General Race Rules
(Please also note additional Relay Rules at the bottom of this page)

1. Enduroman Ltd will start the clock at the Marble Arch London and stop the clock at the Arc de Triomphe Paris on your arrival. The clock will not be stopped for any reason unless the challenge is aborted.
    

2. If in the event of a road closure, or any other incident of unforeseen circumstance that adds distance or time onto the routes, the finishing time will remain the same with no time being subtracted.
    

3. The athlete, support crew or any other relevant persons must follow all instructions given by the Enduroman official.
    

4. The cut off time for the event is exactly 168 hours (7 days) from when the run commences.  Whether the swim is booked on a neap or spring tide, Enduroman's obligation is the organization of the swim ON THAT TIDE ONLY.   If the swim is delayed by considerable time once the runner arrives in Dover, athletes may chose to miss the swim and attempt the bike stage.  Athletes may return after the bike stage and attempt the swim as long as it can be completed within 7 days from the start of the event, however this would not be classed as a successful A2A attempt.  In the event of severe bad weather after the run, the athlete may wait in Dover a maximum of 72 hours after their original swim start time / date.  If a swim is not possible within 72 hours, an immediate decision will be required at this point from the athlete if they wish to start the bike stage (which must commence within 12 hours) or start the event again on another available date.  This must be an available date common to both the same boat pilot, the athlete and Enduroman.  All monies would be returned to the athlete minus the £600 deposit and any new challenge would require a fresh application.  If the athlete decides to start the bike stage without attempting the swim then no monies will be returned. 
   
   Enduroman will reserve a maximum of 13 days to cover each athlete's challenge starting 48 hours before the allocated swim start time.  This time will be approximately 60mins before high tide on the date of swim booked with the boat pilot.  If for any reason the challenge can not go ahead during this time, the athlete must re book the challenge on an available date that it common to both THE SAME boat pilot and Enduroman.  This would normally in one or possibly two years time.  Available Enduroman dates can be viewed here.
   
   Challenge example:
   
   Athlete X is booked to swim as number 1 position on the neap tide of 1st to 6th September.  The allocated swim start time on 1st September is 02:30am.  X can start the run stage no earlier than 02:30am on 30th August.  If X starts the run, X would need to arrive at the Arc de Triomphe before 02:30 on 8th August (7 days).  If X's swim is delayed in Dover due to bad weather, the last available swim date would be the first high tide on 4th September (which may be slightly over 72 hours depending on the tide charts).  If X is unable to start the run due to bad weather in Dover, the last opportunity to swim would be the 6th September, therefore the last opportunity to start the run stage would be 4th September (or possibly the 5th if X is able to run to Dover and recover before the swim within 24 hours).
   
   The 13 day period that is reserved would therefore be:
   
   Start:  48 hours before X's initial swim start time / date
   
   Finish: 13 days after the above start time
   (Allowing X to swim on the last day of THAT NEAP TIDE and having a maximum 7 days to complete the challenge)
   
    

5. Athletes will start the run stage no longer than 48 hours before their allocated swim start time.
    

6. Athletes may have a maximum of 12 hours recovery from the end of the swim until the start of the bike stage.
    

7. The Enduroman official will be with you throughout the challenge to ensure the routes and mode of travel along those routes are adhered to and will act as a witness to your achievement.
    

8. If for any reason the attempt fails Enduroman Ltd can in no way be held responsible.
    

9. Enduroman Ltd has the final say in calling a stop to the attempt.
    

10. If you do not succeed with the first Arch to  Arc attempt and decide to make any other attempt you will make it through Enduroman Ltd.
     

11. You, your business or any one associated with you or your business will not attempt to take athletes on a London to Paris Challenge or a Challenge very similar to the one you are attempting with Enduroman Ltd.
     

12. All decisions regarding the event, including timings and welfare of the athlete will only be made between Enduroman, the athlete and the boat pilot.
     

13. Bike and Run routes will only be made available to athletes that have paid the whole Enduroman balance.  The routes will then be sent out no earlier than 2 weeks before the challenge start date.
     

