Rules and Regulations

DECLARATION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND DISCLAIMER High Scardus Ultra 2023

By registering, the participant acknowledges that the competition requirements, legal order and
rules of procedure are binding. These regulations serve the uniform and equal engagement in
the sport and are non-appealable in a court of law. Their recognition and upholding are a
prerequisite for participating in the event. Each entrant is responsible for the technical safety of
his/her gear and must ensure that it is in conformity with the rules. The organiser assumes no
liability for accidents, personal injury or material damage, theft or other damages.

ATHLETE’S DECLARATION

1. I have read, understood and fully accepted the Rules and Regulations governing the sports
event in which I take part (High Scardus Ultra 2022), that will take place on September 3nd
September, 2023.
The Rules and Regulations are published at the official website of the event
(www.highscardusultra.com).

2. I am sure of being sufficiently prepared (physically and psychologically) to take part in the
race. I follow the appropriate medical controls to guarantee that I enjoy good health, not
suffering from any disease, allergy, physical defect, lesion or cardio-respiratory disorder advising
against taking part in the event.

3. I am fully aware of the difficulties of the event, its course, profile and distance; which I have
previously consulted at the event website www.highscardusultra.com .

4. I am aware that this type of event entails an additional risk for the participants. I therefore
state that I am taking part in the event of my own free will and at my own initiative, and I fully
assume the risks and consequences derived from my participation.
5. I have sufficient knowledge and technical skill to guarantee my own safety in the environment
and conditions of autonomy in which the event takes place. I also have the sports and safety
gear required by the Organizer for the day of the event; and I guarantee that it is in perfect
condition, that I know how to use it properly, and that I will wear it/carry it on my person during
the entire event.

6. I commit to obey the rules and safety protocols established by the Organizer of the race in
which I take part; and to behave responsibly, avoiding conducts that increase risks to my
physical or psychological integrity. I will follow the instructions and comply with the decisions
taken by the responsible persons from the Organization (judges, doctors and organizers) with
respect to all aspects of safety.

7. I authorize the Medical Services of the event to perform on my person any medical procedure
or diagnostic test that they deem appropriate in any moment of the event, whether or not I
have requested it myself. Whenever requested by them, I undertake to abandon the event
and/or allow my hospitalization, if they deem it necessary for the sake of my health.

8. I authorize the event Organizer to take and use any photography, film or recording of my
person taken during the event, providing they are exclusively related to my participation in the
event; and that I will not receive any compensation in return.

9. I will not consume any prohibited substances considered as doping substances by the
athletics and mountaineering federations before or during the event. I am aware that the
Organization may oblige the first three classified participants of each category per race to
undergo anti-doping control.

10. I am aware that my race-bib is personal and non-transferable, therefore I will not cede it or
sell it to any other person in any case, even in the case that I cannot assist in the event.

11. I am taking part in the event of my own free will and on my own responsibility. Therefore, I
exonerate any responsibility of the Organizer, its collaborators, sponsors and any other
participants.
12. I undertake to follow the general guidelines of respect for nature and for other persons. Said
guidelines are described below:
-To exercise caution and follow the established rules when moving along trails and roads which
are open to traffic.
-To not cause any deterioration to the biotic, geological or cultural resources, or in general to
the landscape.
- To perform any physiological needs in appropriate places, or in any case, out of water and far
from passage or meeting points.
-To not trash or abandon objects or solid or liquid waste out of the places specifically provided
for disposing of such objects or waste.
- Do not leave the marked trail.
13. I declare under moral and criminal liability that in the past period I have not had contact
with any person(s) positive with Covid-19, and that I have not been quarantined and
self-isolated; on the days before race start I declare that I feel healthy, with normal body
temperature levels and without any covid-19 virus symptoms; I declare that I will fully abide to
the race rules and health protocols for covid-19 protection during the event.

Art. 1. ORGANIZER

Utalaya Foundation with the support of Sharr Mounteenering Club, TREX and Shar Outdoors -
organized the 2nd edition of “High Scardus Ultra”, a partially self-sufficiency, trail running race in
a natural environment, on September 3rd 2023.

