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The Captain Myles Keogh Paddle, Wheel, & Run

THE GREAT RACE 46

Race day instructions for the Great Race

General Rules and Instructions

  1. Special note for tandem teams and solo racers: The rule requiring tandem and solo cyclists to rack their bikes in the changeover zone bike racks after finishing will be strictly enforced.
  2. New Rule For Bikers: Take Note! The bike course closes at noon. ALL bikes must be back to the changeover zone by noon! See bike rules
  3. Special note for paddlers: Avoid disqualification. Certain rules will be rigidly enforced. See canoe rule #6 and #8
  4. The opening ceremony and general instructions will be held at 9:10 AM on Owasco Road in the Changeover Zone. Additional or last minute Race instructions will be given then.
  5. Your race packet should include:
    • QR cde for race instructions.
    • 1 red runner's number (with timing chip attached to the back) to be worn on the front. Do not lose the chip! No chip, no time!
    • 1 red cyclist's number to be worn on the low back
    • 2 blue paddler's numbers (or one kayaker/SUP's number), to be worn on the front. One number will have a pull tag and a timing chip attached to the back. The paddler who runs from the bike exchange must wear the chip. Do not lose the chip! No chip, no time!
    • 2 Canoe or kayak numbers WITH TEAM NUMBER to be placed on the right front side and right rear side of the canoe or kayak
    • 1 bike frame number WITH 2 PANELS to be attached to the bike frame
    • 1 team relay flag (wristband) to be passed from runner to cyclist to canoeist. This need not be visible during the race, but it must be carried throughout the race and will be collected at the end
    • safety pins
    • T-shirt for each team member
  6. Check your packet right away. Inform Registration if anything is missing.
  7. Your team numbers must be visible throughout the race. If not:
    • we will not be able to provide you with your splits
    • your team may be subject to disqualification if your number is not seen at a check point
  8. We attempt to record splits for each segment of the race. This is extremely difficult because there is no chute to order placement. We will, however, post results as soon as possible. Please be patient and do not request times from the timers or tabulation center.
  9. One of the problems for finish line timers and for those who desire accurate times in any race is people improperly crossing or nearly crossing a finish line. Racers who are not entered cause the timers to record a finish place and time. Also, some runners and bikers who "cool down" or go back to cheer on another racer wind up crossing the finish line a 2nd time. This results in serious problems with people's times and splits. Please do not cross or nearly cross any finish line unless you are entered in the race, and please stay away from the finish line when yopu are done.
  10. If you have questions, direct them to committee members or the Registration tent.
  11. Follow directions from personnel in "Race Official" T-shirts or Committee shirts.
  12. Please help with our clean-up efforts by using trash cans and containers.
  13. Volunteers will be posted at all turns and major intersections on the run and cycle routes.
  14. Protest: If a racer believes that another racer should be disqualified from the race or that there is an error in the race scoring they must lodge a protest with a race referee. There are 3 race referees who can handle protests. Race volunteers or race committee members will assist the protestor in locating a referee but it is the protestor's responsibility to lodge the protest with a referee. The 3 referees will judge the protest and make a decision. Their decision will be final. Protests must be lodged as soon as possible, but not later than 12:30 P.M. race day.
  15. Because of the summer heat, this is a potentially dangerous activity. Please prepare yourself by drinking water before, during, and after your event. Please also be sure to read the " the Facts about Heat".
  16. No one may simultaneously compete on more than one team (e.g. a runner handing off to 2 cyclists). A racer may race a different event for another team (e.g. run for one team, then paddle for another), but must NEVER participate with 2 numbers on.
  17. The rules for good sportsmanship apply. Profane or abusive language is not allowed. The use of profane or abusive language may result in your team's disqualification. Profane, abusive, or threatening language directed at another competitor or any race official will result in your team's disqualification.
  18. Do not cross the finish line or enter the finish area unless you have completed the entire canoe course for the race in which you are entered, i.e. if you drop out of the race, go back to the beach and do not enter the finish area.
  19. The race committee reserves the right to cancel, shorten, or change the race or a portion of the race for safety reasons or unsafe weather conditions. These changes, if necessary will be announced on the race PA system. Please pay attention to race announcements and instructions. There will be no "rain date" or refunds in this case.