14. Running must always be single file, on the far left side of the track or pavement.
     

15. Cycling must always be in single file observing the Enduroman drafting rule: (10m from the back edge of the lead cyclists back wheel to the front edge of the rear cyclist’s front wheel).
     

16. Athletes, support crews, and staff must not litter, mark, or pollute the landscape or environment.
     

17. All racers, crew and staff must display courtesy, decorum, and sportsmanship at all times.
     

18. It is imperative, that all athletes fully prepare themselves for this challenge.  Under no circumstances, will any athlete be allowed to continue with the race if  it's deemed unsafe by an Enduroman official to continue.
     

19. At race registration, athletes must provide a list in a sealed envelope of the mobile contact numbers for the athlete and all support crew members during the race, detailing who will be the support driver for each day.
     

20. All athletes will be weighed before the start of the race wearing running shorts, running shoes and a short sleeve running vest / t-shirt.  Athletes will be weighed at different points during the race.  An official may request the weighing of an athlete at any stage during the event.  If at these check points, the athlete weights LESS than 10% of their original recorded weight, then the athlete will not be allowed to continue until he/she reaches this minimum weight.
     

21. Due to the adverse weather conditions in the area, Enduroman reserve the right to alter the events activities or distances without prior notice to the athlete and without refund.

Legal and Bureaucratic Issues

1.  All athletes must follow and complete the entire application and entry process via Active Europe and return the Enduroman medical form.  The form needs to be signed by their doctor after 1^st January in the year of the event.

2.  All vehicle and drivers must be fully insured / licensed.

3.  All athletes and at least one crew member for each entrant must attend the athlete Check-In and all of the Pre-Race Briefing. Those racers who do not complete the scheduled check-in and attend the briefing will not be allowed to participate. No exceptions.

4.  All athletes must be willing to submit a drug urine test before, during, or after the race. If any banned substances are detected, the athlete will be disqualified from competition and listed as DISQUALIFIED FOR DOPING in the final standings of the race.

5.  No TV, film, or video crew, person, producer, director or other broadcast media representative may accompany or cover any racer or the race itself without the specific written permission of the Race Director.

6.  All reports to the media relevant to the Enduroman Arch to Arc before during and after the challenge will mention Enduroman Ltd and its support.

7.  Publicity and promotion of photo’s Films etc relevant to the Enduroman Arch to Arc Challenge will be shared equally between us to promote our companies.

8.  The use of the Enduroman logos may be used only with the permission of Enduroman Ltd.

9.  Enduroman will be informed of all press released before publication.

10. The event will be referred to on all publications including websites at the Enduroman Arch to Arc Triathlon.  Under no circumstances shall the event be referred to as just the Arch to Arc.

Support Crew and Assistance

1.  Each athlete must be accompanied by a support crew comprised of at least one four-wheeled motor vehicle and one crew members - who is legally licensed to drive and can speak English - at all times. Each athlete must have his or her own personal support crew and vehicle. 

2.  Athletes must progress under their own power without drafting, helping, pushing, supporting, or any other type of physical assistance. Athletes may use hiking sticks, ski poles, or the like.

3.  Athletes may not be accompanied on the run course at any given time while making forward progress on the race course. Support crews must NOT cycle with the athletes either on the bike or run courses.  This includes supporters "shadowing" the athlete either to the front or to he rear.

4.  Crew members may not use illegal drugs or stimulants, as well as alcohol of any kind, during the race or at any official race event or activitie.

5.  Their will only be one support vehicle with the athlete at any one time on courses which will consist of a maximum of driver, co-drive / feeder and the Enduroman official (3 persons in total).  Other vehicles including supporters or film crews may use their own vehicles but must not obstruct the event and must follow any instructions given by Enduroman concerning the event.

