[1] Team Matrix: Teams shall consist of six, seven or eight runners. Each runner shall complete multiple legs of the relay, called a stage. Each stage will be 3 to 5.5 miles. Teams must carry a "baton," passing it from runner to runner at each exchange point. There will be 21 stages and therefore 21 Exchange Points and a group finish (the starting line is considered Exchange Point 1).

[2] Team Scorecards and Stamps: Teams must get official stamps on their team scorecard at all 21 Exchange Points. Teams will turn in and sign their team scorecard at the designated area at the finish line. Team scorecards will be put in the team captain’s race bag.

[3] Minimum Team Speed: Teams are required to run an average of 10-minute miles. The rule will start to be enforced after Exchange Point 20. Any team longer than 10-minute mile average speed at this Exchange Point or after will be asked to drive to the Shindig because no volunteer support will be offered from that point on.

[1] Running Order: Team members will run in a fixed order designated in the team matrixes above. For example, on an 8-person team, Runner 1 will complete stages 1, 9, and 17; Runner 2 will complete stages 2, 10, and 18, and so on. On a 7-person team each will run 3 legs. For example Runner 1 will complete 1, 8, 15, and 22; Runner 2 will complete stages 2, 9, 16, and 23, and so on. On a 6-person team the Runner 1 will complete stages 1, 7, 13, and 19; Runner 2 will complete stages 2, 8, 14, and 20, and so on.

[2] Official Bibs: Runners must wear their official race bib numbers corresponding to their position on the team. The first runner must wear a number ending in 1, the second runner must wear a number ending in 2, and so on. Race numbers must be visible from the front.

[3] Substitution Rule: If for medical reasons a runner cannot complete a section, another runner may take over. The substitute must be either the next runner in sequence or the previous runner in sequence. For example, if runner 3 is injured, only runner 2 or 4 may take over. Substitutes must complete all remaining sections for the injured runners they replace, as well as their own sections. If teams do not follow this rule they can finish the race but will not be eligible for awards.

Note 1. Teams are not required to follow the substitution rule unless they are competing for an award. If substitutions are made other than those that are allowed, including the use of extra runners, teams may finish the race but will not be eligible for any awards.

Note 2. Missing team member(s) at the start of the race: The substitution rule ONLY applies if you have 5 people at the start of the race. A team with only 4 runners at the start will not be allowed to compete in the event. A 7-person team missing one runner or an 8-person team missing one or two runners will be treated like a 7 or 6-person team accordingly.

[4] Baton Exchange: The "baton" must be passed from one runner to the next within a 50-meter exchange zone at each exchange point. Runners must carry the “baton” so that it is visible to race officials while approaching or leaving the exchange zone.

[5] Wrong Turn: Runners who take a wrong turn must return to the course where they left it and continue on the correct route. Runners may use the team vehicle or other transportation to return to the correct route, provided they complete the entire correct route unaided.

[1] Vehicles and Runners: Vehicles may not interact with runners unless an injury has occurred or a runner has taken a wrong turn. Vehicles interacting with runners will be disqualified. Please remember, runners are in charge of their own water while running between exchange points.

[2] Number of Vehicles and Types Allowed: Teams may use only one registered vehicle. Teams with a under 42 minute 10K average qualify for two registered vehicles. Team vehicles must be less than seven feet in width. No RVs, please.

[3] Location of ID Tag: Registered team vehicles must display an official identification tag in the front window. Only team vehicles displaying the official tag will be allowed to park at the Exchange Points.

[4] Driving Directions: Team vehicles are encouraged to follow the driving directions provided in the race day packet. Directions have been designed to eliminate vehicle contact with runners and to provide the quickest route to the next Exchange Point. If a vehicle gets lost or takes a wrong turn and does not reach the next Exchange Point in time, the time is lost and will not be awarded back.

[5] Obey All Traffic Laws: Team vehicles MUST obey all speed limits, traffic signs, other traffic laws and instructions from race officials.

[6] Yield to Runners: Team vehicles must drive at a normal rate of speed. Vehicles may not block or interfere with other vehicles, and must yield right of way to runners at all times.

[7] Parking: At the exchange points, team vehicles must park in designated areas only. Vehicles may not stop within the exchange zone, even to discharge runners, except where directed.

[8] Van Decoration Rules: Vehicles participating in the Van Decorating Contest must follow all rules for vehicle decoration.

[1] NO LITTERING: Participants must leave no litter on the course or a 5:00 minute time penalty will automatically be assessed with no warning. Teams are encouraged to use the trash bags given in the race packets and to participate in the Rubbish Removal Contest.

[2] NO PUBLIC URINATION: Participants should only use the bathroom facilities provided. No public urination or other public relief is allowed.

[1] Police Assistance and Traffic Laws: Runners will be provided police assistance at certain points through Stage 10. Runners MUST obey all traffic laws unless they are instructed by an officer of the law not to.

[1.2] If for some reason during the day your team is stopped either because of heavy traffic when crossing a street or because of a train at one of the two rail track locations, continue to run – these situations are considered apart of the course.

[2] Run Against Traffic: Runners must run against traffic if running on city or county roads unless instructed to do otherwise.

[3] Reflective Clothing: Runners must wear reflective clothing if running before or after sunset.

[4] No Headphones: Runners may not wear headphones or any other equipment that interferes with their hearing.

[5] Water: Runners are in charge of their own water on the course. There will not be water areas between Exchange Points. Certain Exchange Points will have refill areas, but teams should bring enough water to last the duration of the race. As a way to reduce race day waste, plastic cups will not be provided. Please bring your own reusable, refillable personal water bottles and team water jugs.

[6] Runners and Vehicles: Vehicles may not interact with runners unless an injury has occurred or a runner has taken a wrong turn.