Athlete Guide

2013

Note From Race Director

Dear Athlete:

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the second annual Rat Snakechallenge in honor of my friend Dr. Ken Stalter. I cannot believehow fast time goes by as I write you this note. It honestly feelslike this event happened only yesterday.

Last year’s inaugural race seemed to go pretty smoothly. I havemany people to thank for that especially my family, friends, thestaff at Gilbert Lake State Park, and all the volunteers whooffered their endless support and help to make last year such aunique experience. Because of this wonderful support, manythings have been put into place for this year’s race which WILLmake it even better!

Some upgrades this year that will make your experience betterwill be the timing, the addition of a team triathlon, a change tothe bike course, and the staggering of start times. The timing willbe done by Fast Finishes providing bibs/straps, splits (T1 &T2),and up to date results via Facebook and Twitter. Last year I hadmany requests asking for a team relay for the triathlon so we willtry it this year to add to the challenge. Teams will be made up of3 athletes, 2 runners, 1 biker. Each runner has to do one loop ofthe trail run, the biker does the whole bike course, and everyonehas to do the swim and finish together. Lastly, the bike coursewill be done in reverse this year because I believe it offers a moredifficult course, the way Ken would want it. Take a look at themap with the elevation chart… the last few miles are going tohurt! One change that I think that will really positively affect thewhole day is the race schedule. This year we are starting thetriathlon, trail run, and stroll at different times so that everyone isfinishing together. This way, there is no waiting around, we willall be available for a special unveiling, we can actually recognizethe race winners to everyone, and we can eat and drink together!

I realize that there is A LOT of reading below, but it shouldanswer all of your questions. The below information has a coupleof things that REQUIRE your attention before the race, please gothrough it. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns,please do not hesitate to contact me through the website, I amhere to make sure you have the best experience possible.

I hope that you all have a wonderful experience. I hope that youall do the best that YOU can do. I hope that we can all gatherbefore, during, and after the day’s challenges. I hope that we willnever forget Ken and what he has given to us.

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support,encouragement, help, and your presence at this event. Withouteach other, we all would not be who we are today. Ken knew thisbetter than most.

Yours in Perpetual Forward Movement,

Dan Forbes, Race Director

Schedule of Events

Friday, May 17th

4-7pm: Athlete registration/check-in and bibs/body markingat bathhouse picnic tables down at beachfront.

7pm-8pm: Mandatory triathlete/teams & trail run briefing

8pm-?: S’mores on beachfront lawn

Saturday, May 18th

5:30-6:45am: Transition area open. Late check-intriathletes/teams report to lifeguard station for numbers.

6:45: Transition area closed. Head to start line.

7am: Rat Snake begins!!!

9am-9:45am: Late check-in for trail runners at lifeguardstation

10am: The Rat begins (trail run)

1pm: Triathletes/Team/Trail Runners will be completing therace. 3K Joggers and strollers will be beginning their loopsaround the lake.

2pm: Awards Ceremony at the large shelter. Followed by alot of food and a lot of beer.

4pm: Transition area must be clear of all bikes.

Race Waiver

(All Triathletes/Team Members/Trail Runners)

In consideration of my participation in The Rat Snake brought to you by ICI,Inc./PFM Events on 5/18/13 (the “Event”), I, for myself, my heirs, executors,and administrators do hereby waive and release any and all rights, claimsand causes of action I have or may have against ICI, Inc./PFM Events,Gilbert Lake State Park, its affiliates and subsidiaries, the State of NewYork/New York Department of Transportation, any municipality in which theevent is conducted, and any government entity whose facilities are affectedby the event, or any of their employees or agents working for or on theevent, sponsors, volunteers, race officials, organizers, as well as any otherassociation connected with this event, its representatives, successors andassigns (“Event Organizers”) that may arise as a result of my participation inthe Event. I further agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless EventOrganizers from and against any and all personal injuries, damages, losses,causes of action, liabilities and expenses resulting or which may result frommy participation in the Event on 5/18/13 and/or the condition of theraceway, property, facilities or equipment used for the Event. I also grantfull permission to all Event Organizers to store, use, license and reproducethe use of my name, likeness, voice, image, motion pictures, recordings orphotograph of me, in any media or in any manner, including any electronicmedia for any legitimate commercial or business purposes, includingadvertising purposes. In addition, I hereby acknowledge that I am 18 yearsof age or older or, if applicable, that I am the parent or legal guardian of achild under the age of 18 years of age or older or, if applicable, that I am theparent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 18 who I am registeringfor the Event. I recognize the risks involved in my participation in the Eventincluding the following of any and all local, county, and state traffic lawswhile riding my bike on the roads regardless of whether uniformed officersare present or not. I do hereby expressly assume all known and unknownrisks, I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for this Event.

