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11th Annual Chimpathon - Run/Walk 5K & 10K

February 21, 2026 Save the Chimps
Fort Pierce, FL 34945 US

Race Rules and Etiquette

In the interest of promoting an enjoyable running and racing experience for everyone, Save the Chimps encourages good runner etiquette. Whether you're running alone or in a group, we ask that you follow these general guidelines:

Whatever the pace, wherever the race, manners matter.
Rules are subject to change at any time due to local/state restrictions or event needs.
 
GENERAL RULES

Bib Numbers:
Every participant must run with the official bib number assigned. Check the label on your bib to confirm your information is correct. Bibs must be visible at all times and worn on the front of your shirt or shorts. Do not switch, sell, or give your bib to another person without prior authorization from a race official.

Bandits Prohibited:
Unregistered participants (known as "bandits") are strictly prohibited. Banditing is a safety issue and a misuse of race resources. If caught, you will be removed and may be disqualified from future races.

Complete the Course:
Participants must complete the entire course under their own power. Failure to do so may result in removal from the official results and disqualification from awards.

Prohibited Equipment:
Race officials may disallow any equipment that gives an unfair advantage or endangers others.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct:
Participants who fail to follow official instructions, behave offensively, or act in an unsportsmanlike manner may be disqualified from the event and future participation.

Safety and Courtesy:

  • Strollers and headphones are discouraged. If using a stroller, start at the back and yield to others.
  • If using headphones, keep volume low enough to hear instructions and traffic.
  • Animals are not allowed unless specifically approved by race officials.
  • Participants using mobility devices or service animals must contact race officials at least 4 weeks before race day.

RACE TIMING & SCORING RULES
Timing Types:

  • Gun Time: Time from the official race start to when you cross the finish.
  • Net Time: Time from when you cross the start mat to the finish line.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Overall Awards: Gun Time
  • Masters (40+), Grandmasters (50+), Senior Grandmasters (60+), Age Group, Team Awards: Net Time
  • Wheelchair/Hand Cycle/Mobility Device Users: Scored in separate categories; not eligible for standard awards.
  • Stroller Riders and Virtual Participants: Not eligible for awards.

Note on Timing Systems: Some chip timers use only finish mats, which means only gun time is recorded. If your chip doesn’t register at the start (due to going around the mat, obscuring your bib, or starting late), your net time will default to your gun time.
 
PRE-RACE ETIQUETTE
Registration & Packet Pickup:

  • Preregister if possible.
  • Pick up your bib before race day to ease congestion.
  • Check the bib label to ensure accuracy.

Arrival & Line-Up:

  • Arrive early, especially for race-day bib pickup.
  • Use restrooms before the race.
  • Line up according to your expected pace. Slower runners/walkers should move to the back.

Pay Attention: Listen to pre-race announcements and instructions & avoid playing music during this time.
 

ON-COURSE RACE ETIQUETTE
At the Start:

  • If you drop something, wait until others have passed before retrieving it.
  • Don’t throw clothing onto the course—tie it around your waist or leave it off to the side.

Running Formations:

  • Run/walk no more than two abreast.
  • Don’t block others by swerving or spreading out in large groups.

Passing & Stopping:

  • Move aside when someone says “Excuse me” or “On your right/left.”
  • Step off the course to tie your shoe, take a call, or stop for any reason.

Awareness:

  • Watch for traffic and always yield to emergency vehicles.
  • Yield to wheelchair or mobility-impaired participants.

Children:

  • Teach young participants to start at an appropriate pace and line up accordingly.
  • Children should not stop abruptly; teach them to move to the side before slowing down.

 
AID STATION ETIQUETTE
Approaching Aid Stations:

  • Move to the side, grab your items, and continue forward.
  • If stopping, step aside without blocking access for others.

Disposing of Cups:

  • Toss your cup to the side of the road, near the aid station, and drop it by your waist—not over your shoulder.

Be Kind: Thank the volunteers. Report any distressed runners to the aid station staff with a bib number and approximate location. 

FINISH LINE ETIQUETTE
Headphones Off:

  • Remove headphones to better hear instructions.

Finish Line Protocol:

  • Follow race officials’ instructions.
  • Non-participants accompanying you must exit the course before the chute.

After the Finish:

  • Keep moving through the chute.
  • Meet friends/family in a designated area.
  • Post-race refreshments are for registered runners only.

Celebrate! Stay for the awards ceremony, cheer on fellow runners, and enjoy your accomplishments

AWARDS CEREMONY ETIQUETTE
Check Results Promptly:

  • View results early if you believe you’ve placed.
  • Report discrepancies to a race official before the ceremony starts.

During the Ceremony:

  • Stay if you've won an award—it’s your moment!
  • If there's an issue, don’t approach the stage; speak with a race official after the ceremony.
  • If you missed your name, wait until the ceremony is over to request your award.

 
TIMING METHODOLOGY SUMMARY

  • Gun Time: Measured from the race start gun to when you cross the finish.
  • Net Time: Measured from when you cross the start mat to when you finish.

Timing & Award Methods:
1. Gun Time Only – All awards and results based on gun time.
2. Net Time Only – All awards and results based on net time.
3. Hybrid Method (Used by the Chimpathon):

  • Overall Awards: Gun Time
  • Masters/Grandmasters/Senior Grandmasters/Age Group/Team Awards: Net Time

Why Hybrid?
Competitive runners usually start at the front and are racing each other in real-time. Net time is fairer for age group and masters runners, who may not be in direct competition on the course.
 
Let us all run together with respect, safety, and good sportsmanship—so everyone can enjoy their race day experience. 🏃🐵👏

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