REGULATIONS
REGULATIONS FOR THE “VUČKO TRAIL” RACE
ORGANIZED BY PD ŽELJEZNIČAR SARAJEVO
1. ORGANIZATION
The association Planinarsko društvo Željezničar Sarajevo is organising Vučko Trail race, a partially self-sufficiency mountain trail running race in mountain environment.
2. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Vučko Trail race is a trail running competition that takes place along paths in Bosnia and Herzegovina with 4 different courses:
BLACK – cca. 105 km / +5000m (Sky type of race): The race starts on Friday, June 16th at 10:00 PM from Bjelašnica. Maximum time to complete: 32 hours.
RED – cca. 61 km / +3700m (Sky type of race): The race starts on Saturday, June 17th at 8:00 AM from Bjelašnica. Maximum time to complete: 16 hours.
BLUE – cca. 35 km / +1700m: The race starts on Saturday, June 17th at 10:00 AM from Bjelašnica. Maximum time to complete: 9 hours.
GREEN – cca. 13 km / +610m: The race starts on Saturday, June 17th at 12:00 AM from Bjelašnica. Maximum time to complete: 5 hours.
3. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
OBLIGATORY CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION ON 105KM RACE – VUČKO TRAIL BLACK EDITION
Aplication for the race is valid if only one of below specified conditions is fulfilled:
- Minimum 470 ITRA performance index points
- Successfully completed RED (61km) on Vučko Trail
- Positive opinion of Vučko trail race jury on participant request (info@vuckotrail.ba)
Participants must be fully aware of the length and special characteristics of this competition. It’s recommended for the runners to be well prepared (in terms of fitness) for this type of competition.
To have acquired, prior to the race, a real capacity for self-sufficiency in the mountains which permits the management of problems, and notably:
To know how to face, without outside help, climatic conditions which can become very difficult due to the micro climate conditions (night, wind, cold, fog, rain or snow)
To know how to manage, even if one finds oneself isolated, physical or mental problems arising from high fatigue, digestive problems, muscular or joint pain, minor ailments…
To have basic knowledge and orientation technics while competing in the mountain environment.
To be fully aware, that it is not the role of the organization to help a runner to overcome these problems and that for such an activity in the nature, security depends upon the capacity of the runner to adapt to the problems encountered or envisaged.
Competition is open to anyone, man or women (18+ years old), recreational or professional athletes.
Participants who have not become adults (aged 16+) may only participate upon presenting a parental consent, and they may only apply for the following races: 13 km or 35 km. Competitors younger than 16 years can only participate in a 13 kilometer race, with the prior consent of the organizers and accompanied by a responsible adult in the race.
Each runner declares their knowledge of and accepts the present regulations and agrees to accept them without reserve.
4. SEMI AUTONOMY
The individual principle of racing in semi autonomy is applied. Semi autonomy is defined as having the capacity to be autonomous between two refreshment points, not only on the food front but also that of clothing and security, being able to adapt oneself in particular to problems encountered or envisaged (bad weather, physical problems, injuries…).
This principle is implicated in the following rules:
Each runner must have all of his/her obligatory equipment with him/her at all times during the race (see paragraph 7. EQUIPMENT). He/She carries this equipment in a pack presented at the race-bib distribution and it must not be changed during the course. At any time during the race, the marshals can verify the bag and its contents. The runner is obliged to accept these controls in a friendly manner, at the risk of exclusion from the race.
Refreshment points have been supplied with food and beverages to consume on the spot. Only plain water (excluding other drinks) is destined for water bottle or bag replenishment. Each runner must make sure to have, upon leaving each refreshment point, the quantity of water and food necessary for them to reach the next refreshment point.
5. ACCEPTANCE OF THE REGULATIONS AND ETHICS OF THE RACE
By participating in the race, each individual accepts the rules of the race regulated by this document (Regulation for the “Vučko Trail” race).
6. ENROLMENT AND REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
Registration process
The pre-registration starts on December 1st, 2022 and closes on May 19th, 2023, or sooner if number of 1100 participants in total has already been reached.
Registration for the race is done exclusively online at the website http://stotinka.hr or if otherwise emphasized by the organizer.
