Trail run series "Stirnu buks 2024"

(seven stages)

REGULATIONS

Goal

The goal of the trail run series “Stirnu buks 2024″ is to bring the participants to excellent picturesque trails in Latvian forests – in the area where a person becomes better, more friendly, warm-hearted, and open!
To encourage every person in Latvia to run into the forest, see the most beautiful places in Latvia, and spend time with family and friends!
To promote running and Nordic walking as a healthy and exciting hobby.
To promote a healthy and sporty lifestyle for people of all ages. “A healthy mind in a healthy body!”

Organizers

The trail run series “Stirnu buks 2024″, hereinafter referred to as the Trail Run, is organized by SIA “Platforma.lv”.

SIA Platforma.lv
LV40103282933
Gatves iela 11, Ķesterciems, Engures pagasts, Tukuma novads, LV3113
A/S Swedbank
HABALV22
LV16HABA0551027908278

1. Distances

1.1. The Trail Run takes place on roads and trails with different covers (asphalt, rural roads with gravel, forest roads, trails, cross-rides, long forgotten and abandoned trails, and off-road).
1.2.1. There are five different trail running distances in each trail run:
distance “GARDU MUTI Susurs” (Dormouse): ~1km run for children aged up to 10 yrs.
distance “Vāvere” (Squirrel) / “LVM Championship for School Youth 2024”: 5-8km,
distance “KARTE VESELĪBA Zaķis” (Hare): 11-15km,
distance “VENDEN Stirnu buks” (Roebuck): 18-25km,
distance “GARMIN Lūsis” (Lynx): 27–42km (in the Trail Run of the 25th May “Dubuļu Styrnu buks”, the distance “Lūsis” (Lynx) is replaced with the ultra-long trail run distance “GARMIN FĒNIX Vilks” (Wolf) ~70km).
1.2.2. At every trail run, there are also three different walking distances without timing::
walking distance “Zaķis” (Hare): 10-14km,
walking distance “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck): 18-24km,
walking distance “Lūsis” (Lynx): 27-42km,
1.3. Participants of the distances “Zaķis” (Hare), “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck), and “Lūsis” (Lynx) take part in the speed stage competing for the title of the Queen/ King of the run “SALOMON Roebuck King/ Queen”, where control measurements are made within a separate section of 200-600 m to determine participants who have been fastest on this section.
1.4. The race courses are labeled, providing directions and warning information!
1.5. The distance “Susurs” [Dormouse] participants complete the course WITHOUT timing, and prizes are not awarded! All the distance “Susurs” [Dormouse] participants receive a medal and snacks for finishing.
1.6. The results of participants in distances “Vāvere” [Squirrel], “Zaķis” [Hare], “Buks” and “Lūsis” [Lynx] are recorded by using the electronic timing system.

2. Participants and age groups

2.1. Participants aged up to 10 years run the distance “Susurs” (Dormouse);
2.2. Anybody aged 7 years and above can run the distance “Vāvere” (Squirrel);
2.3. Participants aged 8 years and above can run the distance “Zaķis” (Hare);
2.4. Participants aged 16 years and above can run the distance “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck);
2.5. Participants aged 18 years and above can run the distance “Lūsis” (Lynx);
2.6. A participant or his/ her guardian takes full responsibility for conforming to the participant’s health condition for completing the distance on the day of the race. The Race organizers do not bear liability for possible trauma or accidents of participants during the race. Every participant is responsible for their safety during the race by following the road traffic rules and the organizers’ recommendations.
2.7. The first medical aid is provided at the start/ finish spot of the race or in the course as necessary.
2.8. Participants of the distances “Zaķis” (Hare), “Buks” and “Lūsis” (Lynx) are divided into the following age groups:

Distance "Zaķis"::

Female		Male
SZ1	2000 – 2016 (8-24 years)	VZ1	2000 – 2016 (8-24 years)
SZ2	1985 – 1999 (25-39 years)	VZ2	1985 – 1999 (25-39 years)
SZ3	1970 – 1984 (40-54years)	VZ3	1970 – 1984 (40-54years)
SZ4	Born 1969 and before (55+ years)	VZ4	Born 1969 and before (55+ years)

