Reglament de les curses

2021 RULES OF THE MONTCALM CHALLENGE RACES.

1. The Montcalm Challenge races

The races are organized by the CAP Montcalm association, Rue de la Mairie, 09220 Auzat. marathon.montcalm@gmail.com 

• The Picariège (70 km)

• The Montcalm Marathon

• The Novis Trail

• The Miner’s Trail

• The VK – Vertical Kilometer

2. Registration

Any registration, to be validated, must be accompanied by a medical certificate less than 1 year old on the day of the race or the copy of a license (FFA, FSCF-FSGT, UFOLEP). On the certificate or license must appear by any means the mention "Approval for the practice of athletics in competition or running in competition" (in accordance with L. 231-3 of the Sports Code) in order to be allowed to take the start of the Montcalm races.

The same rules apply to both French competitors and foreign competitors.

No bib exchange is allowed unless approved by the organization.

Admission requirements specific to Picariège

- To have completed at least 1 race with more than 5000 m altitude difference in the 3 years preceding the departure

Or

-To prove your knowledge of the field in day time as in night time and a great experience in high mountains environment.

A written application must be submitted to the race committee which will decide on a case-by-case analysis to validate the registration or not. 

These races have many difficulties (important altitude difference, very technical and / or vertiginous sections) so there are reserved for people trained in this type of effort and having a very good physical condition.

Moreover, these people will have to be fully aware of the difficulty and the dangers of this type of race. An understanding of the mountain environment and in particular of the conditions of life in high mountains are necessary and essential.

Trailers should be prepared to face extreme conditions (as can be found in high mountains) and severe weather conditions. They have to provide a list of people to contact in case of emergency and be aware of the difficulty of the event in which they engage into.

It is strongly recommended to recognize the race in advance.

The number of participants is limited for each event: 500 for the Montcalm Marathon and 300 for the Picariège 70 km).

Increase in registration fees after May 1st, second increase after July 15th.

Internet registrations will be closed on the day before the day of the start of the race.

On-site registration will be possible subject to availability. The organization reserves the right to issue wild cards.

Any registration not accompanied by a medical certificate valid on the date of the race will not be validated.

The organization assumes no responsibility in case of presentation of falsified documents.

It strongly encourages future participants to be evaluated in advance on their abilities by qualified medical staff (e. g. sports medicine doctors).

In case of cancellation by the runner, the organization does not refund the registration fees but can on request transfer them to the next edition.

Minimum age to participate

For the Picariège and the Montcalm Marathon: you must be at least in the “espoir” category (born 1998-2000 and prior).

For the Novis Trail: you must be at least in the “espoir” category (born 1998-2000 and prior).

For the the Miner’s Trail and the VK: you must be at least in the “junior” category (born 2001-2002 and prior).

“Cani-cross”

Running with a dog is forbidden.

Dogs even on a leash are not allowed to run with their master.

Anti-doping controls

Anyone who has undergone a positive anti-doping control or refuses a control will not be able to take the start of the race in order to respect the ethics of our adventure. Similarly, anti-doping controls may take place.

Pick up of the bibs

An ID will be required when you pick up the bib for Picariège.

 3. Abandon

The competitor who abandons must do it MANDATORY at a supply point (except in case of an accident).

He/She must return his/her bib to a volunteer by signing it to validate his/her withdrawal from the race.

Many supply points are located in the high mountains without access by car so, if possible, some places should be preferred to abandon. If not, repatriation instructions will be given by the volunteers.

After giving up, it is forbidden to leave the marking of the race without being accompanied by a volunteer and / or runners.

The organization's medical team is entitled to remove the bibs and disqualify any competitor they consider medically unfit to continue the race.

4. Time limits

In order to avoid excessive delays, a time limit for starting from certain supply points will be defined beyond which the competitor will be disqualified. These time limits are very strict for your own safety and that of the volunteers, thank you to follow the instructions which will be given to you if you exceed the time limit.

They are expressed in duration since the start of the race concerned. In the event of a suspension of the race, the initial time barriers will be increased by the duration of the suspension.

 4.1 Picariège

Soulcem's base camp (orris du Carla): 13 hours.

Lartigue Parking: 20 hours.

To be considered as “finishers”, the runners must cross the finish line in less than 30 hours.

4.2 Montcalm Marathon

Refuge of Pinet: 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Top of Montcalm: 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Lartigue Parking on the way back: 8 hours and 30 minutes.

To be considered as “finishers”, the runners must cross the finish line in less than 9 hours and 30 minutes.

4.3 Novis Trail

Arconac: 2 hours.