Art. 2. GENERAL INFORMATION

“High Scardus Ultra '' consists of three running races along trails in Sharr Mountain, between
North Maceodnia and Kosovo.
All three races start at the locale known as “High Scardus Ultra”, in Municipality of Tetovo - N.
Macedonia and Prizren, Kosovo. All races finish area at “High Scardus Ultra”. The races will take
part in a single stage and in semi autonomy, with athletes subjected to time limits. The planned
routes are clearly described, and they are visible on www.highscardusultra.com. The route is
marked with flags, fluorescent spray, coloured tape, and permanent sign posts, as well as
markings for distance completed and distance to finish.
The route may be downloaded from the Organization’s website to be used on smartphones and
GPS devices.

Date: Distance Elevation gain / loss Time limit Start time

High Scardus 70 K Ascend 3,500 m D+ / 15 h 07:00

Ultra 105K Descend: 4,800 m D-

Eagle Ultra 50K 52 K Ascent: 2,900 m D+ 13 h 07:00

Descent: 2,900 m D-

Bear Route 20K 22 K Ascent: 1,140 m D+ 6h 09:00

Descent: 1,140 m D-

Art. 3. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Participants are required:

- To understand the length and particularities of the demands of the race and to be well trained
to participate.
- To have acquired, before the event, a real capacity of complete independence in the
mountains and to be able to manage the problems associated with this type of challenge, in
particular:
- Adapt to the climate conditions that can change with altitude and become difficult, such as
wind, cold, fog, rain or snow.
- Understand the physical or mental fatigue this challenge may cause: problems with digestion,
muscles, joints, blisters, and minor wounds.
- Understand that safety is dependent on the capacity of the participant to adapt to the
problems which will be faced, foreseen and unforeseen.
Art. 4. REGISTRATION

a) Registration requirements:
Entry is open to athletes aged 18 years and over for High Scardus Ultra 70K and Eagle Ultra 52K.
Entry is open to athletes aged 13 years and over for High Scardus Ultra on Bear Trail 22K.
The following athletes may not register: - athletes who have been disqualified for using
performance-enhancing substances; - athletes who have been blacklisted by High Scardus Ultra.

b) Registration procedures:
Pre-registration starts on 01 April 2023. In the registration form available exclusively on
www.highscardusultra.com the following fields must be filled: - Name - Surname - Birth date -
Gender - Nationality - Mobile phone number of the athlete - Mobile phone number of a close
person of the athlete for emergency contact - E-mail address.

Registration must be completed by paying the starting fee.

Registration closes 15 August 2023 for all races.

- Elite Runners Elite athletes can register without paying starting fee on the basis of the ITRA
Index of performance indicated in the following table:

Men Women

Registration free of charge

Athletes with an ITRA Index 700+ (men) and 550+ (women) must register and notify the
organizer by an email www.highscardusultra.com by 15 July 2023 at the latest.
At the start of the race, elite athletes must place themselves at the head of the line-up on the
basis of their race bib number and in accordance with indications from volunteers.
Elite athletes must:
- be present at press conferences and official ceremonies to which they have been invited;
- be present at relevant prize-giving ceremonies;
- be at the starting line at least 20 minutes before the start of the race.
c) Registration fees:
The registration fees are as following:
- High Scardus Ultra 70K - EUR 30.
- Eagle Ultra 52K - EUR 20
- Bear Trail 22K - EUR 10

Registration includes the following:

- a personal race bib number with electronic timing chip
- rescue, medical assistance and food and beverages along race routes
- race gifts
- a finishers medal
- race photographs
- unforgettable fun time

d) Payment procedures
Registration fees must be paid by: Kosova Pass.

e) Fixed number of participants

The maximum number of participants is 300 registered athletes total in all races.

f) Cancellation:
If an athlete is unable to participate and wishes to cancel their registration, they must notify the
organizers by e-mail at the following address: highscardusultra@gmail.com

- Procedures for reimbursement are as follows: - cancellation by 15.08.2023: reimbursement of

50% of fee. - cancellation after 15.08.2023: no reimbursement.

*Should the race be canceled or interrupted for atmospheric reasons, or for any other reason
beyond our control, no refund of the registration fee will be made.
g) Changing races:
If an athlete who is registered and had paid the fee decides to change races, they must send a
request by email to highscardusultra@gmail.com before 15.08.2023, specifying the race they
are registered for and the one they would like to enter.