Registration fees
From 01.12.2022. until 01.03.2023. , registration fees are as follows:
BLACK – 105km: 70€ (140KM) – Paypal 73€RED – 61 km: 35€ (70KM) – Paypal 38€BLUE – 35 km: 30€ (60KM) – Paypal 33€GREEN – 13 km: 25€ (50KM) – Paypal 28€
From 02.03.2023. until 19.05.2023, registration fees are as follows:
BLACK – 105 km: 90€ (180KM) – Paypal 93€
RED – 61 km: 50€ (100KM) – Paypal 53€
BLUE – 35 km: 40€ (80KM) – Paypal 43€
GREEN – 13 km: 35€ (70KM) – Paypal 38€
The registration fees include the following:
Instructions and start number (BIB),
Mountain rescue service in case of injury,
Warm meal after the race,
Vučko Trail unique T-Shirt,
Refreshment posts along the trail,
Finishing medal for those who finish the race in a given time limit.
Group applications and approved discounts are not allowed during the period of promotional (early bird) prices. After the promotional period (end of February), group registrations are possible with the approval of a -10% discount for groups of more than 10 competitors and according to the valid prices at that time.
Payment procedures
Registration fees can be paid in our office, to our bank account or via online shop https://zeljo.ecwid.com (PayPal).
Limited number of participants
The maximum number is 1100 registered athletes. The organizer reserves the right to change the maximum number of participants.
Cancellation
If the competitor wishes to cancel his registration, cancellation must be notified by e-mail to info@vuckotrail.ba.
Procedure of reimbursement
Cancellation within May 19th, 2023,: 50% of reimbursement (or transfer fee to next year in the same distance category). The refund wil be made until 15th of August.
Cancellation after May 19th, 2023,: no reimbursement.
Registration fee transfer is allowed 2 months before the start of the race, after this period only the start number transfer is permitted (BIB).
15 days or less before the start of the race is not allowed to exchange start numbers (BIB exchange).
Race category change
The competitor can replace the race category within May 19th, 2023. The difference in price will be calculated between the price (categories to which it is being transferred) at that moment and the prices (categories from which it is transferred) that was when the payment was made.
In the event of a race cancellation 30 days or less before the race date, for reasons beyond the control of the organizer, the organizer shall make a refund to the competitors (50% of the price). This percentage is determined so that the Organizer can cover the extraordinary costs incurred.
Should the race be cancelled or interrupted for atmospheric reasons, or for any other reason beyond our control, no refund of the registration fee will be made.
Cancellation of a registration in the case of injury
In the case of non-chronic, inflammatory or muscular injuries of runners, which occurred after registration and the runner can’t be completely cured until the day of the race, the organizers recommend that the injured competitor does not risk unnecessarily, and to cancel his application for the current year with the possibility of transferring registration fee to the next year competition.
Request for postponement must be provided to the organizers before race starts. Request for postponement must be accompanied with a complete medical report (detailed medical report and x-ray results confirming the diagnosis). Any incomplete report will be rejected, as well as subsequent cancellation request.
Requests will be processed by September 1st at the latest. The only medical advisor will judge the case and their decision is final. In the case of a favorable assessment by a medical advisor, the runner may take part in the next edition of the race.
Cancellation within May 19th, 2023: 50% of reimbursement (or transfer fee to next year in the same distance category). The refund wil be made until 15th of August.
Cancellation after May 19th, 2023: no reimbursement.
Registration fee transfer is allowed 2 months before the start of the race, after this period only the start number transfer is permitted (BIB).
15 days or less before the start of the race is not allowed to exchange start numbers (BIB exchange).
7. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
It is obligatory for the athletes to have the following equipment with them, for the full duration of the race :
Mobile phone (battery full) and an active number. The phone must be switched on during the whole race. (For all race courses!)
Basic first aid kit. (For all race courses!)
Survival blanket/heat sheet. (For all race courses!)
Whistle. (For all race courses!)
Start number (BIB). (For all race courses!)
Camel bag or bottles that contain at least one liter of liquid. (Only for BLACK, RED and BLUE courses!).
Head lamp with spare batteries. (Only for BLACK and RED courses!).
Long sleeve shirt (Only for BLACK course)
Long-legged trousers (Only for BLACK course)
Cap or bandana (Only for BLACK course)
Gloves (Only for BLACK course)
Jacket with hood (waterproof) – (Only for BLACK course)
Required equipment can be worn on the body or in the backpack. The organizer reserves the right to verify the required personal equipment of the competitors during the race and at the finish (first 10 athletes and lottery afterwards). For every part that is missing, the competitors will be penalized by adding penalty time (30 minutes for each part missing!) A competitor will be disqualified if he or she collects more than 90 penalty minutes, if he or she lacks more than 3 parts of the required equipment.
It is recommended that, besides the mandatory equipment, competitors also carry the following:
Glass or water bowl (There will be no plastic cups on refreshment stations or check points!).