5. Mandatory equipment

 5.1 Picariège

• Wearing a mask is mandatory in all areas (departure, supply points, arrival, registrations and in general during any meeting)

• The bib with the number must be worn in a very visible manner throughout the race. Same thing for the control system provided by the organization.

• A GPS, a GPS watch or a smartphone with the GPS track of the race and the fallback routes, to be downloaded on the site of the race.

• A bag large enough to carry the mandatory material.

• 2 headlamps or lighting torches with spare batteries.

• 2 survival blankets with minimum dimensions of 1.4m by 2m.

• 1 water reserve of at least 1.5 liters.

• 1 whistle.

• 1 anorak or down jacket.

• 1 waterproof rain jacket with hood and thermo-welded seams.

• 1 "second skin" warm clothing with long sleeves in technical fabric adapted to the environment.

• 1 long tights.

• 1 waterproof over-trousers.

• 1 pair of gloves.

• 1 adhesive elastic band allowing bandaging / strapping with a minimum length of 2.50 m and 6 cm wide.

• 1 protection of the head covering the ears (cap type, choker allowed).

• 1 food reserve sufficient to reach the food supply points.

• 1 eco mug / cup, reusable: there will be no cups at the supply points (eco responsible action).

• 1 mobile phone in working order to be reachable during the race. Include the organization's numbers in your phone, do not call using masked numbers, keep your phone turned on.

• 1 identity card.

• 1 road book of the race (in pdf, photo or paper format).

Recommended: sun protection cream - anti-heat cream - water purification tablets - external battery – fleece jacket - walking sticks - shoe cleats in case of snow passages in the race - lighter - flashing red rear lamp - cap - sunglasses - knife.

The organization reserves the right to shorten or lengthen the list of mandatory equipment according to the weather conditions. This decision will be announced at the mandatory pre-race briefing.

The mandatory equipment will be checked at the bib delivery and at the starting block of the race.

Unannounced checks may take place at any time during the race.

It is forbidden to change bag during the race.

All clothing that is part of the mandatory equipment must be at the size of the participant.

5.2 Montcalm Marathon, Novis Trail, Miner’s Trail, VK

Wearing a mask is mandatory in all areas (departure, supply points, arrival, registrations and in general during any meeting)

Eco mug / cup (reusable): there will be no cups at the supply points (eco responsible action).

Depending on the weather conditions, a list of mandatory materials may be issued by the organization at the race briefing (examples: cap and water reserve in case of hot weather; gloves, cap and jacket in case of bad weather).

7. Security and medical assistance

All competitors must go through all checkpoints and supply points which are also security points.

Rescue stations will be established at various places along the route. They are intended to assist any person in danger with usual means or means specific to the organization. These stations will be in radio or telephone connection with a central medical team in place throughout the duration of the race at the race control station (PC course) located in Auzat.

It will be up to a runner in difficulty or seriously injured to call for help:

- by showing up at a first aid station.

- by calling the race control station (PC course).

- by asking a third party to warn the rescue.

It will be up to each runner to assist any person in danger and to warn the rescue.

A runner using a doctor or a first aid submits to his authority and agrees to accept his decisions. The doctors and official rescuers are in particular entitled:

- to disqualify any competitor unfit to continue the race.

- to evacuate by any means at their convenience the runners they consider to be in danger.

- to hospitalize at their convenience the runners whose state of health will require it.

Expenses resulting from the use of exceptional rescue or evacuation means will be borne by the rescued person who will also have to ensure his return from the place where he has been evacuated. It is the sole responsibility of the runner to establish and submit a file to his personal insurance within the time limit.

If it is not possible to reach the race control station (PC course), you can call the rescue organizations directly (especially if you are in an "emergency only" zone).

Dial 112 from France, Andorra or Spain.

Remember that hazards of all kinds, related to the environment and the race, can make you wait for help longer than expected. Your security will depend on the quality of what you put in your bag.

It is emphasized that our races take place in the middle of very high mountains and that the telephone network is very often not available.

A specific medical form will be requested from runners participating in the PicAriège.

8. Drop bag

8.1. Picariège runner bag

The bags for the Soulcem base camp must be dropped during the scheduled hours of the bib’s delivery at the Auzat gymnasium.

Sticks in the runner’s bag are forbidden.

The personal bags of the runners at their arrival can be dropped during the bib’s delivery time at the Auzat gymnasium where they will be available on arrival of the race. The bags will be stored in a closed room with your bib number. This bib number will be requested to pick up your bag.

The bag can be picked up on site or at the Auzat gymnasium after the Soulcem base has been closed. The bag must not contain valuables such as computers, phones, etc.