____________________________________________Signiture/Date

____________________________________________Printed

(Parent or Guardian must sign if entrant is under 18 years old)

2013 Rat Snake Registration FormMUST BE SENT TO RACE DIRECTOR NO LATER THAN May 17, 2013

Complete the form below, or go to www.theratsnake.com/registration

Send your donation via check by mail to: ICI, Inc./PFM Events, 11 Walling Blvd.,Oneonta, NY 13820 or pay by credit card here or online. Only one person perentry form. Entry donation is non-refundable. PLEASE MAKE CHECKS OUT TO:

ICI, INC./PFM EVENTS

Date of Birth: _ _/_ _/_ _ _ _ Gender: Female _ Male_

First Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Last Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Email: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

City: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Contact Phone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Emergency Contact Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Emergency Contact Phone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Challenge:

The Rat Snake Triathlon __$25 __$50 __$75 __$100

The Rat Snake Triathlon (TEAM) __$75

The Rat Snake Trail Run __$25 __$50 __$75 __$100

The Rat Snake Jog/Stroll __ $10 (age 6-12) __$25 __$50 __$75 __$100

Contributor __$25 __$50 __$75 __$100

Volunteer __

Credit Card No.: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Exp. Date:_ _/_ _/_ _

Name on Card: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Security Code on Back of Card: _ _ _

Pre-Race InformationPersonal Communication Plan

Prior to departing for Gilbert Lake State Park, be sure to establisha communications plan with family and friends back home. Sharethe race day emergency contact listed below with those who mayneed to reach you in an emergency. Even if you are in Gilbert LakeState Park with family and friends, it is essential that you have aplan for contacting or reuniting with your group following therace.

Race Day Emergency Contact Athlete Services 607-432-2114pfmevents@gmail.com

Triathlete/Trail Run Check-In

Athlete check-in hours are on Friday, May 17 from 4-7 p.m. andSaturday, May 18 from 5:30 a.m. – 6:45am for late triathletes and9am to 9:45am for late check in for trail runners. If you do notcheck-in during the designated athlete check-in hours you will notbe able to race. ALL RACE WAIVERS MUST BE HANDED IN BY6:45AM and 9:45AM respectively ON MAY 18, RACE DAY.

Personal Safety

Always train with at least one other person. When training,please bike and run on the shoulder without moving into thetraffic lane. Please be courteous and aware that the peoplesharing the roads with you are people you will count on duringrace day to fulfill your physical and emotional needs. Please ridesingle file, as biking side by side is illegal.

As you are one of Gilbert Lake’s invited guests, please respect andobey the traffic laws during your training practices. Violators willbe cited. You are required to carry proper identification at alltimes. If you are stopped, you must present your identification tothe inquiring officer. Failure to do so may result in race

disqualification. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Pre-Event Swim Advisement

The swim area will be closed to ALL participants, their family,pets, and friends on Friday, May 18, and Sunday May 20 as thebeachfront will be closed. On race day, ONLY TRIATHLETES mayenter water as part of their race; NO OTHER TIME. The swimcourse is extremely short, and extremely shallow, practice is notnecessary.

While we make reasonable efforts to inspect the swim entry andexit points for underwater hazards, the inspection does not takeplace until just before the swim discipline starts. Keep in mindthat this is a natural body of water and is subject to hiddenhazards including, but not limited to: currents, underwaterobstructions, tides, rip currents and indigenous marine life.