Distance "Stirnu buks":: 

Female		Male
SB1	1985 – 2008 (16-39 years)	VB1	1985 – 2008 (16-39 years)
SB2	1970 – 1984 (40-54years)	VB2	1970 – 1984 (40-54years)
SB3	Born 1969 and before (55+ years)	VB3	Born 1969 and before (55+ years)

Distance "Lūsis"::

Female		Male
SL1	1985 – 2006 (18-39 years)	VL1	1985 – 2006 (18-39 years)
SL2	1970 – 1984 (40-54years)	VL2	1970 – 1984 (40-54years)
SL3	Born 1969 and before (55+ years)	VL3	Born 1969 and before (55+ years)

3. Time and venue of the race

3.1. Races will take place:
23.03. "Saulkrastu Stirnu buks" I Saulkrasti, Saulkrasti district
20.04. "Suitu zemes Stirnu buks" I Alsunga, Kuldīga district
25.05. "Dubuļu Styrnu buks" I Dubuļi, Rēzekne district
06.07. "Vecpiebalgas Stirnu buks" I “Vēveri”, Cēsis district
17.08. "Piejūras Stirnu buks" I Piejūras brīvdabas muzejs, Ventspils
14.09. "Sveikuļu meža Stirnu buks" I “Sveikuļi”, Tukuma district
12.10. "Smeceres sila Stirnu buks" I Smeceres sils, Madona

4. Registration

4.1. Registration of participants for individual races is done on the homepage https://www.stirnubuks.lv/ at the section “Your Profile page”, starting from the 1st of February 2024. Online registration is closed at noon on Thursday before each relevant stage!
4.2. Last-minute registration is possible on the race date at the race center, however, latest 30 minutes before the start of the relevant distance.
4.3. The start fee includes the racer’s bib, the first medical aid at the venue of the race, the course labeling and the reference work, organizational costs of the race, snack, and water stations along the course, catering after the finish, a memory medal for everybody completing any distance, car parking, a free photo gallery and a video review on the website of the race, the timing for the participants of the distances “Vāvere” (Squirrel) (Squirrel), “Zaķis” (Hare) (Hare), “Buks” (Roebuck) and “Lūsis” (Lynx) (Lynx)
4.4. Participants may change the distance they have registered for, replace a participant with another one, and transfer their Start Fee to the next stage (all the changes are made in the section “Your Profile page”). However, the latest is until noon on Tuesday of the relevant race week. There is no extra fee for making changes!
4.5. All the changes requested later should be performed on the Race day in the Registration tent “New Registration”. A new bib with a new timing chip will be issued to the participant, along with an extra fee of 10.- EUR will be charged.

5. Entry fees

5.1.For online registration on the website https://www.stirnubuks.lv/ until noon on Thursday of the race week:

5.2. Season subscription to the trail run series:

5.3. Applicable discounts of entry fees per stage in Stirnu buks season 2024.

5.4. When registration is done on the race website, the payment should be made by a bank transfer or online by a bank payment card. The start fee should be paid until the relevant stage's price change date.
5.5. The reference of the payment order should specify the racer’s name, surname, and/ or the racer’s registration number in the registration system (it is sent in the reply e-mail after registration).
5.6. If necessary, You can download the Invoice if the box “Invoice necessary” has been ticked during registration on the race website.
5.7. Racers are registered for the relevant distance only after receipt of the payment.
5.8. If the start fee has not been received a day before the race, it is payable on the race date according to Clause 5.5 (i.e., the race day price).

6. Prizegiving

Prizes provided by the race supporters are given to winners of places 1-3 in the overall rating of the distances “School championship”, “Vāvere” (Squirrel), “Zaķis” (Hare), “Buks” and “Lūsis” (Lynx) to men and women, as well as winners of places 1-3 per age groups as defined by Clause 2.8 of the Rules for the racers of the distances “Zaķis” (Hare), “Buks” and “Lūsis” (Lynx).
The overall winners of the race series are awarded at the last stage.