 9. Drink and food supply points

Due to sanitary conditions, assistance is not allowed in the supply zones and will be subject to sanctions.

For the PicAriège, 6 supply points are arranged on the course, organized according to the Covid protocol.

For the Montcalm Marathon, 5 supply points are arranged on the course, organized according to the Covid protocol.

On the Novis Trail there are 6 supply points and 1 on the Miner’s Trail.

1 supply point will be implemented on the VK (Vertical Kilometer). It does not include the one after the race.

10. Insurance

A civil liability insurance policy is subscribed by the Organizing Committee.

Participants in the different races are recommended to subscribe to an additional specific individual insurance.

For the participants in the Picariège (70km), this personal insurance is MANDATORY.

11. Ranking and Awards

The ranking of the races will be according to the order of arrival of the competitors.

No ranking will be given to participants on the day of the event.

On the other hand, each competitor will be able to check his ranking on www.marathon-montcalm.com and will receive his ranking in the following weeks by email.

All participants will receive a souvenir gift.

A meal will be offered to all runners after their arrival (except for the VK – Vertical Kilometer).

On top of that, the organization reserves the right to give special awards.

If a runner has to make several podiums on the same race (example: scratch + senior, ...), special Montcalm trophies will not be cumulated and will be given to the next runner in the category.

Cash bonuses will be set up for the following Montcalm races: 70 km, Marathon and VK.

11.1 Picariège Awards

The first 3 men and women, the first man and the first woman per 10 years age group, based on the former categories (espoir, senior, V1, V2, V3 and V4) provided that there are at least 3 participants per category.

All runners who finish the race will receive a “finisher” gift.

11.2 Montcalm Marathon Awards

The first 5 runners in the "scratch", the first 3 men and the first 3 women, the 1st man and the 1st woman per category 10 years age group, based on the former categories (espoir, senior, V1, V2, V3 and V4) provided that there are at least 3 participants per category.

11.3 Novis Trail and Miner’s Trail Awards

The first 3 men and women, the 1st man and the 1st woman per category of 10 years age group, based on the former categories (espoir, senior, V1, V2, V3 and V4) provided there are at least 3 participants per category.

11.4 Vertical Kilometer Awards

The first 3 men and women, the first man and the first woman per 10 years age group, based on the former categories (espoir, senior, V1, V2, V3 and V4) provided that there are at least 3 participants per category.

12. Race suspension, modification or cancellation

The organizers reserve the right to change the routes, to temporarily suspend the race, to cancel the race until the last moment, in case of force majeure, to modify the race if the weather conditions do not allow to ensure safety.

In case of bad climatic conditions from the start, 6 fallback procedures are put in place on the Picariège and the Montcalm Marathon.

In case of cancellation the organization does not refund the registration fees.

12.1 For the Picariège

• Procedure 1: circuit without the peaks.

• Procedure 2: circuit with altitude limit.

• Procedure 3: refuges circuit.

• Procedure 4: fallback to the Novis Trail route and low valley paths.

• Procedure 5: suspension.

• Procedure 6: full cancellation.

 12.2 For the Montcalm Marathon

• Procedure 1: circuit without the Estats peak.

• Procedure 2: circuit up to 2900 pass.

• Procedure 3: circuit up to the Pinet refuge.

• Procedure 4: fallback to the Novis Trail route.

• Procedure 5: suspension

• Procedure 6: full cancellation.

13. Trail markup

The markup consists of flags and ribbons with reflective parts.

Conditions in the mountains (herds, heavy winds, fog, etc.) or human intervention (markup removal) can lead to missing markup in some areas. It is therefore mandatory to have with you the GPS track in order to find your way as quickly as possible.

Our objective to avoid the risk of pollution leads us to markup in an eco-responsible way.

In case of bad weather, fog, rain, snow, it is recommended to form groups of runners, for obvious reasons of safety, so as not to leave a runner alone in difficulty.

14. Penalties or disqualification

Race supervisors ensure the application of the rules and are entitled to give penalties or disqualification based on the behavior of the runners.

14.1 1-hour penalty

Assistance by a person not participating in the race outside the supply points.

14.2 2-hours penalty

The lack of a mandatory piece of equipment. Depending on the importance of the missing material in connection with the security, this penalty may be turned into disqualification.

14.3 3-hours penalty

In case of missing a checkpoint.

14.4 Disqualification

Non-assistance to a person in danger (injury, extreme fatigue, hypothermia ...).

Exit of the marked path leading to a shortcut.

Voluntary throw of garbage in the nature.

Lack of respect towards a member of the organization.

Non-compliance with the sports regulations (doping, cheating, ...).