Race Day InformationMandatory Bike Check-In

Mandatory bike check-in for The Rat Snake athletes is onSaturday, May 18 from 5:30am to 6:45am. NOT THE NIGHTBEFORE, FRIDAY, MAY 17. While bikes are stored in transition,athletes will be allowed to cover their seats and handlebars onlyfrom inclement weather. Full bike covers ARE NOT ALLOWED as itpresents a safety hazard to volunteers and other competitors. Fullbike covers will be removed from any bikes left in transition oncebike check-in is over. Shoes and bike helmet may be clipped orattached to the bicycle. You will not be able to remove your bikefrom the transition area until the race is complete by allcompetitors. Please arrive in transition on race morning withplenty of time to set up your gear.

Race Day Parking

Athlete Parking:

Parking is available at Gilbert State Park, either at Brigg’s Shelterparking, or beach parking for all athletes beginning at 5:30 a.m.on race morning. Parking at Gilbert Lake State Park is available ona first-come, first-served basis. We highly recommend athletesarrive early in case parking fills up quickly. If the beach parkinglot becomes full, you will be directed to Brigg’s Pavilion lot on theother side of Gilbert Lake. Please plan accordingly and allowyourself plenty of time on race morning. We also recommend allathletes who are camping at Gilbert Lake State Park to utilize thebeach parking lot.

Spectator Parking:All spectators are also allowed to park at the beach parking lotstarting at 5:30am on race morning. Please make the effort toarrive before 7am on Saturday, May 18 race day, as we want aslittle traffic on the roads as possible due to runners and bikers.Thank you. AFTER 7AM, ALL TRAFFIC ENTERING THE PARK WILLBE GUIDED TO THE RIGHT AT THE “Y” AFTER ENTERING THEPARK. PLEASE PROCEED TO THE BEACH PARKING LOT FROMTHERE.

Race Morning Check-In ProcedureThe registration area and transition area opens at 5:30 a.m. onrace morning. Registration area is for athletes signing up on raceday WHO COULD NOT MAKE IT FRIDAY EVENING. This area willbe by the picnic tables on the patio next to the bathhouse. Thetransition area will be on the lawn behind the beachfront at thefar end of Gilbert Lake as you enter the park. Follow the signs tothe “beach” when you enter Gilbert Lake State Park. Rememberto bring your bike and run gear. Bike technicians and pumps willNOT be available in the transition area race morning. PLEASEMAKE SURE YOU HAND IN YOUR RACE WAIVER OR FILL OUT ARACE WAIVER AND GET MARKED WITH YOUR RACE NUMBEREITHER FRIDAY EVENING BETWEEN 4PM AND 7PM OR RACEMORNING, 5:30AM TO 6:45AM. Do not number yourselfexpecting to bypass check-in. Bib numbers will be handed out thisyear with timing chips, athletes are responsible for ensuring thatthey have their bib numbers and that volunteers mark them withtheir race number and race code on their arms. You will not bepermitted in the transition area on race day without your bodymarked. Do not apply sunscreen, oil, Vaseline or lotion until afteryou have been body marked. The transition area closes at 6:45a.m. All athletes must be out of transition and headed to the racestart before this time.

Morning Clothes BagPrior to the start on race morning, place any items you may needafter you finish your trail run leg of the triathlon either in thetransition area next to your bike, or in the bathhouse if you plan onchanging for the bike portion. The bathhouse has toilets and showersfor your convenience. You will be able to retrieve your itemsfollowing the race. Please do not place anything of value in yourmorning clothes bag. You can drop your clothes bag off at either areaany time before you make your way to the run start.

Aid StationsTHERE WILL BE NO AID STATIONS IN ANY PART OF THIS RACE.Skratch Labs may have a representative present this year mixinghydration for you free of charge for your sampling on Friday evening,and on race day if you so choose to use it. You may leave a specialneeds bag for the trail run in front of the bathhouse where theguardrail indents towards the water. Tables with be marked “SpecialNeeds” where you can place your fuel. During the bike portion, youare responsible for your own fuel and drink.

Bicycle & Gear RecoveryYou are required to reclaim your bicycle and gear at the transitionarea after the race. You must still have your body markings for entryinto the transition area. If you are unable to personally claim yourbike and gear, please inform the race director or a volunteer. Tellthem your race number and who will be getting the bike. Bike check-out is from 2p.m. - 6 p.m. Please note that you will not be able toenter transition until all cyclists have finished the bike portion of therace.

