bud only if you absolutely must.  No exceptions as we need you to hear the mountain bikers, animals and marshals trying to get your attention.   
• We recommend that you walk all the bridges.  Walking ONLY bridges are signed as such. Assume all bridges and boardwalks are slippery. Keep to the center. Some bridges have a considerable drop off. Bouncing may occur.   
• All trails have been inspected and brushed. However there are always hazards. This is a wilderness race. Be especially mindful of branches at eye level, and unstable conditions on steep downhills. Lift your feet!    
• There are no time cutoffs as we want to support all racers coming across the finish line.  The 14 and 25 km courses are running races. We anticipate you are able to complete the 25 km course within a 5 hour limit or the 14 km course in under 3.5  hours. Registered walkers are welcome and encouraged to participate in the 6 km or the virtual 7.5 km race.   
• Last but the most important.  Take a moment to thank at least one of the many, many volunteers and race organizers who gave up many hours of preparation and their Saturday to support you on your race day.  We have the very best volunteers and that’s a fact.