Going for a shorter distance does not trigger any financial compensation. On the other hand,
going for a longer distance implies the payment of the difference between the fee paid and the
current fee for the new race (early bird prices are calculated as well).

h) Passing bib number to another athlete:

If an athlete who is registered and had paid the fee decides not to participate in the race, they
must send a request by email to highscardusultra@gmail.com by 15.08.2023, at latest,
specifying the following details:
- First and last name, date of birth, race bib number of the athlete that cancels participation.
- First and last name, date of birth of athlete that is the replacement.
The request must come from the athlete who is already registered and with an assigned race
bib number. The replacement athlete must register as well but not pay; the organizer will assign
the same bib number in the system.

i) The following is not permitted:

- postponing registration to the following year;
- participation in other races instead of the race for which the athlete has registered;
- bib number exchange or use by anyone other than a registered athlete.
Any athlete found with another athlete’s race bib during or after the race will be disqualified
and blacklisted by the High Scardus Ultra Trail.

Art. 5. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

Medical certificates are not required in order to participate in the races. However, the organizer
encourages all athletes to obtain a medical certificate that declares their well-being and
strenuous exercise capabilities for their own sake.
Art. 6. COLLECTION OF THE RACE BIB NUMBER AND RACE PACK

Race number and race pack distribution shall take place (to be announced later) during the set
terms. www.highscardusultra.com for details.
To collect race numbers athletes must present a valid identity document (ID or passport).
For those athletes that are not able to collect their starter pack in the noted period, send to the
organizer an email at highscardusultra@gmail.com, from the email they have used in the
registration process, including with the name and surname of the person who is going to collect
the bib number in their name.

Art. 7. MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is mandatory and must be carried by athletes for the entire duration
of the races:
- race bib number visible during the entire duration of the race (provided by the organizer) -
emergency blanket or windproof jacket
- cell phone with full battery and roaming switched on but on silent mode
- cup, flask, or small container for liquids.
In order to reduce the use of plastic, there will be no disposable cups available at aid stations
thus athletes must bring their own cups/flasks.

Mandatory equipment may be worn or placed inside a race backpack or race belt. Mandatory
equipment checks may be carried out during the race.
Due to unforeseen weather conditions, the organizers have the right to change or add new
equipment in the mandatory equipment list.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

Race participants are advised to bring the following non-mandatory equipment with them:
- bidon, hydration bladder or water bottle with a capacity of at least a half-liter of liquid
- whistle
- hat or bandana
- energy bars or solid food
- at least (5 Euro) to buy drinks or food at the finish
- headlamp with spare batteries
- appropriate footwear
- elastic bandages for dressings,
- trekking poles.

Art. 8. MAXIMUM TIME LIMITS AND CUT OFF TIMES;WITHDRAWING FROM THE RACE

a) HIGH SCARDUS ULTRA 70K: The maximum time permitted to reach the finish line is 15h hours
b) EAGLE ULTRA 52K: The maximum time permitted to reach the finish line is 12 hours.
c) BEAR ROUTE 22K: The maximum time permitted to reach the finish line is 6 hours.

A “pick up” service will follow the last runner, in order to assist athletes that withdraw from the
race and to ensure assistance for anyone with injuries. Cut off points are situated after aid
stations. Athletes who do not reach these points within the established time limits will not be
allowed to continue the race. It is forbidden to go beyond the cut-off point and then go back to
use the aid station. Race officials reserve the right to disqualify athletes who disrespect the
rules.
Participants who reach the check points after the maximum time, those who are injured and
those who are judged by the medical staff to be unfit to continue the race, and any other
athletes who decide to drop out, shall be taken to the finish line - Prizren City, to organise a
vehicle. For logistical reasons, athletes who have dropped out may have to wait before being
accompanied to the finish area. Any participant who drops out of the race at any point other
than the established check points should make their own way back to Prishtina-Skopje and
immediately inform the race organizers by text message to the number indicated on the bib
number.
Art. 9. AID STATIONS