Parking Map

Run Course 18K

The start of the Rat Snake 18K trail run will be across the street fromthe beach drop off parking lot. The run for both the reverse triathlonand the trail run will be the same 18 kilometer trail course with manyrocks, roots, dirt, mud, grass, water crossings, and some pavement.It will be a 2 loop track that will allow athletes to store fuel in aspecial needs area so that they do not have to carry all of theirenergy needs during the run. With the course being 2 laps, it alsomakes it spectator friendly as the athletes will venture out of thewoods 2 times passing the beachfront area where the start/finishwill be located.

It begins with a gradual uphill for about a mile. From there, a quickright, and a quick left up another hill to Spring Pond. You will runaround the front of the pond and enter back into the woods. Fromthere, and long decent will begin with some steep sections, a watercrossing, and sharp turns. Please mind your surroundings! Once youreach the end of the trial, you will make a right toward Twin FawnsLake. As you pass this lake, you will gradually rise again for a mile orso. There will be another decent back into the cabin colony whereyou will follow the road that leads to the beachfront. A quarter mileor so on this road, you will make a sharp right onto the trail thatleads to the Hill Top campground. This windy path is extremely steepwith a special surprise just before you peak. As you reach thecampground, make a left and follow the pavement to the trail thatleads down to Gilbert Lake. The trail will have some steep sections,with a road crossing before you reach the main trail that goes aroundthe lake. Make a right at the bottom of this trail and follow it aroundthe end of the lake. You will make a gradual climb at the end of thelake, and branch off to the right towards the Large Shelter. Followthe pavement driveway from the shelter down to the main road.Make a left. Go a couple of tenths, and make another left that leadsto the Gilbert Lake trail. Once on the main lake trail again, bear rightand follow the trail to the bathhouse. In front of the bathhouse will

be the special needs area where you can pick up more fuel and drink.Continue in front of the bathhouse, make a right turn just past itfollowing the cement path. Bear left on the pavement path headingback toward the race start. Begin your second and final loop.

Trail runners will finish at the beachfront. Triathletes will continue toeither the transition area, or into the bathhouse to clean up andchange for the bike portion. Toilets and showers are available foryour convenience.

Trail Run Map

Trail Run Elevation Map

Bike Course 29 MilesThe bike course will leave the transition area from the beachfrontand out the park main entrance making a left on County Route 12south. This intersection will be controlled by uniformed state parkpolice.

Bikers will travel for approximately 2.5 miles until they reachBalantic Hill Road. At this intersection, they will turn left ontoBalantic Hill Road and go up and over the mountain down to CountyRoute 11. The intersections at the bottom of each side of BalanticHill Road will be manned by a volunteer.

At the intersection of Balantic Hill Road and County Route 11, bikerswill turn right and travel approximately 0.1 miles. Bikers will thenmake a left onto County Route 11a and travel 0.2 miles. Both ofthese intersections will be manned by race volunteers.

At the intersection of County Road 11a and State Highway 205, thebikers will turn right and head south on 205. This intersection will becontrolled by a uniformed police officer. Bikers continue on 205south for approximately 6 miles.

Bikers will turn right onto State Highway 23 west. This intersectionwill be controlled by a uniformed police officer. The bike course thenproceeds for approximately 15 miles into the village of Morris.

At the intersection of 23 west and County Route 51, bikers will turnnorth, right, onto 51. This intersection will be controlled by auniformed police officer.

After travelling approximately 4 miles northbound on county route51, bikers will then make a right at the intersection of route 51 andCounty Route 12, heading southbound. This intersection will becontrolled by a uniformed police officer.

Bikers will continue on route 12 for approximately 4 miles until theyreach the entrance of Gilbert Lake State Park. There, bikers willmake a left into the park; bear left at the “y” before the lake, andcontinue to the beachfront. Here, they will reach the transition areaand dismount.

Bike Course Map

Bike Course Elevation Map

Swim Course 26 Yards

The race will proceed to the swim course, which is in Gilbert Lake.Athletes will run from the transition to the beach area, enter the lakefor a 13 yard out and back swim. They will then continue to the finishat the beachfront.