Wind or rain jacket suitable for bad weather in high mountain areas.
Long sleeved top.Cap, hat or bandanna.
Gloves
Energy bars or solid food
Small amount of money for the possible purchase of food in the mountain shelters and/or at the shops in the villages 40BAM (20EUR);
Elastic bandages.
8. RACE BIBS
Start numbers or BIBs are given to competitors after showing the photo document to confirm the identity.
The race BIB must be worn on the chest or the stomach and must be permanently and fully visible throughout the entire race. It must, therefore, always be positioned over any clothing. The name and logo of the sponsors must neither be modified, nor hidden.
The race number is the pass necessary to get to the shuttles, buses, refreshment posts, nurses, rest areas, showers, areas for depositing or recuperating spares bags…Except in the case of refusal to comply with a decision taken by a race official, the race bib is never withdrawn, but in the case of retirement, it is deactivated.
The race number and race pack distribution shall take place in Sarajevo and Bjelašnica at following times:
Thursday, June 15th from 18PM till 22PM, Sarajevo (ALL COURSES).
Friday, June 16th from 20PM till 21:30PM hours, Bjelašnica (ALL COURSES).
Saturday. June 17th
– from 07AM till 7:45AM (RED course).
– from 8:15AM till 9:30AM (BLUE course).
– from 10:15AM till 11:30AM (GREEN course).
9. SPARES BAGS
Each competitor receives with his/her race BIB and a bag for personal stuff/gear. Once filled with his/her stuff and closed, bag can be deposited right before the start at the designated place. The bags are handed back either to the competitor or to their entourage, uniquely on presentation of the race number. They must have been collected before 1 PM of Sunday June 18th at the race HQ. The Organization will definitely not send any bag to participants’ houses. Bags not collected after this deadline will be immediately destroyed for reasons of hygiene. Only the bags supplied by the organization will be transported. Sticks are not transportable within these bags, because the organizer will not be responsible for the same. Any complaint about the contents on arrival is not acceptable. It is recommended not putting valuable objects in it, because the organizer will not be responsible for the same.
10. START OF RACE
BLACK – 105 km: before 10:00 PM on Friday, June 16th athletes are required to be at Bjelašnica. The race will start at 10:00 PM.
RED – 61 km: before 8:00 AM on Saturday, June 17th athletes are required to be at Bjelašnica. The race will start at 08:00 AM.
BLUE – 35 km: before 10 AM on Saturday, June 17th athletes are required to be at Bjelašnica. The race will start at 10 AM.
GREEN – 13 km: before 12 AM on Saturday, June 17th athletes are required to be at Bjelašnica. The race will start at 12 AM.
11. RACE ROUTES
The race kilometers are not marked. Competitors should therefore adhere strictly to the marked race route and avoid taking shortcuts or cutting out sections of the route. Any departures from the official route, apart from entailing disqualification, shall be at the sole risk of the competitor. The organizer reserves the right to disqualify competitors after the end of the race, if it is found that there is a deviation from the marked path.
12. SAFETY AND CHECK POINTS
First aid posts are positioned at different points throughout the course. These posts are in radio or telephone liaison with race HQ. A medical control team is present during the entire duration of the events at the race HQ.The rescue posts are aimed at bringing help to any person in danger with the means particular to the organization or registered.
If it appears that a runner is in difficulty or seriously injured to call for assistance:
Contact a person at the nearest first aid or refreshment station.
Telephone the course controller.
Ask another runner to alert the first aiders
It is essential that each runner helps anybody in danger and alerts the first aid point. Do not forget, that due to the problems related to the environment and the type of event, one might have to wait for assistance for longer than anticipated. Your security, therefore, depends upon the quality of the materials that you have in your pack. A runner calling (or in whose name it is called) on a doctor or a rescuer submits himself to their authority and undertakes to accept their decisions. From the moment where the health of a runner necessitates treatment via an intravenous drip, the runner will be, obligatorily, excluded from the race.
The first-aiders and doctors have the right to:
Exclude from a race (by invalidating the race-BIB) all competitors deemed unfit to continue the event.
To evacuate by any means a runner judged to be in danger
To hospitalize any runners whose state of health necessitates doing so.
The choice of the means of evacuation and of hospital is the decision of the official first-aiders and doctors. Expenses incurred, resulting from emergency assistance or evacuation, are payable by the person rescued who is also responsible for all costs relating to their return from the area to where they were rescued. The only resort is for the runner to constitute and present a dossier to his personal insurance within the deadline given. If for any reason it is impossible to make contact with the course HQ you can call the rescue services direct at numbers that are provided on BIB. Each runner must stay on the way-marked paths. Any runner who leaves the way-marked path is no longer under the responsibility of the organization.
