SECTION 1: FORMAT & EVENT PHILOSOPHY

1.1 Format Overview:

Project Triathlon: LMS is an hourly endurance elimination race. Every hour, on the hour, participants must start and complete a standard short-course triathlon:

• Swim: 100 Meters

• Bike: 4.0 Miles

• Run: 1.0 Mile

1.2 The Elimination Standard:

To remain active in the competition, an athlete must cross the finish line of the current round in under 59 minutes and 59 seconds. Any athlete who fails to cross the line before the start of the next hour is immediately eliminated (DNF).

1.3 Winner Determination:

• The race continues hour after hour until only one athlete remains.

  • If the race reaches 35 hours, the final hour/lap will be a competition to see who finishes first

• To be declared the Official Champion, the final remaining athlete must successfully complete one full loop within the 60-minute cutoff after all other competitors have dropped out or been eliminated.

• If no athlete successfully completes a solo loop, the race ends with No Winner.

 

 

SECTION 2: SCHEDULE & TIMING

2.1 The Hourly Clock:

• Rounds begin precisely at :00 on the clock (e.g., 07:00, 08:00, 9:00).

• A 3-minute warning chime will sound at :57 past the hour.

• A 1-minute warning chime will sound at :59 past the hour.

• The official start horn will sound at :00.

2.2 Start Corrals & Attendance:

• All active participants must be standing inside the designated Start Corral prior to the sounding of the start horn.

• Any athlete not inside the corral at the moment the horn sounds is disqualified, regardless of whether they were ready or present on site.

2.3 Rest & Transition Time:

• Whatever time remains between crossing the finish line and the top of the next hour is the athlete’s rest period.

• Timing is continuous; the clock does not stop for medical assessments, or personal logistics. The clock may only stop due to extreme uncontrollable circumstances at the RD's discretion.

 

 

SECTION 3: RACE COURSE RULES & DISCIPLINARY CODE

A. THE SWIM (100 METERS)

1. Starting Line: Mass start or rolling continuous start (as designated by the Race Director depending on participation).

2. Stroke: Any forward-propulsion stroke is permitted (Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke, Sidestroke).

3. Drafting: Drafting behind other swimmers is PERMITTED.

4. Safety & Flotation: Wetsuit legality will be announced closer to the event. Inflatable safety buoys are allowed if declared prior to the event.

B. THE BIKE (4.0 MILES)

1. Helmets: Hard-shell helmets are MANDATORY and must be buckled before un-racking the bike.

2. Drafting: DRAFT-LEGAL (Unless specified otherwise in pre-race briefing). Athletes may form pacelines, but unsportsmanlike blocking or intentional swerving will result in immediate disqualification.

3. Night Equipment (Hours 19:00 to 07:00):

   • Active front white headlight (minimum 200 lumens).

   • Active rear red flashing light.

   • Reflective ankle bands or vest.

C. THE RUN (1.0 MILE)

1. Course Footwear: Athletic running shoes are mandatory.

2. Night Equipment (Hours 19:00 to 07:00): Headlamp or chest lamp required + reflective item

3. Pacing: Pacing by non-participants (crew, spectators, eliminated athletes) on foot or bike is ALLOWED only during night hours. One Pacer allowed and must be declared to staff. Non-participants may cheer from designated spectator areas only.

 

 

SECTION 4: PIT LANE & CREW RULES

4.1 Crew Support Limits:

• Crew members may assist athletes only in their designated Pit Box or transition space.

• Crew members are forbidden from entering the active race course or swim exit ramp.

4.2 Shared Assistance:

• Active athletes may assist other active athletes with nutrition, gear, or mechanical support at any time.

4.3 Withdrawal (DNF) Protocol:

• An athlete choosing to voluntarily withdraw must immediately notify a Timing Official and turn in their timing chip/bib before leaving the transition area.

 

 

SECTION 5: PENALTIES & DISQUALIFICATION

Violation	Penalty
Late to Start Corral (:00 horn)	Immediate Disqualification
Unbuckled Helmet on Bike	1st Warning/Immediate Disqualification
Missing Night Lights (Bike/Run)	Immediate Disqualification
Cutting Course / Skipping Lap	Immediate Disqualification
Unsportsmanlike Conduct	Disqualification at RD Discretion