Swim Course Map

Local Traffic Laws

Please remember that members of the local community use the bikecourse roads. Realize that you are an ambassador for the sport andthe event and the impact of your actions is far reaching. When you’reout riding the course, please adhere to local traffic laws and go theextra mile to be courteous and respectful to the residents of the localcommunity. When training and racing, please follow thesesuggestions:

Please ride single file. This is not just for your safety butalso to ensure local drivers can get where they need to gowithout delay and frustration.

Please obey traffic laws (stop at stop signs, signal whenturning, etc.).

Please do not use private property as a toilet. There areplenty of local stores along the way with public bathrooms– please use them!

Please do not litter. Keep your energy bar and gelwrappers with you until you find a trashcan.

Please ask your friends and family members to refrain frompainting the roads along the course.

This defaces public property and is a punishable offense.Every time a cyclist has an altercation with a driver, that driver seesevery cyclist on the road as the enemy. Every time a cyclist iscourteous to a driver, that driver will give every cyclist on the roadthat much more respect and courtesy in return. Please think beforeyou act.

Tech Tips & Other Details

Bike inspection is not mandatory and will not be provided at bikecheck-in, and technicians will NOT be available. Athletes areultimately responsible for their own bikes. However, race officialsmay, at their discretion, make final judgment as to the soundness ofthe bikes. Prior to bike check-in, be sure your bar-end plugs are inplace and you have no loose spokes, brakes, headsets, strippedcables, etc. Adjust the hubs and position handlebars correctly.Ensure that cables and tires are in good condition and sew-up tiresare glued properly onto the rims. Securely fasten all equipment youmay carry with you on race day. To avoid an unexpected flat tire,wait until race morning to inflate your tires to their proper air

pressure. There will be NO pumps available in the transition area onrace morning so we recommend you bring your own. You must giveyour pump to a family member or friend before the race start forstorage.

For security and safety reasons, bikes will not be allowed out of thetransition area once they are brought in. On race day, a SAG vehiclewill patrol the course to aid in emergencies and MAYBE simplerepairs.

Post-Race InformationAwards Ceremony

The awards ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. (pending finalfinisher) in the large shelter by the playground and boathouse onthe beach front. This will be a time for the celebration ofeveryone’s participation and accomplishments of the day. TheMAIN purpose of this event!!!

Food

Post-race food and beverage will be open from 1 p.m. until thefood and beverages are gone. This too will be located at the largeshelter. Anyone wishing to have beer must present I.D. to provethat they are 21 or older. THE BEER IS FREE!

Race Photography

We may have volunteer taking random photos throughout therace. These photos will be online after the race for your viewing.If you wish to obtain copies of pictures, the race director will getyou in touch with the photographer.

Lost & Found

Lost and Found will be at Gilbert Lake State Park office at the parkentrance.

Medical Facility

The bathhouse hosts the medical facility as all the first aid for thelifeguard station is there. An EMT will be on site as well to aid inmedical treatment. The first aid area of the lifeguard station is forathletes only and family members are not allowed. Overcrowdingin the medical area prevents the medical staff from doing theirjob. For information on an athlete receiving medical treatment atthe lifeguard station, please wait in the lifeguard station’s lounge.

RulesEvent Sanction and Rules

*NOTE: ANY VERBAL ABUSE OF MARSHALS, RACE OFFICIALS, RATSNAKE STAFF OR VOLUNTEERS IS GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATEDISQUALIFICATION.

Rules Applying To All Segments of Race

It is the athlete’s responsibility to know all aspects of the run,bike, and swim.

Participants are expected to follow directions andinstructions of all course marshals and public authorities.

Race officials shall have authority to disqualify anycontestant.

Medical personnel shall have ULTIMATE and FINAL authorityto remove a contestant from the race if the contestant isjudged to be physically incapable of continuing the racewithout risk of serious injury or death. Medical transport ofany contestant will result in disqualification.

Fraud, theft, abusive treatment of volunteers, staff or othersand acts of poor sportsmanship are grounds for immediatedisqualification and will result in contestant being suspendedfrom the Rat Snake in following years.

Bike1. Cycling conduct and specifications are consistent with USAT

rules.2. Race officials reserve the right to reject any bike not meeting

safety standards.3. Equipment must otherwise conform to all other general rules

for bicycles as it pertains to the Rat Snake competition,including no add-on device(s) that may reduce windresistance or enhance aerodynamics of the bicycle,regardless of any secondary benefit.