  1. Special note for tandem teams and solo racers: The rule requiring tandem and solo cyclists to rack their bikes in the changeover zone bike racks after finishing will be strictly enforced.
  2. New Rule For Bikers: Take Note! The bike course closes at noon. ALL bikes must be back to the changeover zone by noon! See bike rules
  3. Special note for paddlers: Avoid disqualification. Certain rules will be rigidly enforced. See canoe rule #6 and #8
  4. The opening ceremony and general instructions will be held at 9:10 AM on Owasco Road in the Changeover Zone. Additional or last minute Race instructions will be given then.
  5. Your race packet should include:
    • QR cde for race instructions.
    • 1 red runner's number (with timing chip attached to the back) to be worn on the front. Do not lose the chip! No chip, no time!
    • 1 red cyclist's number to be worn on the low back
    • 2 blue paddler's numbers (or one kayaker/SUP's number), to be worn on the front. One number will have a pull tag and a timing chip attached to the back. The paddler who runs from the bike exchange must wear the chip. Do not lose the chip! No chip, no time!
    • Canoe or kayak number WITH TEAM NUMBER to be placed on the right front side of the canoe or kayak
    • 1 bike frame number WITH 2 PANELS to be attached to the bike frame
    • 1 team relay flag (wristband) to be passed from runner to cyclist to canoeist. This need not be visible during the race, but it must be carried throughout the race and will be collected at the end
    • safety pins
    • T-shirt for each team member
  6. Check your packet right away. Inform Registration if anything is missing.
  7. Your team numbers must be visible throughout the race. If not:
    • we will not be able to provide you with your splits
    • your team may be subject to disqualification if your number is not seen at a check point
  8. We attempt to record splits for each segment of the race. This is extremely difficult because there is no chute to order placement. We will, however, post results as soon as possible. Please be patient and do not request times from the timers or tabulation center.
  9. One of the problems for finish line timers and for those who desire accurate times in any race is people improperly crossing or nearly crossing a finish line. Racers who are not entered cause the timers to record a finish place and time. Also, some runners and bikers who "cool down" or go back to cheer on another racer wind up crossing the finish line a 2nd time. This results in serious problems with people's times and splits. Please do not cross or nearly cross any finish line unless you are entered in the race, and please stay away from the finish line when yopu are done.
  10. If you have questions, direct them to committee members or the Registration tent.
  11. Follow directions from personnel in "Race Official" T-shirts or Committee shirts.
  12. Ambulances and first aid will be stationed at the changeover zone and on Deauville Island.
  13. Please help with our clean-up efforts by using trash cans and containers.
  14. Volunteers will be posted at all turns and major intersections on the run and cycle routes.
  15. Protest: If a racer believes that another racer should be disqualified from the race or that there is an error in the race scoring they must lodge a protest with a race referee. There are 3 race referees who can handle protests. Race volunteers or race committee members will assist the protestor in locating a referee but it is the protestor's responsibility to lodge the protest with a referee. The 3 referees will judge the protest and make a decision. Their decision will be final. Protests must be lodged as soon as possible, but not later than 12:30 P.M. race day.
  16. Because of the summer heat, this is a potentially dangerous activity. Please prepare yourself by drinking water before, during, and after your event. Please also be sure to read the " the Facts about Heat".
  17. No one may simultaneously compete on more than one team (e.g. a runner handing off to 2 cyclists). A racer may race a different event for another team (e.g. run for one team, then paddle for another), but must NEVER participate with 2 numbers on.
  18. The rules for good sportsmanship apply. Profane or abusive language is not allowed. The use of profane or abusive language may result in your team's disqualification. Profane, abusive, or threatening language directed at another competitor or any race official will result in your team's disqualification.
  19. Do not cross the finish line or enter the finish area unless you have completed the entire canoe course for the race in which you are entered, i.e. if you drop out of the race, go back to the beach and do not enter the finish area.
  20. The race committee reserves the right to cancel, shorten, or change the race or a portion of the race for safety reasons or unsafe weather conditions. These changes, if necessary will be announced on the race PA system. Please pay attention to race announcements and instructions. There will be no "rain date" or refunds in this case.