7. Overall ranking for individual results

7.1. Every Roe Buck run is an individual race.
7.2. Participants may compete for the overall win of the race series in 3 different distances, namely, “Zaķis” (Hare), “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck), or “Lūsis” (Lynx), where each participant’s five best results in the particular distance will be evaluated! The overall result will be calculated by adding point scores within one distance. In case of equal results, the participant with a higher point score in the last stage of the series will be ranked higher.
7.3. The winner of the distances, “Zaķis” (Hare), “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck), and “Lūsis” (Lynx), receives 1000 points. The results of all the following racers are calculated according to the formula: the winner’s time is divided by the time of every next racer, and the result is multiplied by 1000.
7.4. The winner of the sprint stage “Roe Buck King and Queen” (all the participants of the distances “Zaķis” (Hare), “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck) and “Lūsis” (Lynx) participate) receives 300 points, the results of all the following racers are calculated according to the formula: the winner’s time is divided by the time of every next racer and the result is multiplied by 300.
7.5. The points received for the distance and the sprint stage are considered for the overall calculation. The maximum point score is 1300 at each stage, except for the distance winner “Vilks” (Wolf), who will earn 1400 points. (See Clause 7.7).
7.6. The race's unofficial overall rating is also published within the sprint stage “Roe Buck King and Queen”.
7.7. The distance “Vilks” (Wolf) of the trail run on the 25th of May “Opekalna Stirnu buks” is an exception. The participants of the distance “Vilks” (Wolf) DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the Sprint stage of the relevant stage “Roe Buck King and Queen”. All the racers of the distance “Vilks” (Wolf) receive an additional 400 points for the length and difficulty of the distance.
7.8. The point score received for the distance “Vilks” (Wolf) is included in the overall result of the race series in the distance “Lūsis” (Lynx). The automatically granted additional 400 points are not considered for the unofficial overall ranking of the sprint stage “Roe Buck King and Queen”.

8. Overall team ranking

8.1. To compete for the "SPORTLAND team overall rankings" category, participants can register teams consisting of 4-12 members and up to 6 School Championship participants. The team is registered by its Captain on their profile page by filling out the registration form!
8.2. To participate in the team rankings, at least four members in one team must start in each stage, participating in any of the distances “Zaķis” (Hare), “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck), “Lūsis” (Lynx).
8.3. One participant can only be registered as part of one team. It is not permitted to change the represented team during the season! The team Captain may supplement the team to the full lineup during the season, registering additional members in the team form by 10:00 am on each competition day.
8.4. The overall team ranking is calculated by considering the point scores received by the team members at each race and including the highest point score received by 2 team members irrespective of the gender participating in the distance “Lūsis” (Lynx) (the point score in the distance + the point score in the sprint stage), 2 team members participating in the distance “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck) (the point score in the distance + the point score in the sprint stage) and 2 team members irrespective of the gender participating in the distance “Zaķis” (Hare) (the point score in the distance + the point score in the sprint stage).
8.5. The trail run “Apeskalna Stirnu buks” on the 25th of May is an exception. At this stage, the overall team ranking is calculated as follows:
8.5.1. 2 team members, irrespective of gender, participating in the distance “Vilks” (Wolf) (the point score in the distance + 400 additional points), 2 team members, irrespective of the gender participating in the distance “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck) (the point score in the distance + the point score in the sprint stage) and 2 team members irrespective of the gender participating in the distance “Zaķis” (Hare) (the point score in the distance + the point score in the sprint stage) or
8.5.2. One team member, irrespective of gender, participating in the distance “Vilks” (Wolf) (the point score in the distance + 400 additional points), 3 team members irrespective of gender participating in the distance “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck) (the point score in the distance + the point score in the sprint stage) and 2 team members irrespective of the gender participating in the distance “Zaķis” (Hare) (the point score in the distance + the point score in the sprint stage).
8.6. A team may earn an additional 100 or 200 points at every stage if one or two participants of the School Championship registered with the Team have completed the race.
8.7. The points received at all seven stages of the season are considered for the overall team ranking.