13. CONTROL AND REFRESHMENT STATIONS
A control is carried out on the arrival of any rescue or refreshment post. Unexpected control posts are set up in places other than the rescue and refreshment posts. Their position is not communicated by the organization. Only the runners carrying a visible and duly controlled race number have access to the refreshment posts. The race guide and the relevant pages on the internet give a precise list of the refreshment points and the offer in it. An end of race meal is served in Javorov Do. In order to avoid improper disposal of plastic cups during the race, each runner is required to equip himself with a cup or bowl minimum volume 15cl. Every runner seen throwing down their litter along the route will be penalized. Trash cans are provided in large numbers at every refreshment post and must be used.
REFRESHMENT STATIONS
BLACK course – 105 kilometers:
• Lukomir
• Dubočani
• Grušča polje (transition) 47km
• Puzimsko groblje
• Bobovica 1
• Bobovica 2
• Umoljani
• Bijele Vode
RED course – 61 kilometers:
• Crveni klanac (10 km)
• Lukomir – 17 km
• Bobovica 1 – 21 km
• Bobovica 2 – 36 km
• Umoljani – 43 km
• Bijele Vode – 54 km
BLUE course – 35 kilometers:
• Crveni klanac (10 km)
• Lukomir – 17 km
• Umoljani – 25 km
• Stubo – 33 km
GREEN course – 13 kilometers:
• Bijele Vode – 6 km
When leaving each refreshment station, athletes must take into account whether they have enough liquid and food to reach the next station. Competitors must also keep in mind that the garbage is left on the refreshment station or that they carry it until the next station.
14. TIME LIMITS AND ELIMINATION
The maximum time to reach the finish line is:
BLACK course – 105 kilometers: 32 hours.There shall be time limit on the 47th kilometer at 15 hours, and on 70th kilometer at 20 hours. Competitors that do not reach these points within the established time limits shall be stopped and will not be allowed to continue the race.
- RED course – 61 kilometers: 16 hours. There shall be time limit on 43rd kilometer at 11 hours, and on 55th kilometer at 14 hours. Competitors that do not reach these points within the established time limits shall be stopped and will not be allowed to continue the race.
BLUE course – 35 kilometers: 9 hours.
GREEN course – 13 kilometers: 5 hours.
In order to protect the health of the participants, medical staff at the check points have the authority to stop those runners who are judged unfit to continue the race. In this case, the participant must follow the indications of the member of the medical staff. Anyone failing to do so will incur immediate disqualification.
Participants who reach the check points after the maximum time, those who are injured and those who are judged by the medical staff to be unfit to continue the race, and any other athletes who decide to drop out, shall be taken to the finish line. For logistical reasons, competitors who have dropped out may have to wait before being returned to the finish area. Any participant who drops out from the race at any point other than the established check points should make their own way to the following aid station/check point and from there will be transported to race HQ by car.
In the case of poor meteorological conditions and/or for reasons of safety, the organization reserves the right to stop the event underway or to modify the time barriers.
15. ABANDONMENT AND REPATRIATION
Except for injury, a runner must only abandon at a control post. They must alert the head of post, who will invalidate their race-BIB. The runner keeps his invalidated race bib because it is still his pass for shuttles, buses, meals…
Repatriation will be decided on by the post leader, based on the following general rules:
Runners who abandon at another rescue or refreshment post but whose state of health does not necessitate being evacuated must get back as quickly as possible and by their own means to the closest repatriation point.
Concerning the refreshment or rescue posts accessible to cars or four-wheel drive
During the closure of the post, the organization can, in the measure of means available, repatriate the runners having retired and still present at the post
ln the case of unfavorable weather conditions justifying partial or total closure of the race, the organization ensures the repatriation as soon as possible of those runners having retired.
In case of abandonment before a control point, it is imperative to return to the previous control point and inform the post leader of one’s abandonment. If, during this return, the runner meets the end of race sweepers, it is them who invalidate the race bib. The runner is then no longer under the organization’s control.
16. WAY MARKERS
For better night vision, the way markers include a section of white reflective material which will be easily visible with a head torch.
ATTENTION: if you cannot see any more markers, retrace your steps! With respect for the environment no paint will be used on the paths, only on the paved roads. It is imperative that you follow the paths with the markers without taking short cuts.
