Rules & FAQ

THE CAPITAL CITY CHALLENGE------ 2017 RULES & INFORMATION

• Race numbers/bibs must be worn on front of your shirt/jacket/shorts.  The number may not be altered or cut in any way.  When you cross the finish line on your bicycle, make sure your race number is visible and accessible!  We are using a chip system.  If you want your time recorded, you must pass over the sensor mat.  If you do not complete the course or are on a team as a runner or paddler, please keep your number away from the finish line.  If you cannot complete the course, please return your number to the registration table and let them know so that we can account for all participants on the course.  Only finish times will be recorded.  There will be no split times.                                                                                          
•  It is recommended that you go to Daniel Boone Park to drop your boat before coming to Magic Island.    We are not responsible for any items or equipment left at Daniel Boone Park or at Magic Island. 
• ALL participants must attend the pre-race meeting at Magic Island on Saturday, September 16 at 8:30 a.m.  If team kayakers/paddlers choose to miss the meeting, they are still responsible for understanding and following all the rules of the event. 
• Following the pre-race meeting, team kayakers/paddlers must get to Daniel Boone Park.  There will be two shuttles running to Daniel Boone Park and then back to Magic Island.  We will take participants on a first come-first served basis and will work diligently to get all team kayakers/paddlers to the Park prior to their runner arriving. 
• For teams, the shuttles will also be available to bring runners back to Magic Island.  If you are running and riding, please let the drivers know and they will attempt to bring that group back to Magic Island first. 
• The 13k will begin at 9 a.m. with those running in the Challenge.  The 13k runners will turn around at Daniel Boone Park and return to Magic Island for the finish.  The course is out-and-back on Kanawha Boulevard.  The awards for this race will immediately follow the finish of the last 13k participant. 
• For consideration of age group or overall individual awards, the course must be completed in full. 
• For team awards, each team member must complete their event(s) in full.  All that is required for a proper “hand-off” in the transition area between team members is a tap or contact between the two participants in the designated transition area.   Monitors will be watching for proper “hand-offs.”  The hand-off at Daniel Boone must be on land.  Kayaks/paddlers are not to go in the water until after the hand-off.  At Magic Island, the kayaker/paddler must exit the boat/board, run/walk to the bike staging area on the Boulevard and tap the cyclist. 
• Bicycle helmets must be worn at all times during the ride.  NO EXCEPTIONS. 
• The staging area for bicycles will be on Kanawha Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue.
• Cyclists must follow the rules of the road.  Cyclists must complete all three laps of the bike course.  DO NOT ride more than two abreast.  Slower cyclists must stay to the right.  When attempting to pass another rider, make sure that you have room to pull out and pass without interfering with a faster cyclist. 
• A PFD/life jacket must be worn at all times during the paddle.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  We also recommend that you wear shoes during the paddle as there could be glass or other sharp objects at Magic Island. 
• When paddling, stay as close to the shore as possible.  Do not drift toward the center of the river.  There could be barge traffic so stay close to the shoreline at all times per instructions from the Coast Guard. 
• At 1:30 p.m., the bike course may be opened to traffic.  
• Door prizes will be awarded following the race.  To be eligible, you must complete a door prize sheet with your name and bib number at the registration table.  You must be present to win. 
• Waivers must be signed by all participants.  If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign. 
• On behalf of the Counseling Connection and all sponsors, we thank you for your participation in the Capital City Challenge.  Please follow all the rules and consider your safety and the safety of the other participants and volunteers as you take part in this event.  Thank you for making this a successful event.

RACE DAY DIRECTIONS

The morning of the race, you are advised to go to Daniel Boone Park first.  There will be people there by 7:15 a.m.  Stage your kayaks on the edge of the road as close to the boat ramp as possible.  This is a first come- first serve system so the early folks will be closer to the river.  This is also an honor system so don’t move a kayak in order to get a better spot if you are late.  Please don’t stack boats on the boat ramp as there may be trailers attempting to unload boats during the race.  We are not to impede their ability to access the river.

Proceed to Magic Island.  There is parking on side streets near the Island and under the intersate.  Bikes will be staged on Kanawha Boulevard in front of the stairs that lead down into Magic Island.  Bike racks will be provided so establish your transition spot at this time.  DO NOT move someone’s else’s bike to gain a better spot.

Some additional items to remember:

There is a mandatory race meeting at 8:15 a.m. on Kanawha Boulevard in front of the finish line.

Packets may be picked up from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Clay Center on Friday.  On race day, packets may be retrieved at the registration table from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

The kayak landing point is at Magic Island and will be clearly marked.  We have volunteers to assist but if there is a large group that comes in at the same time, you may have to wait a few seconds for assistance.  If you don’t wish to wait, pull your boat on shore and volunteers will move it to the boat pick-up area on Magic Island.

Please, Please ask your families to refrain from standing in the area that boats will be pulled from the river.  We don’t want anyone to get hurt and if there are large groups of spectators standing in the landing area, it will impede the progress of participants and volunteers.

WEAR SHOES in the kayak.  We have found broken glass in areas along the shore line and do not want anyone to get cut.  PLEASE wear something to protect your feet as you exit the kayak. 

We want everyone to be have a great time and enjoy the race.  Please be cautious during the run, the row and especially the ride.  Some of the cyclists will be riding in excess of 25 mph.  Watch for clearance when attempting to pass and do not pass as you go through the curves turning around on Veazey Street.