6.  Only 2 support crew members will be allowed on the boat.

Support Vehicles

1.  Support vehicles may not be wider than 78" in width, as stated in the manufacturer specifications. Small Cars and Minivans are recommended. Oversize vans and trucks, or other types of oversize vehicles are strongly discouraged. Motorhomes and RVs are specifically not allowed on the race course.

2.  All support vehicles must have their headlights on whenever the engine is running, 24 hours a day.

3.  All race vehicles must have highly visible signage on the back of the vehicle stating "CAUTION CYCLISTS ON ROAD," as provided by athlete. Magnetic, reflective, professionally made signs for this purpose can be made to order by your local sign shop instead.

4.  All support vehicles must also have these signs easily visible on all four sides. This type of sign can be made, for example, using yellow, white, or pink adhesive shelf paper with at least 6 inch letters. This should be done in advance of coming to the event. Magnetic, reflective, professionally made signs for this purpose can be made to order by your local sign shop.

5.  Vehicle windows may not be blocked or obstructed with any signage, paint, or the like.

6.   Vehicles must "leapfrog" the runners / cyclists at all times. Attempt to make each "leapfrog" at least 1 mile (run) or 3 miles (cycle) or more in length along the same road.   Navigation is Enduroman's  responsibility.  The support crew and athlete must follow all instructions bythe Enduroman official.  To ensure that an athlete takes a correct turning, best practice is to park the support vehicle legally forward of the junction then walk back to this junction to direct the runner / cyclist. Runners / Cyclists may not be "shadowed" (driving a vehicle at the cyclists speed) either in front or behind the cyclists, and vehicles must not "caravan" (drive together, like a train, at any speed). Driving may never be at the speed of any racer. Driving must be done at the speed of traffic, never slowing down to encourage, talk to, or lend assistance to any athlete while moving. All assistance must be provided by pedestrian crew members; handing off of supplies from the vehicle is never allowed.

9.  Vehicles must be parked completely off the road surface whenever they are stopped (with all four tyres left right of  ground road markings). Many areas of the route have very little shoulder for parking so care must be taken when choosing stopping places. When stopping/parking, vehicles may not stop on the right side of the road. All stopping/parking must be on the left side of the road, in a LEGAL parking space.

10. All vehicles must obey the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Highway Code.

Safety and Medical Issues

1.  Remember, at all times and in all situations, safety is the most important issue. This means safety for athletes, crew, staff, and the general public. The roads are not closed for this event and are, in fact, quite busy with tourist and local traffic.

2.  I.V.s (intravenous fluids) are not permitted during the race. If an athlete receives an I.V. during the race, for any reason, then that athlete is disqualified and must withdraw from the race and the race course.

3.  Athletes and crew members must wear reflective material facing in all four directions, as well as blinking LED lights facing front and rear, at night. Crew members are to wear reflective material during the day and night whilst road-side.

4.  Athletes are responsible for both their own and their crew’s actions; crews are responsible for both their own and their athlete’s actions.

5.  Always look and listen both ways before crossing the highways. Remember that drivers will not expect to encounter an athlete or parked vehicle out on the course. Remember we are on public roads. Athletes should not cross over any highway more than necessary; crew should cross the highway carefully to bring assistance to their racer.

6.  Enduroman Ltd has the final say in all matters of safety.

Leaving the Course or Withdrawing

1.  Every inch of the course must be travelled by each athlete. In the event of a routing error, e.g., wrong turn, the athlete must return back to the exact original spot where he/she left the course and continue cycling / running from that location. There will be no allowance made for lost time or miles ran / cycled in the wrong direction.

2.   If an athlete needs to leave the course, his/her crew must note the exact location and inform an Enduroman official. Athletes may only leave the course for appropriate reasons such as rest or medical attention. Focus must be kept on the speedy completion of the course.

3.   If an athlete withdraws, he/she or his/her crew must contact the Enduroman official immediately.

Rule Enforcement and Penalties

1.  Race rules are designed to provide a safe and fair experience for everyone involved and to help ensure our ability to produce the race again next year.

2.  Major rule infractions by athletes or their crew, especially those regarding "cheating," will result in immediate disqualification of the athlete.

