HIKE RULES FOR 2012 EVENT
The Three Towers Hike is a competition hike. There are therefore a number of rules which all competitors must abide by. This includes a minimum level of kit that must be carried by individuals and between the team. Hikers will be kit checked before departure and may be subject to random kit checks at checkpoints.
Team Composition
Teams must comprise of 3 persons, each of whom must fall within the appropriate criteria for the section. This is a core-value of the hike and has been in place since the beginning of the event.
The exception to this is that in 2012, we will also accept 4-person teams in the 25km Scout event only.
The team that starts (whether as a team of 3 or 4) must finish in the same composition to be eligible for a team placing. All finishing hikers regardless of team composition will be eligible to receive a winners' medal and certificate (presented on the Sunday morning).
Each person in a team must either be a member of the Scout Association or be able to demonstrate that they have their own personal accident insurance. Most recognised youth training organisations will automatically provide their members with this. An accident indemnity form must be completed by non-Scout / non-Guide entrants.
Classic Hike and Jubilee Hike
Each Classic Hike and Jubilee team member must be at least 16 years old on 14 April 2012 (born on or before 14 April 1996). There is no upper age limit. The hike is suitable for any adult, whether they are a member of the Scout Association or not. Non-members will be required to sign a liability waiver.
Explorer Hike
Entrants into the Explorer Hike must be a member of an Explorer Scout Unit or Girlguiding UK Ranger Unit (at least 13½ years old on 14 April 2012, but under 18). Adults (e.g. Scout Network) may also enter but are not eligible for prizes. No geographic limits is set on entry in this section.
ScoutPlus Hike
Entrants into the ScoutPlus Hike must be an invested member of a Scout Troop operating within Berkshire, aged either 13 or 14 and undertaking their link to Explorer Scouts. Additionally, 2 of the 3 Scouts must have completed the Scout Hike previously in a time under 7½ hours.
Scout Hike
Entrants into the Scout Hike must be an invested member of a Scout Troop operating within Berkshire, aged between 10 and under 15. This event is aimed at the Scout section with a core age of 11 to 13 years, and the hike organisers reserve the right to reject teams containing Explorer Scouts. Not more than one 10-year old per team, and not more than one 14-year old per team are permitted.
Ability
All competitors must be medically and physically fit to take part in the Hike. Any competitor suffering from a medical or physical disability must notify the Hike Organisers prior to the event
Check-in and Disqualification
Check-in commences ahead of the allocated hike start time; each team will be advised of their check in time in advance. Teams must be be ready for check-in at their allocated time. During check-in, each team should present to the kit-checker all the items of equipment on the required list. If the team is missing any items at check-in then it may, at the marshal's discretion, proceed once the items have been obtained. Teams that are unable to obtain the missing mandatory items of equipment within a reasonable time will be disqualified. No refunds are made to teams that are disqualified.
Remember, The standard of all clothing and equipment will be checked at scrutinizing before the Hike and will be subject to spot checks during the Hike.
Miscellaneous
Supporters must not walk with the Teams or act as pacemakers. This is for safety reasons and will result in Teams being disqualified if this rule is breached.
Competitors must register at the checkpoints together as a Team and must visit each checkpoint in the order specified in the instructions.
Hikers may only cross the Thames by recognised footways on road bridges. Persons swimming, canoeing or otherwise crossing the river other than by roadbridge will be disqualified. Hikers may only cross dual-carriageways by overbridge or underpass.
Conduct judged by the hike organisers to be detrimental to the good name of the Three Towers Hike can lead to disqualification from the Hike whether this conduct occurs prior to the Hike or during it.
The organisers reserve the right, if in their opinion, the weather dictates to form groups of a minimum of five between Warren Farm and Banterwick Farm (time will be credited where appropriate). In severe weather, the route may be altered such that an event of at least 75% of the distance will be available.
Rules correct as of 1 October 2011