Runner's Instructions - First race segment

  1. There will be a mass start at 9:30 AM on Owasco Road near the Emerson Park entrance.
  2. Stay on the right side of the road as you run.
  3. Runners must be wearing their Timing Chip. No chip, no time.
  4. Runners will will follow the correct course.
  5. The changeover zone is on Owasco Road, near the Farmer's Museum and the Park Entrance, where the race began.
  6. Run into the appropriate side of the zone and go BEHIND the bikes. Pass your team flag (wrist band) to your cyclist. Walk to the end of the zone and exit cautiously. Do not interfere with other runners.
  7. There will be signs at each mile and a split time at the one mile mark.

Run Courses


  1. There will be a mass start at 9:30 AM on Owasco Road near the Emerson Park entrance.
  2. Stay on the right side of the road as you run.
  3. Runners must be wearing their Timing Chip. No chip, no time.
  4. Runners will will follow the correct course.
  5. The changeover zone is on Owasco Road, near the Farmer's Museum and the Park Entrance, where the race began.
  6. Run into the appropriate side of the zone and go BEHIND the bikes. Pass your team flag (wrist band) to your cyclist. Walk to the end of the zone and exit cautiously. Do not interfere with other runners.
  7. There will be signs at each mile and a split time at the one mile mark.

Changeover Zone Instructions

  1. Only runners and bikers may enter the Exchange Zone from the Park Entrance end of the Exchange Zone.
  2. The Park Entrance end of the Exchange Zone will be closed after the bikers have been called to line up.
  3. Cyclists will line up in numerical order with their rear wheels on the shoulder of the road and facing the center of the road.
  4. A Staging Area on the south end of the exchange zone will be used for the paddlers.
  5. When the paddlers are called for, they must report immediately to the staging area to be organized numerically and to receive final race instructions. Paddlers. will be escorted into the Exchange Zone, after they have been organized and given race instructions.
  6. There is to be absolutely NO RACING in the Exchange Zone. Racing starts upon exiting the Exchange Zone. All bike racing stops upon re-entering the Exchange Zone, at the lake end of the course.
  7. RThere is to be absolutely NO SPEEDING in the Exchange Zone. Speeders will be immediately disqualified.
  8. Obey the race officials..
  1. Only runners and bikers may enter the Exchange Zone from the Park Entrance end of the Exchange Zone.
  2. The Park Entrance end of the Exchange Zone will be closed after the bikers have been called to line up.
  3. Cyclists will line up in numerical order with their rear wheels on the shoulder of the road and facing the center of the road.
  4. A Staging Area on the south end of the exchange zone will be used for the paddlers.
  5. When the paddlers are called for, they must report immediately to the staging area to be organized numerically and to receive final race instructions. Paddlers. will be escorted into the Exchange Zone, after they have been organized and given race instructions.
  6. There is to be absolutely NO RACING in the Exchange Zone. Racing starts upon exiting the Exchange Zone. All bike racing stops upon re-entering the Exchange Zone, at the lake end of the course.
  7. RThere is to be absolutely NO SPEEDING in the Exchange Zone. Speeders will be immediately disqualified.
  8. Obey the race officials..

Cyclists' instructions - second segment

Bike Course
  1. The bike course closes at noon. ALL bikes must be back to the changeover zone by noon! Any bike not back by 12 noon will be picked up by our "sag wagon". Bikers that do not wish to be picked up will have their team disqualified.
  2. Hard shell helmets are mandatory for all cyclists. Failure to wear one will result in a team's disqualification.
  3. No bikes will be allowed south of Oakridge Road after 9:15 AM.
  4. Cyclists should be set up in the changeover zone shortly after the running segment has started. Cyclists should be set up within no more than 20 minutes after the race starts.
  5. Stay in your starting spot until your runner passes the flag (wrist band), then proceed with caution into the road. Stay in your lane until you are clear of the changeover zone where all cyclists will merge to the right lane of the roadway.
  6. Upon completion of the course, returning Solo and Tandem cyclists will use the bike racks on the left side of the road and run to the boat launch area using the left side of the road.
  7. All othe cyclists will use the right lane of the road to hand off to their team's paddler.
  8. The paddlers will be lined up in the median of the road to receive the hand-off from the cyclist. Paddlers will use the left lane to run to the boat launch area.
  9. Cyclists will slowly and safely continue past the Park entrance out of the chaneover zone after handing off.
  10. Note: There is a 10 MPH SPEED LIMIT in exchange area. There will be NO RACING OR RECKLESS BEHAVIOR. Offender can receive a TIME PENALTY OR DISQUALIFICATION.
  11. Ride with traffic.
  12. The roads are not closed to vehicular traffic, except the changeover zone, so be aware of traffic.
  13. Special notes to solos and tandems:(1) The rule requiring returning cyclists to rack their bikes in the changeover zone bike racks after finishing will be strictly enforced. Racers Bypassing the racks will be disqualified. There will be security volunteers in the rack area. (2) As you approach the finish and see the changeover zone on the left, the bike racks will be the first thing you see. (3)Tandem bikers must have their Timing Chip attached to be timed. (4) Only you or someone designated by you with your race number or the security ID bracelet from your race packet can retrieve your bike from the rack area.
  14. Your bicycle must be slowed in order to make the changeover. Therefore, slow down as you approach the changeover zone.
  15. The road is marked at each mile.
  16. Cyclists' splits will be recorded as their canoeist leaves the changover zone.
  17. Carry water on your bike.
  18. There will be communications personnel from the Auburn Amateur Radio Club stationed at turns on the bike course. If you have a problem, let one of them know.