9. Race proceedings

9.1. Participants start every distance with a standard start. The racer completing the entire distance first is the winner.
9.2. Races take place along labeled courses. Labels: blue/ white banners and special warnings.
9.3. At intersections with the national roads, there will be municipal or state police, Land Guard officers, or race referees.
9.4. Water stations will be provided along the course.
9.4.1. For participants of all distances at some water stations along the course, disposable paper cups will not be provided. Each participant should have his/ her own drinking cup, water system, or bottle if he/ she intends to use water offered at water stations.
9.5. There will be interim finishes along the course where racers’ timing will be recorded.
9.6. The organizers do not provide transportation to the finish for participants who abandon the race. In case of any health issues, referees or other racers' assistance should be used to resolve the problem and communicate with the rage organizers.
9.7. Catering - catering stations will serve meals for a fee available to all participants after completing the distance.

10. Time control:

Distances:
• “Vāvere” (Squirrel) – 2h,
• “Zaķis” (Hare) – 3h,
• “Stirnu buks” (Roe buck) – 4h,
• “Lūsis” (Lynx) – 6h,
• “Vilks” (Wolf) – 16 h.
• walking distance “Zaķis” (Hare) – 6h,
• walking distance “Stirnu buks” (Roebuck) - 8h.
* If a participant exceeds the control time, the result is recorded for another hour following the expiration of the control time.
* If a participant exceeds the control time, the result is not considered in calculating the stage results and the overall results for individual or team ranking (0 points).

11. Publicity and privacy

11.1. Photo and video recordings will be made during the race.
11.2. By registering for the race, participants confirm that organizers have the right to use the photos and videos made during the race for public relations and advertising without securing agreement by persons seen there, as well as to offer the possibility of downloading photos and videos to the participants.
11.3. By registering for the race, participants confirm they do not object to publishing the racers list and results on the race website.
11.4. The participant’s name, surname, gender, and distance are specified in the publicly visible list of participants.

12. Terms

12.1. A timing control chip is issued to every participant of the distances “Vāvere” (Squirrel), “Zaķis” (Hare), “Buks” and “Lūsis” (Lynx) along with the racer’s bib. The timing control is organized at the start, the finish, and interim finishes along the course. The bib issued to a participant serves as the means for identifying participants during the race along the course and recording the results. It is also used for monitoring compliance with the fairness of the race and the fair principles of the race.
12.1.1. The race bib should be visible on the racer during the entire race.
12.1.2. Transferring a race bib to another person on the race course is prohibited.
12.1.3. The race bib should be fixed or positioned using the bib tape in front of the racer’s body at the height between the chest and waist.
12.1.3. When the racer is within the timing control zones (at the start, the finish, and the labeled control points), the racer should ensure that the electronic device within the bib is not covered by a sports bag, belt, or body parts, etc.
12.1.4. If a bib is not fixed or positioned at the required place on the racer’s body for reasons not dependent on the racer, the racer must ensure that the timing devices have recorded the racer at the relevant control points.
12.1.5. Organisers are not obliged to record timing. They may apply disqualification if the rules for using the race bib are not complied with, for example, but are not limited to fixing it on the back, carrying it folded in hands, covering it by hand, and giving it to a third party.
12.2. Racers aged below 18 years should be accompanied by a guardian signing the application form. The race organizers do not bear liability for possible trauma to participants during the competition.
12.3. During the race, it is prohibited to accompany racers along the course on bicycles or by running next to the racer if the other person does not participate.
12.4. The supporters of a race participant are not allowed to give water to the participant outside water stations during a race. A race participant is prohibited from using water given by supporters outside water stations.
12.5. When a racer asks for medical assistance, the instructions of the medical staff regarding the suitability of the health condition for completing the distance should be respected.
12.6. Any racers caught practicing unfair play and not completing the total distance will be disqualified. The interim and control points timing, the surveillance carried out by the course referees, and the video will serve as the basis for checking.
12.7. We kindly ask racers not to litter in nature on the course and to respect the environment. Empty packaging of sports food has to be taken to the next water station or a place where it can be disposed of in a garbage can.
12.8. Races take place in the circumstances of partially restricted road traffic.
12.9. All racers must follow the road traffic safety rules!
12.10. Racers should consider that vehicles may drive to the road from homesteads, fields, meadows, and forest roads.
12.11. Participants should be particularly careful when crossing roads! A participant should remember to give way to cars when crossing a road.
12.12. The organizers are not responsible for possible crashes and road accidents during the race caused by negligence on a participant’s or a driver’s side.
12.13. If any participant experiences a sudden problem, nearby racers must offer help by providing first aid and calling an ambulance.
12.14. No mandatory equipment is defined for a participant in the distances “Vāvere”, “Zaķis”, “Stirnubuks” and “Lūsis”. Participants are responsible for providing their necessary equipment at his/ her discretion, weather conditions, and the trail surface.
12.15. Recommended equipment is defined for participants in the distance “Vilks". However, it is not mandatory, but it is still desirable for every runner’s safety.
12.16. A participant using poles during a race should ensure they do not disturb other race participants or cause trauma.
12.17. Race participants undertake to follow the basic principles of Fair Play, which include both mutual respect and the concepts of the sporty spirit.