Non-availability in your bag of a piece of mandatory equipment during the race start check.

If you give up the race without having returned your bib number to the organization, the research costs generated may be charged to you.

Any other violation of the rules, the sportsmanship or the ethics of the race, will be investigated by a race committee.

In case of assistance to a person in difficulty, a bonus may be granted.

15. ITRA Qualifying Points

The rankings of our races are available on the "Results" page of our site. They can serve as a reference for any other race that would need them and we can even send them by email if necessary.

16. Image right

All runners accepting the rules of the Montcalm Challenge races give their authorization to see their image used in the various Montcalm Challenge documents.

17.Responsibility

The registration implies the acceptance of the present rules in its entirety and the commitment to follow the instructions that will be given by the officials of the race.

The organizers cannot under any circumstances be held responsible for accidents, damages, losses or other theft that may be suffered by the participants, whether of their own doing or caused by others.

In the event of a claim or litigation, the French version of the rules is the only valid one.

18. Additional information

The Montcalm Challenge races take place in clean nature areas that must be respected.

In the same way, the races go through zones of the National Park of the 3 Nations and are subjected to environmental constraints related to waste management, fauna, flora ... so thank you to stay on the marked trails.

The Tourist Office site of the “Pyrénées Ariégeoises” proposes to you offers for local accommodation in the surrounding valleys, both when you recognize the race and when you participate in it.

More than 700 faithful volunteers will do their best to ensure optimal race conditions … except for the weather which can unfortunately not be controlled!

Haut du formulaire

19. COVID protocol

This protocol will have to evolve taking into account the sanitary conditions of our country and the measures that could be taken by the government.

A Covid referent will be in charge of implementing and enforcing the procedures.

19.1 Registration area – Bibs pick up.

Shorter duration for bib pick up: 5 minutes maximum. The files must be complete when picking up the bibs. No possibility of giving the medical certificate on site. 10 volunteers at the most to manage this registration area.

Posting on site and sending of the rules ahead of the event.

Measures:

Hand hygiene and prevention: hand disinfection by hydro gel at entry and exit.

Physical distancing: People who have not come together or who do not live together must respect distancing. Waiting lines with marking on the ground.

Wearing a mask mandatory for volunteers and / or plastic screen protecting the tables for bib pick up.

Wearing a mask mandatory for runners. Directions of people circulation defined to prohibit crossings.

Attendance and duration:

VK Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Goulier outdoors in a tent: 150 people maximum on the time slot (four distribution points: 45 people per shift)

Picariège Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Auzat at the sports area: 300 people maximum on the time slot (four distribution points: 75 people per shift)

Montcalm Marathon Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Auzat at the sports area: 400 people maximum on the time slot (five distribution points: 80 people per shift)

Montcalm Marathon Saturday from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. in Auzat at the sports area: 100 people maximum on the slot (two distribution points: 50 people per shift)

Trails Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Auzat at the sports area: 200 people maximum on the time slot (three distribution points: 66 people per shift)

Trails Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in Auzat at the sports area: 100 people maximum on the time slot (two distribution points: 50 people per shift)

19.2 Start zone

The runners must respect the distancing and wearing of the mask.

19.2.1 Start of the VK: 6 p.m. on Thursday at the exit of the village of Goulier. No public. Start type: race against time. There is sufficient space between the village square, where the bibs are picked up, and the start (nearly one km). No public at start.

The runners must respect the distancing and wearing of the mask.

19.2.2 Start of the 70 km: 5 a.m. on Friday. No public. We are closing the sports area stadium which is a sanitary bubble. Group departure but possibility of making several groups of runners if sanitary conditions require it.

The runners will have to respect the distancing and wearing of the mask.

19.2.3 Start of the Montcalm Marathon: 7 am on Saturday. No public. We close the sports area stadium which is a sanitary bubble. Group start but possibility of making several groups of runners if sanitary conditions require it. There are 4 km of road to stretch the peloton.

The runners will have to respect the distancing and wearing of the mask.

19.2.4 Start of the Miner’s Trail: 8:30 am on Sunday. No public. We are closing the sports area stadium which is a sanitary bubble. Group departure but possibility of making several groups of runners if sanitary conditions require it. There are 2 km of road to stretch the peloton.

The runners will have to respect the distancing and wearing of the mask.

19.2.5 Start of the Novis Trail: 9 am on Sunday. No public. We close the sports area stadium which is a sanitary bubble. Group start but possibility of making several groups of runners if sanitary conditions require it. There are 2 km of road to stretch the peloton.

The runners will have to respect the distancing and wearing of the mask.