3.  Other, lesser offences will result in the following cumulative time penalties:

o        First Penalty: One Hour

o        Second Penalty: Disqualification

4.  Time penalties are imposed at the conclusion of the event.

5.  The Race Director has the authority, at any time, to overrule any rule or invent a new rule based on extenuating, unforeseen, and/or unusual circumstances and/or to maintain the integrity and fair play necessary for the successful completion, and continuation, of the race. The Race Director has ultimate authority in regards to all rules, their interpretation, and their enforcement. There is neither “appeals committee” nor an "appeals process." All entrants in the race, and their support crews, willingly acknowledge this fact, as well as all other race rules, by attending the race in any capacity.

6.  In all cases and circumstances, it is the intent, and spirit, of the rules which will govern their implementation and enforcement.

Finally

1.         Have fun and keep smiling!

Additional Relay Rules:

1. There is only one relay category and one world Arch to Arc Relay record. Therefore a 3-person team would stand considerably less chance at breaking the record compared to a 6-person team.  Men's, women's and mixed teams, wetsuit, non-wetsuit attempts will be classed into the same category.

2. Only one relay team will compete on each tide. Teams are not permitted to race each other.

3. Only one runner, swimmer and cyclist will compete at any one time.

4. Successful teams however will be permitted to run the last mile into Dover together.

5. The team must start the run no more than 20 hours before their allocated swim start time.

6. During the swim stage, there must always be one swimmer in the channel. During a team-change, the next swimmer must be in the water before the previous swimmer exits the water.

7. Each athlete will compete for 60 minutes, before 'handing on' to the next athlete.  Therefore each athlete will have 5 hours rest before each competitive phase.  Any deviation to this rule will be at Enduroman's discretion.  A safe 'hand over' location will be determined by Enduroman once the 60 minutes has been completed by the athlete, to maintain safety.   

8. The team must have no longer than 60 minutes recovery once all team members have disembarked at Calais port after the completion of the swim stage.

The Channel Swimming & Pilot Federation Terms and Conditions

The CS&PF is a Governing body for English Channel swimming and is
officially recognised by both the British and French authorities as such.
We are a member of the ASA, CCPR (Central Council Physical Recreation)
and UK Sport. Our registration is as a Governing Body of English
Channel Swimming. We have the same recognition other sporting
organisations worldwide.

The CS&PF is now by far the biggest organisation reference English
Channel Swimming. Our office database holds a comprehensive list of all
English Channel swims the have been ratified by a recognised organisation.
It includes the latest list of the swimming records for all the ratified swim attempts since Captain Webb in August 1875.
The Federation is run by volunteers - not paid staff - to help swimmers realise their dreams of attempting to swim the English Channel.

While we do our best to manage things efficiently, please remember that we all have other work to do and full time businesses to run or jobs to go to.
If the CS&PF were run on paid staff and with its own office premises and
equipment the fees it would have to charge to survive would have to be
much higher and Channel swimming would become "out of reach" for the
majority of its participants.

Please also understand that Channel Swimming is an “extreme” sport and
as such safety has to come first, second and third. There is a reason for the rules we work under and the paperwork we request to make your swim
attempt as safe as possible. You have a "Duty of Care" to yourself and your team to be as 'best prepared' as possible and understand the task you are taking on.

Make sure you understand how the pilots work and what their terms of business are as laid out in their contracts. The pilot will advise you of their fees, payment methods and when the deposits need to be paid by.
Your pilots swim contract is an agreement between you and the pilot - they are all running their own businesses.
Keep a copy of the contract in your swim file.

You should keep a copy of everything in a personal file for future reference. The CS&PF registration and swim fees are a separate item to your pilots fees. The office will send out the CS&PF paperwork to swimmers that are registered with us at the end of December in the year before your swim booking. This is usually by e-mail to the e-mail address you supply us with. All the paperwork must be completed in the year of your swim. The Channel Swimming season is usually from late June to the end of September/ beginning of October