AWD Event Rules

Epix Events Endurance Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) Event Rules
‍Epix Events complies with applicable USA Track & Field (USATF) and World Athletics regulations regarding athlete performance and event liability. The following guidelines are adapted from World Para Athletics rules and regulations to ensure safe, fair, and inclusive participation for Athletes with Disabilities (AWD).

AWD Categories
- Visually Impaired Athletes
- Adaptive (Guided) Athletes
- Blade Runners
- Pushed Athletes
- Push Rim Athletes
- Racing Chair Athletes
- Handcycle Athletes

‍General AWD Participation Requirements
- AWD participants must use approved accommodations and be able to complete the full race distance within the official event time limit.
- Athletes must notify the Race Director at least 20 days prior to the event to be eligible.
- Approved athletes will receive an ES (Early Start) bib at packet pickup.
- Push athletes and their coaches/pushers must meet event age requirements. If the pushed athlete is under the minimum age, a parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver.

Guidelines for Specific AWD Groups

Visually Impaired, Adaptive Athletes, Blade Runners & Push Athletes
- Athletes in wheelchairs must wear at minimum a lap belt.
- Athletes must provide their own guides (maximum of 3).
- Guides must stay to the right side and clearly announce when passing.
- Guides for adaptive athletes are optional but recommended.Push Rim Athletes

Wheelchair Specifications:
- A maximum of two large wheels and two smaller front wheels.
- The main frame must not extend beyond the front wheel hubs or be wider than the rear wheel hub spacing.
- Maximum body height: 50 cm from the ground.
- Rear extensions or aerodynamic fairings are prohibited.
- Max diameter: 70 cm for large wheels, 50 cm for small wheels.
- One plain, round push rim per large wheel only—no mechanical propulsion systems.
- Manual steering only; no gear-driven steering permitted.

Helmet Requirements:
- All athletes must wear a helmet meeting CPSC or international safety standards,
      including:
      - Snell B-90 / B-95
      - ASTM 1447-12
     - CEN European Standard
      - CSA
     - AS/NZS
      - JIS
- Helmets must be secured before entering the Start Corral and worn at all times on course.
- Non-compliance results in disqualification, unless the helmet is unintentionally unfastened and corrected while fully stopped.

Handcycle Division
Note:The handcycle division is an exhibition-only event with no competitive awards or prize money. Results will be posted for informational purposes only.

Specifications:
- Must be an arm-powered, arm-trunk powered, or kneeling three-wheeled handcycle.
- No motorized devices or leg-powered cycles permitted.
- The drivetrain must consist of hand-powered cranks, chainwheels, and gears.
- In recumbent setups, the athlete’s eyeline must be above the crank housing.
- In kneeling setups, legs and feet must be protected from ground contact.
- Maximum dimensions: 250 cm in length, 70 cm in width.
- Two independent braking systems required.
- Chainring must include a protective guard.
- Leg/footrests must prevent contact with moving parts.
- Athletes must wear secure foot protection, or socks if feet are enclosed in a shell. Feet must be fastened securely to prevent slippage.

Helmet Requirements:
- Same standards as Push Rim athletes (see above).
- Must be worn and fastened before entering the course and throughout the race.
- Unintentional strap detachment must be corrected immediately while stopped.

Bike Guide Use (Handcycle Only)
Handcycle athletes may request the use of a bike guide, subject to Race Director approval:
- Athlete must provide their own guide.
- Limit of one guide per athlete.

In marathons:
- The guide should remain in front and slightly to the side.
- The guide’s role is solely to warn of hazards and ensure safe passage, not to pace or assist propulsion.

Enforcement and Safety
‍Epix Events reserves the right to:
- Prevent the start or remove any participant from the course who fails to meet the standards listed above.
- Enforce a maximum speed limit for handcycles if necessary for safety.