19.3 Supply areas and first aid station

The runners will have to respect the distancing and wearing of the mask. At all supply points, different directions of entry and exit will be defined. Hydroalcoholic gel at the entrance. Respect of distancing.

Volunteers with gloves and mask. Runners are served by volunteers using food clamp.

19.3.1 THE VK

Pic du Sarrasi: supply type “mountain area”. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + medical aid station in a tent.

19.3.2 THE PICARIEGE (70 km)

IZOURT: supply type “mountain area” with EDF refuge. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + medical aid station at the EDF refuge.

FOURCAT: mountain area food supply with refuge (2 solid points + 2 liquid points) + medical aid station at the refuge.

SOULCEM: No assistance. Supply zone reserved only for runners, delimited with ribbons and natural obstacles. Different circulation directions for entry and exit. 2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points + medical aid station in a tent.

PINET: supply type “mountain area” with refuge (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + medical aid station at the refuge.

LARTIGUE: No assistance. Supply zone reserved only for runners, delimited with ribbons and natural obstacles. Different circulation directions for entry and exit. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + medical aid station in a tent.

BASSIES: supply type “mountain area” with refuge (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + medical aid station at the refuge.

19.3.3 THE MARATHON

LARTIGUE: No assistance. Supply zone reserved only for runners, delimited with ribbons and natural obstacles. Different circulation directions for entry and exit. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + medical aid station in a tent.

PLA NOUZERES: supply type “mountain area”. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + first aid station.

PINET: supply type “mountain area” with refuge (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + medical aid station at the refuge.

MONTCALM pond: supply type “mountain area” (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + medical aid station in a tent.

2900 PASS: supply type “mountain area” (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points) + medical aid station in a tent.

19.3.4 NOVIS TRAIL

RIZOUL: supply type “mountain area” (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points)

SEM: Supply zone reserved only for runners, delimited with ribbons and natural obstacles; Different directions of circulation for entry and exit. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points)

ARCONAC: Supply zone reserved only for runners, delimited with ribbons and natural obstacles; Different directions of circulation for entry and exit. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points)

ILLIER: Supply zone reserved only for runners, delimited with ribbons and natural obstacles; Different directions of circulation for entry and exit. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points)

ORUS: Supply zone reserved only for runners, delimited with ribbons and natural obstacles; Different directions of circulation for entry and exit. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points)

SENTENAC: Supply zone reserved only for runners, delimited with ribbons and natural obstacles; Different directions of circulation for entry and exit. (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points)

19.3.5 MINER’S TRAIL

RIZOUL: supply type “mountain area” (2 solid food points + 2 liquid food points)

19.4 Arrival area

The arrival line at the entrance to the "sanitary bubble" stadium is materialized and protected. Wearing a mask will be mandatory in this area.

Only runners are present in this space. The runners take off their bibs themselves and put them in a crate provided for this purpose. Hand hygiene and prevention: Hand disinfection by hydro gel. A post-race food supply area will be in this sanitary bubble area. It will be reserved for runners. Only volunteers will be able to serve the runners. A food and beverage area will be provided in the form of sandwiches. There will be a sense of circulation. The queue will be materialized in order to respect the distancing. There will be no big awards ceremony. A podium will be set up outdoors. The first 3 will be rewarded while keeping the distancing. The results will not be displayed.

Management of spectators: no table or chair to watch the arrivals. A direction of circulation will be put in place. The number of spectators shall not exceed 200 people.

19.5 Arrival medical first aid station.

It is a room with different circulation directions for entry and exit and a gate to regulate the flow. Covid-type care protocol under the responsibility of a doctor.

Care with mask and gloves, distance between treatment tables, isolation in the event of signs suggestive of Covid (cough, fever, etc.) and regulation by 112 for the action to be taken.

The number of beds will respect the distancing and "Covid" type hygiene measures will be applied between two users.

There will be no recovery care except for urgent health problems. However, physiotherapists and chiropodists may be present in compliance with the sanitary conditions linked to Covid.

19.6 Mountain area: volunteers

The volunteers are equipped with gloves and a mask for all physical contact with the runners

Camp: individual tent belonging to the different volunteers. Tent shared only by people from the same family circle.

20. General Data Protection Regulation:

The information we have concerning the runners, volunteers, partners, service providers ... are intended to ensure the general organization, safety, logistics, internal communication, general operation ...

In accordance with the legislation in force, the persons concerned have the right to access, rectify, erase or oppose personal computerized data concerning them.

Contact: Challenge du Montcalm <marathon.montcalm@gmail.com>

Rules validated at the association general meeting on June 18, 2021