13. Disqualification and protests

13.1. Organisers have the right to disqualify a racer if he/ she does not follow the public order rules, the basic principles of the Fair Play, the requirements of the Competition Rules, is knowingly and on purpose using assistance by another racer.
13.2. A racer may use auxiliary devices (for example, running poles). However, the racer should carry them during the entire race! Using poles to block other participants and prevent them from overtaking a particular racer is prohibited.
13.3. Organisers have the right to disqualify a racer if it is visible that a person cannot continue participating in the competition.
13.4. Complaints are accepted after paying the competition organizers a fee of 30 euros. If a complaint is satisfied, the fee is returned to the applicant.
13.5. The team of referees reviews complaints.

14. Amendments to the race regulations

14.1. Organisers have the right to amend and supplement the rules. Organizers notify of any amendments to the competition rules through their communication channels - the websites, social networks, by e-mail to the race participants, by specifying the essence of the amendments. Organizers are not responsible for participants failing to familiarise themselves with the rules.

15. Principles of good behavior in protected nature territories

15.1. Plan a sustainable visit
• Any of us has a minimum effect on the environment when we visit a protected territory. Therefore, taking care of yourself and the nature around you is essential. It is nature welcoming you as a guest - be an excellent guest!
• Go to the race venue on foot, by bicycle, or by public transportation.
• If you drive in your car, take as many passengers as possible.
• Do not circle and park your car at the envisaged car parking!
• One should schedule timely arrival to the race venue to avoid traffic jams, stress, and willingness to drive where it is not allowed.
• One should consider the capacity of one’s car to part at places with different surfaces.
• One should ensure that a car is parked so as not to disturb the race proceedings or prevent other participants from leaving the territory.
15.2. What is the best way to enjoy the visit by taking care of the protected territory?
• Remember - it is a privilege to be here! Do not deviate from the labeled trail, respect the environment and the rules here helping to preserve the beauty around.
• Plan your activities carefully. Collect the necessary information, allowing you to enjoy the protected territory's activities and beauty.
• If you have a pet with you, take care of it! Dogs may disturb other species living in the territory.
• Take care of yourself and others. Be prepared to help others irrespective of the type of recreation or distance they have chosen.
• Everybody is willing to enjoy the surroundings. Give way to the other visitors. Respect speed restrictions because other visitors or participants may fail to see or feel you approaching.
• Help to maintain the place clean. Do not leave anything behind, and collect any waste.
• Notice, report, solve! If you see that something is not right, report it to the race organizers. Look around, evaluate the surroundings, and enjoy!

Go outside and go into nature!
SEE YOU IN THE FOREST!