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The race
The Vernon endurance adventure race aims at groups of 2 or 4 people. In a non signaled route, the participants through the use of a map will have to reach certain checkpoints.
By rotating mountain biking, kayaking, running and rappel, the teams will be able to reach the checkpoints.
The teams that will finish without obtaining all the checkpoints will receive a penalty, without being disqualified.
Team members must constantly move along and reach the checkpoints together. They should carry a backpack with the obligatory equipments along with food and water.
The teams will cross the dense beech forests and alpine meadows of Mount Vernon choosing between forest roads and paths. They will go through friendly mountain settlements and deserted villages, will paddle through the lake Orestiada, a vibrant wetland in the town of Kastoria.
The Vernon endurance adventure race is for any individual who wants to test his/her physical strength and mental reserves as well as his/her teamwork and cooperation amongst his/her team members.
Vernon mountain – Lake of kastoria
Mount Vernon and the lake of Kastoria are both integrated in the network NATURA 2000. In these areas significant flora and fauna has been reported as well as major habitat types.
Mount Vernon establishes the natural borders between the prefecture of Florina and Kastoria with its highest peak Vitsi reaching 2.128m.
It is a mountainous area where there is little human activity, therefore vegetation and wildlife is untouched. From the foot of the mountain up to a thousand meters, Vernon is dominated by oaks. From this point and until the upper tree line in the alpine meadows, the mountain is dominated by beeches with very dense and impenetrable forests.
The lake of Kastoria (Orestiada) is a wetland of great importance. A rich bird fauna is maintained which includes rare and endangered species and also is an important area for prey birds.
On the banks of Lake Orestiada, samples of civilization from the Neolithic age were found. Those findings of archaeological research revealed a lake village built on piles dating back to 5500bc.
Regulations
The regulations are aimed at all groups and must be respected by all. ATTENTION!
Rules can be changed due to unpredicted events or conditions. If rules are changed prior to start, teams will be informed about this. Changes will also be updated on our website.
Vernon Endurance will start on Friday July 1st 2011 at 16:00 and the ceiling finish will be Sunday July 3rd at 16:00.
- The organization does not provide external support to food and water during the race.
- The organization provides to all participants insurance coverage.
- All that have completed 18 years of age are eligible to participate.
- All participants must present to the organization a medical certificate signed by a doctor with a date not later than two (2) months prior the day of the race.
- Participants must know to swim.
- Team members must constantly move along and reach the checkpoints together.
- Points will be given to a team when reaching a checkpoint. Winner of each category will be declared the team that has reached all or the most checkpoints and scores the best time.
- The teams that will finish without obtaining all the checkpoints will receive a penalty, without being disqualified.
- There will be checkpoints to be reached on time limits (due to safety reasons, weather conditions, ect.).
- Every team member is bound to carry all the equipment specified. Check control of the mandatory equipment can and may be made by the organization at any stage of the race.
- Teams must be self-sufficient in food and water. On the intended route, there are several places with potable running water.
- All participants must be able to cope, without any help, the climatic conditions that may occur such as rain, hail, fog and low temperatures during the night.
- Each team member has to wear his start number (a shirt given by the organizer) from the start of the event till the finish.
- At the bike section, participants must compete with their own equipment (such as bike, helmet ect.).
- There are no restrictions for night stop (dark zone). The team members manage their time as they wish for their own benefit.
Equipment
Mandatory equipment per person throughout the race
- Compass
- Whistle
- Rescue blanket
- Waterproof jacket
- Windproof long pants
- Isothermal blouse
- Cap
- Small penknife (1 per team)
- Altimeter (1 per team)
- First aid kit (1 per team)
- Mobile phone in waterproof case
- Two headlamps with spare batteries
- Backpack with a water bag with capacity no less than 30 lit
- Food equivalent to 1000 calories.
- Box or bag (100lit) containing food and equipment which will be transferred by the organization at intermediate points of change.
Mandatory equipment for bike section
- Chain tool
- 2 tubes
- Helmet
- Night lights (front and back)
Mandatory equipment for kayaking
- Waterproof bag for protecting the backpack
- Helmet
- Life vest (provided by the organization)
Optional equipment
- Substrate
- Sleeping bag
Registration
Registration opens on January 10th 2011 (at that point the participation fee per team will be announced) and ends May 31st 2011. The participation fee is 150 euro for 2 person teams and 300 euro for 4 person teams. The participation fee includes: - Insurance cover - Kayak and equipment (paddles & life jacket) - The accommodation* and food on the eve of the race will be provided by the organization. *Indoors accommodation at a communal place (substrate, sleeping bag) The organization will host 10 teams of 4 person, 10 mixed teams of 2 person, and 14 male teams of 2 person. If the number of the applicants exceeds the above number there will be a first come first served registration. 4-member teams This category involves groups consisting of 4 members. There are no restrictions on the composition of the teams, male/female teams and mixed teams compete in the same category. The team members must constantly move along. Teams that finish with 3 or fewer members are disqualified. 2-member teams, male teams This category involves 2 member teams (male). The team members must constantly move along.
2-member teams, mixed teams
This category involves 2 member mixed teams (one man and one woman or 2 women). The team members must constantly move along.
*At least 6 teams comlete this category. Otherwise mixed teams will participate in male teams category.
The top three teams in each category will be awarded cups and medals.
Registration 2 Member Teams