This is a semi self-sufficient race and athletes are advised to bring at least a supply of half-liter
of water.
Semi-self-sufficiency is defined as the ability to be autonomous between aid stations in terms of
food and equipment and also to be safely able to adapt to any problems (bad weather, physical
distress, injury…). This means that the following rules are necessary:
- athletes must always carry all obligatory equipment during the entire race.
- food and drink acquired in aid stations must be consumed there. The Organizers only provide
water or electrolyte drinks for flasks/water bottles and camelbags. When leaving an aid station,
athletes must have a sufficient quantity of water and food to reach the following aid station.

a) HIGH SCARDUS ULTRA MARATHON 70K aid stations timetable - see on the web.
b) EAGLE ULTRA 50K aid stations timetable - see on the web.
c) BEAR ROUTE 20K aid stations timetable - see on the web.

Family or team members can only provide assistance to athletes in some aid stations in the
areas designated for this purpose as outlined by the coordinator of the aid station. Only one
person per athlete may provide assistance.

Only runners carrying a visible race number have access to the aid stations.
Food and liquids from the aid stations must be consumed at aid stations; it is strictly forbidden
for athletes to drink from the bottles provided by the Aid stations: personal cups or flasks must
be used. Garbage must be thrown into the trash cans present in every aid station.
When leaving each aid station, athletes must have sufficient liquid and food to reach the next
station.

Check points shall be set up along the route, where members of the staff shall monitor the
athletes as they pass and also may apply random checks to verify that the athletes are in
possession of the mandatory race equipment. Should anyone refuse to undergo the check on
the mandatory race equipment, they shall be disqualified immediately. There is another liquid
aid station at the finish line. Furthermore, each participant can have a post-race meal at the
finish on arrival: in order to benefit of post-race meal, it is necessary to show your race bib.
Art. 10. ASSISTANCE DURING THE RACE

Assistance from family or team members is permitted at all aid stations, in a specific area, and
with the agreement of the head of the station: Only one assistant per athlete will be admitted
only when the athlete has arrived. Being accompanied by any person not registered in the race
on a stretch of the race or along the whole race is forbidden.

Art. 11. DROP BAGS

Each athlete will receive a sticker of his/her race bib number in which to place his/her bag with
a change of clothes to use at the finish. The bag can be deposited the last 30 minutes before the
race starts for High Scardus Ultra.
Athletes are advised not to place objects of value in the bags; the organizers accept no liability
for any theft, loss or damage of bags or their contents. Bags with clothes left at the start may be
collected at the finish upon presentation of race bib. The Organizers will not send uncollected
bags to participants' houses. Bags that are not collected after this deadline will be immediately
destroyed for reasons of hygiene.

Art. 12. RACE ROUTE

HIGH SCARDUS ULTRA routes require the ability to run on particular kinds of terrain, trails and
impervious or treacherous paths (slopes with rocky outcroppings or debris) that are sometimes
without barriers.

Should adverse weather conditions occur or one or more paths become inaccessible, alternative
routes will be outlined at the briefing before the start of the race. Race kilometers are not
marked. Athletes should strictly adhere to the marked race route and avoid taking shortcuts or
cutting out sections of the route. Any departures from the official route may lead to
disqualification and shall be at the sole risk of athletes.
Art. 13. INSURANCE

Athletes are highly recommended to take out a valid individual insurance policy that covers find
and rescue costs as well as incurring medical costs. Athletes are responsible for handing over
their personal file to their insurance company if necessary, within the given timeframe.

Art. 14. SAFETY AND CHECKPOINTS

Members of the Organization and the Mountain Rescue Teams, in constant contact with Race
HQ, will be positioned along the race route. Paramedics shall be positioned at different points
along the race route, but also at the start and finish. Medical assistance teams and Mountain
Rescue teams will be provided along the routes in case of emergency. In case of injury or other
necessity, athletes will have to call the SOS phone provided by the organizer on the Bib-number.
If they are in an area which is not covered by phone signal, they will have to convey the
message to the first next checkpoint – so that actions can be taken as soon as possible.
However, by considering the inaccessible terrain and unforeseen mountain weather, the first
responders to such events are the runners themselves. Therefore, each runner is obliged to stop
his/her race and to be actively involved in the assistance and rescue of other injured runners.

