The Cumby Race Rules

We are pleased you can join us for the Full Cumby 26 km, the Half Cumby 16 km or the Quarter Cumby - 7.5 km.  Please read the following rules and guidelines so that we can keep everyone safe.  All the way to the end!     

• The race director will send you an update the week leading up to race day.  Please watch for it and read it.        
• 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 on your front 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 16k and 7.5 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, , more marshals, directional signs and ground markings. 
• We have 2 familiarization runs on March 29 and  April 12, 2025.  We encourage everyone, especially new Cumby racers and youth to participate. 
• 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 number 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. The attendant will come to you.     
• The course will be well marked with  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 Share the Trails  on this website.  Please note that you represent the running community while you are training for, or racing in the Cumby.  Let's continue to enjoy the trails with all users.  Thank trail users if they move aside for you.  
• Mountain bikers may pose a significant risk to runners.  Be particularly aware of bikers coming downhill towards  runners going uphill especially 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.   No bad behavior. 
• 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. 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!     
•  The Half and Full Cumby are running races.
•  Cut off for 16 km course at the 4 km (AS#2 on map, top of RoundOut) mark is 50 minutes from the start.  
• Cut off for 26 km course at 18 km (AS#3) is 3hrs 30" from the start. We anticipate all Full Cumby racers  will be through the finish line  in 5 hours.
• There is no cutoff for the Quarter Cumby. 
• Use good judgement when you choose your 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.