4. Participant is required to maintain control of his/her bicycle

and to operate at a reasonable speed so as not to threatenthe safety and well being of aid station volunteers, othercompetitors, race officials and spectators. Operation of abicycle in a dangerous or reckless manner will be grounds fordisqualification.

5. A CPSC-approved helmet is required during the entire bikesegment including in and out of the transition area. Anyathlete riding without an approved helmet or chinstrapfastened will be disqualified.

6. DRAFTING IS PROHIBITED.

General Information

1. Unauthorized outside aid/support or escorts are grounds fordisqualification. Handlers must be approved prior to the raceand will work directly with the race director. The expectedconduct of all handlers is consistent with USAT rules.

2. All athletes must attend a pre-race briefing. Failure to attenda scheduled briefing may result in forfeiture of a start spot.Check the Schedule of Events for briefing times and location.

3. The Rat Snake reserves the right to modify the above rulesas necessary, as long as such changes are communicated tothe athlete in writing or at a pre-race briefing.

4. Any rule interpretation or enforcement made by the RatSnake shall be final.

Triathlon Team Relay Information

1. Only 3 members to a team. Gender does not matter; you canhave all of one or a mixed gender team.

2. Only 1 person does one loop of the run course (1 runner perloop=2 runners in the team), meaning that 2 of the 3members are runners. The 3rd member does the whole bikecourse solo.

3. Outside assistance is governed by the above rules. Therewill still be no aid or assistance offered to teams.

4. Timing chip strap must be handed off from first runner tosecond runner at the “special needs” table. Timing chip will

then be handed off from second runner to biker. Biker willkeep the timing chip for remainder of the race.

5. When biker finishes their leg, ALL 3 members of the teammust do swim portion, touch the buoy, and finish TOGETHERor else the whole team is disqualified.

Anti-Doping Regulations

If you have to dope to compete, you should not compete.

Medical Information

All medical expenses incurred are the sole responsibility of theathlete and not The Rat Snake. Failure to meet financialresponsibility to local medical facilities will result in suspension offuture participation at The Rat Snake until accounts are settled.Particular dangers include dehydration, hyponatremia, sunburn,exhaustion and injuries sustained from accidents. Please ask formedical help if you have the slightest hint you may need it. Youwill not be penalized for receiving a medical evaluation. You willbe withdrawn from the race only if you require transportation, IVfluids or if medical personnel feel your continued participationcould result in serious harm or death.During events of extreme endurance, the body’s pain threshold israised, and you may be in more trouble than you realize. Themedical personnel will do all they can to keep you in the race andassure a safe finish. Also, please be attentive when taking waterand sponges from volunteers when you’re on your bike to avoidthe possibility of accident or injury to yourself or another. Pleasetrim your fingernails and toenails prior to the start of the race toavoid injury to other athletes. If you spend three months prior tothe event in a climate cooler than New York we suggest youconsider an acclimation period before the race. The chance ofdehydration and electrolyte imbalance can be reducedsignificantly by a proper period of acclimation. Stay with yourfamiliar and proven routine regarding training, nutrition, and

equipment, especially just prior to the race. This also applies topre-race dietary intake and medications.

It is recommended you avoid an extreme elimination diet.Adequate salt intake during training and during the event isespecially important.

If you are taking any medications, or have any medical problemthat may influence your performance or your treatment in theevent of an injury, advise us of all necessary details well inadvance of race day. At athlete check-in, you are required tonotify the medical team, in writing, if there is any change in yourmedical status/ condition after your application has beenprocessed. Failure to do so will result in suspension ofparticipation in future Rat Snake events. We can never overemphasize the importance of hydrating prior to and during theevent. We urge you to begin hydrating heavily several days beforethe race and drink enough water so your urine is clear, colorlessand copious by race day.

****PLEASE NOTE: Full disclosure of medical condition(s),general health and surgical procedures within the previous 12months is required. Medical consultation/clearance may benecessary from an attending physician prior to participating in theevent. In all cases, the final decision of medical consideration is atthe discretion of the Rat Snake race director.

Best of luck and we’ll see you at the finish line!