HIGH LONESOME 100 RULES

We're honest people, and we think that most folks are the same. Just to make sure we are all on the same page, we've written down some rules that we need everyone to follow. Anyone who breaks these rules may be disqualified from and denied future entry into the race. By starting the race, you agree to abide by all High Lonesome 100 rules, so best read them. These rules were updated in 2018 to be clearer and to include penalties for violations. This revision was motivated by the issues encountered by the Hardrock 100 during the 2018 running. While we are not trying to be hardasses, we believe that our rules should be clear, concise, and actionable. That means we took out the "have fun" and "don't die" rules as they aren't actually rules…we also changed the wording to remove some of the humor.

  1. No course cutting or shortcuts. All runners must run the entire course, no exceptions. Cutting switchbacks, skipping sections (accidental or intentional), getting rides, or anything that would cause you to gain an unfair advantage will be considered grounds for disqualification. Runners who realize and correct their mistake(s) within the cutoffs will not be penalized. Penalty for uncorrected course deviations: possible DQ

  2. No littering. It's simple: don't do it. Anywhere. Not even 10 feet outside an aid station. You litter, you don't run. Penalty for littering: DQ

  3. No PEDs. Any runner caught using performance enhancing drugs will be disqualified. Any runner who tests positive for PEDs will be denied entry. Penalty for using PEDs: DQ and lifetime ban\

  4. Obey all USFS rules. They manage the land for our race, so we follow their rules. No exceptions. Failing to do so could easily cause us to lose our permit forever. Penalty for failing to obey USFS rules: DQ

  5. Medication and medical treatment. If you get treatment from a medical staff that involves the administration of medication or fluids via needles, then you are considered a DNF. It's okay to get basic treatment, like certain pill-based medication or caring for a sprain or cut for example, but anything that would be considered to give the runner an unfair advantage would be considered a DNF. Medical staff will do their best to inform a runner if a certain treatment could be grounds for a DNF, however their priority is providing care. If you're in rough enough shape that the med staff are treating you as an emergency, you're probably not going to get to keep going anyways.

  6. Obey race staff orders. If the RD, an aid station captain or vice-captain, race committee member, or medical volunteer give you an order, failing to comply is grounds for disqualification. Aid station captains have the authority to act on the behalf of the RD if he is not available. Penalty for not obeying a race staff order: DQ

  7. Failing to carry the required gear. We get it, carrying a lot of stuff isn't great. That's why our list is small, but it's also absolutely required. Please don't try and save a few ounces by cutting corners here. The weather is incredibly volatile in the Sawatch in July, and these small pieces of gear could very well end up saving your life. The specific list will be included in each year's Runner Guide but will generally include a minimum water-carrying capacity, extra food, emergency blanket, whistle, and, for night sections, a backup light source and additional layers. Runners must carry the required gear from the start to the finish. Dumping, stashing, or muling required gear is not allowed. Penalty for failing to carry the required gear for the duration of the race: DQ

  8. No receiving aid outside of aid stations. We've got great aid stations. They are thoroughly stocked and staffed with everything you need. Any aid you receive from your crew needs to be at an aid station. No stashing gear on route and no muling. Racers may assist other racers without any penalty. You may not use your pacer to carry your gear, food, or water. Aid includes but is not limited to the following list: receiving food, water, drinks, gear, or physical assistance of any kind. Penalty for receiving aid outside an aid station (except for from another racer): DQ

  9. Dogs. We love dogs, but no dog is allowed within 100 feet of any aid station (including the finish). Even if your dog is outside of the 100-foot mark from an aid station, barking, aggressive, or otherwise disruptive dogs may result in their human(s) being kicked out of an aid station. No dogs off-leash (EVER). No unattended dogs. Runners are not allowed to run with dogs. Like we said, we love dogs, but this isn’t a good race for them…best to hire a dog-sitter.

  10. No getting into vehicles. During the race, runners are not allowed to enter a vehicle. Doing so allows an unfair advantage to runners with crews. Penalty for entering a vehicle: DQ

  11. Impeding another runner. Common, don't do it. Penalty for impeding another runner: possible DQ

  12. Not checking in or out of an aid station. We need to know where you are over the course of 100 miles, so you must check in and out of each aid station. It's okay to yell if it's loud; don't be shy. It's your responsibility to make sure the staff confirm that they heard you. Penalty for failing to check in or out of an aid station: possible DQ

  13. Failing a medical evaluation. If you avoid or fail a medical evaluation, you are disqualified. No questions asked. We really trust our med staff, and so should you.

  14. Bury your s**t. More specifically, please follow all USFS and LNT guidelines about proper human waste disposal. Not doing so is bad for the environment, bad for other runners, and bad for your race...because we'll disqualify you. LNT is important, and if you don't believe us, check out the next rule. Penalty for failing to dispose of human waste correctly: DQ

  15. Leave No Trace. Don't leave a trace. Run through mud, stay on the trail, don't litter, bury your poop, and help us preserve the quality of our wild areas. Penalty for failing to follow LNT guidelines: possible DQ

  16. Respect private properties. Certain areas go near private property (mostly around St Elmo). Runners and crews should not trespass or impede the owners of any private property. Crews that knowingly disregard this rule will cause their runner to be disqualified. My guess is the runner would be pretty upset at their crew if that happened, so best not to do it. Penalty for impeding or entering private property: possible DQ

  17. Don't run as a bandit. Look, we know our race is cool, and that you want to run it but please don't run it bandit-style. We will find out and you will be pulled. Penalty for running as bandit: banned from race for life.

  18. The race director has final say. During the race, the RD has final say on any issues that may arise, including issues not specifically listed as an official rule.

  19. The race director has the authority to make exceptions to any aspect of this race as deemed necessary or beneficial to the overall health of the event.

Rules last updated on 7/18/2022