Bike Course


  1. The bike course closes at noon. ALL bikes must be back to the changeover zone by noon! Any bike not back by 12 noon will be picked up by our "sag wagon". Bikers that do not wish to be picked up will have their team disqualified.
  2. Hard shell helmets are mandatory for all cyclists. Failure to wear one will result in a team's disqualification.
  3. No bikes will be allowed south of Oakridge Road after 9:15 AM.
  4. Cyclists should be set up in the changeover zone shortly after the running segment has started. Cyclists should be set up within no more than 20 minutes after the race starts.
  5. Stay in your starting spot until your runner passes the flag (wrist band), then proceed with caution into the road. Stay in your lane until you are clear of the changeover zone where all cyclists will merge to the right lane of the roadway.
  6. Upon completion of the course, returning Solo and Tandem cyclists will use the bike racks on the left side of the road and run to the boat launch area using the left side of the road.
  7. All othe cyclists will use the right lane of the road to hand off to their team's paddler.
  8. The paddlers will be lined up in the median of the road to receive the hand-off from the cyclist. Paddlers will use the left lane to run to the boat launch area.
  9. Cyclists will slowly and safely continue past the Park entrance out of the chaneover zone after handing off.
  10. Note: There is a 10 MPH SPEED LIMIT in exchange area. There will be NO RACING OR RECKLESS BEHAVIOR. Offender can receive a TIME PENALTY OR DISQUALIFICATION.
  11. Ride with traffic.
  12. The roads are not closed to vehicular traffic, except the changeover zone, so be aware of traffic.
  13. Special notes to solos and tandems:(1) The rule requiring returning cyclists to rack their bikes in the changeover zone bike racks after finishing will be strictly enforced. Racers Bypassing the racks will be disqualified. There will be security volunteers in the rack area. (2) As you approach the finish and see the changeover zone on the left, the bike racks will be the first thing you see. (3)Tandem bikers must have their Timing Chip attached to be timed. (4) Only you or someone designated by you with your race number or the security ID bracelet from your race packet can retrieve your bike from the rack area.
  14. Your bicycle must be slowed in order to make the changeover. Therefore, slow down as you approach the changeover zone.
  15. The road is marked at each mile.
  16. Cyclists' splits will be recorded as their canoeist leaves the changover zone.
  17. Carry water on your bike.
  18. There will be communications personnel from the Auburn Amateur Radio Club stationed at turns on the bike course. If you have a problem, let one of them know.

Canoeists' Instructions - third segment

Special Note: Be aware of the Finish Line Procedure. Please see Rule 10.

Note: Due to the large number of canoes and kayaks in the race, please see Rule 11.

There will be a special changeover zone staging area for canoers and kayakers. To keep things orderly, Paddlers will gather at the south end of the Changeover Zone where they will be moved into place at the appropriate time by Race Officials. Please follow the instrucions of the Race Officials (see rules 2 and 3).