17. FINISH
After finishing the race within the time limit, the contestants will receive a finishing medal.
18. DISQUALIFICATION
The following infringements will lead to immediate disqualification with withdrawal of the race BIB:
Failing to pass a check point,
Taking shortcuts,
Abandoning rubbish along the race route,
Failing to aid a participant in difficulty,
Insulting or threatening the staff or volunteers,
Behaves badly,
Their behavior endangers the smooth progress of the race and the safety of other competitors,
Using transport during the race,
Refusing to undergo checks by the medical staff along the race route,
Refusing to allow checks of the obligatory material,
Failing to have a 3 or more pieces of mandatory equipment.
The penalty will be applied immediately, where the infringement has been established.
19. TEAM COMPETITION – „VUCKO TEAMS“
“Vucko Teams” category was created especially for teams, whether it is a company, sports club or informal group of runners, within which teams will compete on the existing Vucko trail tracks of their choice (13km and 35km) for the title of best team.
RULES AND SCORING:
Minimum number of competitors in one team is 5,
There is no limit for the maximum number of team members,
One competitor can only compete for one team
Teams compete on the Green (13km) and Blue course (35km),
Each competitor within the team can run the course of their choice (Green or Blue), and receives the corresponding number of points in accordance with the placement in the “VUCKO TEAMS” competition and personal placement within the team according to the rules below,
Only the first 5 best results within the team are scored according to the table below, other competitors within the team get 1 point on the green and 2 points on the blue track,
Final results are obtained by the sum of the achieved points of all competitors within the team who finish the race, on any of the tracks on which they took part.
Important notes for teams:
When registering a competitor on Stotinka.hr, all team members must register under the same
name of the team, accurately entered for all competitors from one team;
In case some competitors have already registered at Stotinka, and they want to be part of a team, they can send info at info@vuckotrail.ba no later than June 1, 2023
Teams that do not register by June 1, 2023, or that do not have at least 5 competitors among the starters on the day of the race, will not be on the official table of team results.
All other decisions are made in accordance with the rules set out in the rest of this rulebook.
For possible complaints and objections, see Article 20.
SCORING TABLE FOR GREEN AND BLUE TRACK
20. COMPLAINTS
All objections must be made in writing and lodged with the course director, with a caution of 100 (one hundred) BAM (non-returnable if the objection is not valid), within two hours of the arrival of the runner concerned.
21. EVENT JURY
Event jury is made from relevant people chosen for their competences by the president and course director. The jury is authorized to give a ruling in the time compatible within the imperatives of the race on all the objections lodged during the event. The decisions will be without appeal. Event jury members are Kornej Arkoš, Admir Šabić and Irhad Suljić.
22. MODIFICATIONS TO THE COURSE OR TO THE TIME BARRIERS; CANCELLATION OF THE RACE
The organization reserves the right to modify at any moment the route and the positioning of the rescue and refreshment points, without warning. In the case of unfavorable weather conditions (important quantities of rain or snow at altitude, strong risk of storms….) the start may only be postponed by a maximum several hours, after that time the race is cancelled. In the case of poor meteorological conditions, and for reasons of safety, the organization reserves the right to stop the event underway or to modify the time barriers.
23. ENVIRONMENT
The race shall partly take place in a protected natural park area with a natural eco system. Participants are therefore required to fully respect the environment, in particular by not throwing away rubbish, picking flowers or disturbing the wildlife. Anyone found leaving rubbish along the way shall be disqualified from the race. In order to reduce the impact on the environment, the athletes shall NOT be given plastic cups at the refreshment points. Each athlete shall be required to carry his/her own drinking cup or water bottle, which can be filled at the refreshment points.
24. MULTIMEDIA COPYRIGHT
Every competitor relinquishes their claim to photographic or video copyright during the event, and he relinquishes any recourse against the organizer and against his approved partners for the use of his image. Only the organization can pass on these rights for the image in any media, via an accreditation or an adapted license.
25. WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY
Voluntary registration and subsequent participation in the race indicate full acceptance of the race rules and any changes they may have to undergo. By registering, the participant exempts the organizers from any liability, whether civil or criminal, for damage to persons and/or property caused by or to him/her. In addition, contestants will also sign a non-disclosure form at the proposal of the organizer and participate in the race at their own risk.
26. CHANGES, APPENDICES AND INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES
Amendments, additions and interpretations of these regulations are made by the organizer via the EVENT JURY (see paragraph 20. EVENT JURY). The Organizer reserves the right to modify or amend the Regulations of the Race at any time, except for the duration of the race.