By submitting the registration form, each athlete confirms that it is aware of the dangers of
competition in nature and take the risk by themselves. The organizer will do its best to reduce
the risks. However, we kindly ask the athletes to follow our advice and recommendations.
In order to preserve the safety and health of athletes, regulators and medical teams checkpoints
have the right to stop the race and exclude those athletes who have been assessed that are no
longer able to continue the race. In any event, athletes are required to follow instructions from
controllers and medical teams. Any violation of these guidelines will lead to the disqualification
of an athlete, and if he/she decides to continue at all costs, the organizer assumes no
responsibility for possible side effects.
We advise all athletes regularly to monitor their health status and also, recommend a stress test
a month or two before the competition to determine the level of fitness/stamina for this type of
sport which requires a high level of endurance. Each athlete that has any disease or medical
condition is advised to consult a specialist for permission to participate in the races, and their
doctor must notify the organizer of the race
Art. 15. ENVIRONMENT

The race shall take place in a natural park area with a natural ecosystem. Participants are
therefore required to fully respect the environment, in particular by not leaving rubbish, picking
flowers or disturbing the wildlife. Anyone found leaving rubbish along the route shall be
disqualified from the race. In the various aid stations there are rubbish bins into which athletes
may throw their rubbish. The organizers advise athletes to carry a small bag for collecting any
tissues which can then be disposed of at aid stations. Athletes must follow the outlined paths
and avoid leaving them so as not to cause damage to the surrounding environment. In order to
reduce the use of plastic, there will be no disposable cups available at aid stations thus athletes
must bring their own cups/flasks.

Art. 16. WEATHER

In case of adverse weather conditions (dense fog, snow or thunderstorms), the organizers
reserve the right to make last-minute changes, even during the race, to the race route in order
to eliminate potential hazards or conditions that could cause hardship for participants. The staff
shall inform the participants of any changes. The organisers also reserve the right to suspend or
cancel the race if the weather conditions are such that they put athletes, staff or medical teams
at risk.
Art. 17. DISQUALIFICATION, PENALTIES AND APPEALS

RULES DISQUALIFICATION PENAL

1 Competitor is NOT registered at

one or more control points

2 Takes shortcuts during the race -

runs less distance than race
length

3 Is spotted throwing waste on the

trails

4 Not helping a contestant who

needs help

5 Using a transport through the

race

6 Is opposing to checks by the

organizers during the race

7 Does NOT possess one of the

mandatory equipment: a
windbreaker or an emergency
blanket; mobile phone in working
condition; small container for
liquids.

8 Insulting or threatening staff or

volunteers

9 Is violating an order of a
competent person - volunteer,
medical aid organization

10 Refusing to allow checks on

 mandatory equipment

The penalty may be applied immediately as soon as the infringement has been established or at
the end of the race.
Penalties or disqualification can be appealed by writing to the race management from race
finish until publication of official race results. Appeals will be evaluated and answered in the
necessary time; decisions are final, without appeal.

Art. 18. PRIZES

The awards are at the discretion of the sponsors and the organization and according to the rules
of the ITRA. Non-monetary prizes shall be awarded to the first 3 men and 3 women of each
race. Each athlete who completes the race within the maximum time limit will be given a
Finisher medal. Prizes will be awarded on race day at the finish line. All registered athletes for
both races of “High Scardus Ultra Trails 2022” will be categorized according to the age and
gender criteria:

Seniors – (18-50) years – Males (М);

Seniors – (18-50) years – Females (F);
Veterans - (50+) years – Males (М);
Veterans – (50+) years – Females (F);

Final ranking will be in general classification, category Male (M) and Female (F).

Art. 19. IMAGE RIGHTS

On registration, athletes authorize the organizers to freely use any images depicting athletes
during their participation in High Scardus Ultra, whether still or in movement, with no territorial
or time limits.
Art. 20. WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY

By registering, the participant acknowledges that the competition requirements, legal order and
rules of procedure are binding. These regulations serve the uniform and equal engagement in
the sport and are non-appealable in a court of law. Their recognition and upholding are a
prerequisite for participating in the event. Each entrant is responsible for the technical safety of
his/her gear and must ensure that it is in conformity with the rules. The organizer assumes no
liability for accidents, personal injury or material damage, theft or other damages!

Good luck to all and happy trails! High Scardus Ultra organizing team :)

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End of document.