  1. Personal Flotation Devices: Life jackets must be worn by all paddlers during the race. Paddlers who cross the finish line not wearing their life jackets will be disqualified.
  2. One paddler ("Running" paddler) must we waiting at the bike/canoe changeover zone or in the paddler's staging area by 10:20. They must have their race numbers displayed on their shirt fronts. The other canoeist must wait by the canoe.
  3. Kayakers must be waiting at the appropriate changeover zone or in the paddler's staging area by 10:20 AM. They must have their race number displayed on their shirt fronts. Worried kayakers can have their team's runner wait by the kayak until the kayaker arrives. The runner may not assist in launching the kayak.
  4. Kayakers and "running" canoeists must have their Timing Chips attached to be correctly timed.
  5. Upon receiving the flag (wrist band), the first canoeist must walk, jog, or run to the canoe via the roped-off route.
  6. All canoes and kayaks must remain in the designated areas until the arrival of the of their canoe partner or kayaker with the team relay flag. When the team number of the running canoeist is announced on the PA, the waiting canoeist may move the canoe out into the running lane to allow the running canoeist to grab his or her end of the canoe. Both canoeists then carry the canoe into the water. Canoes may not be placed in the water without both paddlers present. Kayakers carry their own kayaks to the water.
  7. All paddlers must complete the entire course. In order to do this you must keep the orange marker buoys to your right, regardless of whether or not this is the "shortest line". The turnaround is marked by the first pontoon boat check point. There are large blaze orange buoys to guide you. You must go clockwise by the turnaround (check point), where canoe/kayak numbers will be recorded.
  8. Several motorized boats will be on or next to the course to provide emergency assistance. Official boats are marked with a flag.
  9. The Finish Line is off Deauville Island. Proceed through the Finish, please follow Race Official's instructions to get your canoe or kayak out of the finish area. You will receive a place card when you finish. It is your responsibility to turn in your place card and the pull tag from your bib number to the Race Officials in the Finish Line Tent. If you fail to do so you will jeopardize your team's finish time and awards.
  10. Please respect other paddlers and clear your boat from the beach when you are done. Leaving your boat on the beach blocks other paddlers who are trying to enter the lake. Be considerate.
  11. Times and places will be posted as soon as possible.
  12. The race committee reserves the right to cancel or shorten the canoe portion fo the race if it determines that conditions are too dangerous, i.e. electrical storm, rough water, etc.
  13. Do not cross the finish line or enter the finish area unless you have completed the entire canoe course for the race in which you are entered, i.e. if you drop out of the race, go back to the beach and do not enter the finish area.
  1. Personal Flotation Devices: Life jackets must be worn by all paddlers during the race. Paddlers who cross the finish line not wearing their life jackets will be disqualified.
  2. One paddler ("Running" paddler) must we waiting at the bike/canoe changeover zone or in the paddler's staging area by 10:20. They must have their race numbers displayed on their shirt fronts. The other canoeist must wait by the canoe.
  3. Kayakers must be waiting at the appropriate changeover zone or in the paddler's staging area by 10:20 AM. They must have their race number displayed on their shirt fronts. Worried kayakers can have their team's runner wait by the kayak until the kayaker arrives. The runner may not assist in launching the kayak.
  4. Kayakers and "running" canoeists must have their Timing Chips attached to be correctly timed.
  5. Upon receiving the flag (wrist band), the first canoeist must walk, jog, or run to the canoe via the roped-off route.
  6. All canoes and kayaks must remain in the designated areas until the arrival of the of their canoe partner or kayaker with the team relay flag. When the team number of the running canoeist is announced on the PA, the waiting canoeist may move the canoe out into the running lane to allow the running canoeist to grab his or her end of the canoe. Both canoeists then carry the canoe into the water. Canoes may not be placed in the water without both paddlers present. Kayakers carry their own kayaks to the water.
  7. All paddlers must complete the entire course. In order to do this you must keep the orange marker buoys to your right, regardless of whether or not this is the "shortest line". The turnaround is marked by the first pontoon boat check point. There are large blaze orange buoys to guide you. You must go clockwise by the turnaround (check point), where canoe/kayak numbers will be recorded.
  8. Several motorized boats will be on or next to the course to provide emergency assistance. Official boats are marked with a flag.
  9. The Finish Line is off Deauville Island. Proceed through the Finish, please follow Race Official's instructions to get your canoe or kayak out of the finish area. You will receive a place card when you finish. It is your responsibility to turn in your place card and the pull tag from your bib number to the Race Officials in the Finish Line Tent. If you fail to do so you will jeopardize your team's finish time and awards.
  10. Please respect other paddlers and clear your boat from the beach when you are done. Leaving your boat on the beach blocks other paddlers who are trying to enter the lake. Be considerate.
  11. Times and places will be posted as soon as possible.
  12. The race committee reserves the right to cancel or shorten the canoe portion fo the race if it determines that conditions are too dangerous, i.e. electrical storm, rough water, etc.
  13. Do not cross the finish line or enter the finish area unless you have completed the entire canoe course for the race in which you are entered, i.e. if you drop out of the race, go back to the beach and do not enter the finish area.

Great Race Alcohol Policy
The Great Race committee and the staff of Emerson park are asking all racers and volunteers to help us comply with local laws and Emeson Park's rules and keep the Great Race a fun, safe event. To do this, ALL persons consuming alcohol will be asked to wear an ID wrist band to indicate you are of legal age. Any person who appears to be under 30 years of aged will be asked to present a valid ID to receive a wrist band, so if you're still in the pre gray hair stage of life, please don't forget to bring a valid ID with you.

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The Great Race committee and the staff of Emerson park are asking all racers and volunteers to help us comply with local laws and Emeson Park's rules and keep the Great Race a fun, safe event. To do this, ALL persons consuming alcohol will be asked to wear an ID wrist band to indicate you are of legal age. Any person who appears to be under 30 years of aged will be asked to present a valid ID to receive a wrist band, so if you're still in the pre gray hair stage of life,
please don't forget to bring a valid ID with you. Also, as a reminder, please respect the Park's long standing policy of no glass containers on park grounds.

Race location

Location Map
Location via Google Maps.