INTERNATIONAL CANOE

FEDERATION

MARATHON
RACING COMPETITION RULES

2005
Taking effect from January 1st, 2005

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article Page
CHAPTER I - GENERAL REGULATIONS ..................5
1 DEFINITION OF MARATHON RACING............... 5
2 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS ................... 5
3 COMPETITORS ........................................ 6
4 CLASSES ............................................... 7
5 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDAR....... 7

CHAPTER II – CLASSES AND BUILDING RULES .........8

6 LIMITATIONS.......................................... 8
7 CONSTRUCTION ...................................... 9
8 MEASURING .......................................... 10

CHAPTER III - ORGANISATION OF THE COMPETITIONS

.............................................................. 11
9 OFFICIALS ............................................ 11
10 DUTIES OF OFFICIALS............................... 13
11 INTERNATIONAL MARATHON RACING OFFICIALS15
12 INVITATIONS......................................... 16
13 ENTRIES .............................................. 17
14 ACCEPTANCE OF ENTRIES AND PROGRAMME ... 18
15 ALTERATIONS IN ENTRIES AND WITHDRAWALS . 19
16 ALTERATIONS IN THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS ... 19
17 MARKING SIGNS ..................................... 19
18 COURSES ............................................. 20
19 CANOE AND PERSONAL NUMBERS ................ 20
20 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPETITORS ............... 21

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

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CHAPTER IV – RACING REGULATIONS................. 22
21 MEANS OF PROPULSION ............................ 22
22 START ................................................ 22
23 TURNS ................................................ 27
24 GROUP RACING AND OVERTAKING ............... 27
25 COLLISION OR DAMAGE ............................ 27
26 PORTAGING.......................................... 28
27 ASSISTANCE.......................................... 29
28 SAFETY MEASURES.................................. 30
29 FINISH ................................................ 31
30 DISQUALIFICATIONS ................................ 31
31 PROTESTS ............................................ 32
32 APPEALS.............................................. 33
33 ANTI-DOPING ........................................ 33
34 INFORMATION ....................................... 33

CHAPTER V - SPECIAL RULES FOR WORLD

CHAMPIONSHIPS.......................................... 34
35 ARRANGEMENTS .................................... 34
36 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS........................... 35
37 THE COURSE ......................................... 35
38 INVITATIONS, ENTRIES AND PROGRAMME ....... 36
39 DRAWING OF LOTS.................................. 36
40 JURY AND OFFICIALS ............................... 37
41 APPEALS.............................................. 37
42 CHECK-UP ON BOATS............................... 38
43 AWARDS .............................................. 38
44 ANTI-DOPING ........................................ 39
45 RESULTS AND REPORTS ............................ 39

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this document is to provide the rules
that govern the way of running an International
Canoe Federation Marathon Racing competition.

List of Abbreviations:

COMPETITOR Male or female competitor

ICF International Canoe Federation

MRC Marathon Racing Committee

General Rule (to be changed only by

[GR]
the ICF Congress)
Technical Rule (may be changed by the
[TR]
ICF Board of Directors)
World Championships, World Cups, and
COMPETITIONS
international competitions
Kayak Men, Kayak Women, Canadian
CATEGORIES
Men
K1 Men, K2 Men, K1 Women, K2 Women,
CLASSES
C1 Men, C2 Men etc.

EVENTS Each class in each age groups

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 CHAPTER I - GENERAL REGULATIONS

1 DEFINITION OF MARATHON RACING [GR]

In Marathon Racing the competitor races over a

designated long distance course on water not subject
to prescribed standards. The competitor must take
the water as it is found and be prepared, if it is
necessary, to carry his or her canoe around an
impassable obstacle, or between two waterways.

2 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS [GR]

All competitions announced as international shall be

held in accordance with the regulations of the ICF.
Competitions arranged by the national federations or
their clubs are considered international if competitors
of a foreign country are invited to participate. These
competitions must be controlled by at least one
accredited official in possession of a valid international
official card.

Canoeing competitions in Continental and Regional

Multisport Games and Championships shall be
organised under the ICF Rules and Regulations for
World Championships for that discipline. The
organisation and programme of the canoeing
competitions in Multisport Games on global level must
be approved by the ICF and for continental level by the
Continental Canoeing Associations.

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

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3 COMPETITORS [GR]

Only members of clubs or associations affiliated with

an ICF Member Federation have the right to
participate in an international competition. A
competitor is always allowed to take part individually
in an international competition, but must in each
case obtain special permission from his/her National
Federation.

A competitor may take part on behalf of the

Federation in a foreign country in which he/she is
domiciled, if he/she obtains the authorisation of
his/her Federation of origin. This authorisation has to
be sent before 30th November prior to the year
concerned to the ICF Headquarters with a copy to the
Chairman of the Marathon Racing Committee. The
same procedure applies, should the competitor
change back his/her starting right to the federation
of origin.

If he/she has lived for 2 years or more in this foreign

country, the approval of his/her Federation is no
longer required.
This rule does not apply in the case of a competitor
who leaves his/her country of origin to marry in
another country. He/she can, in this case, compete
for his/her new Federation without awaiting the
delay of 2 years.

A competitor may not compete for more than one

Federation in any one calendar year in the sport of
canoeing.

The first year a junior competitor can compete is the

year in which his/her 15th birthday falls, and the last
year he/she may compete as a junior is the year in
which his/her 18th birthday falls.

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A Master competitor can compete in a Masters event in
the year he or she reaches the lower limit of the age
category, i.e. in the 35-39 age group in the year of his
or her 35th birthday. In K2 or K4 events the age of the
youngest competitor will control the category in which
a crew can compete. Age group categories will
commence from age 35-39 and increase upwards in 5-
year age brackets.

4 CLASSES [GR]

Marathon races may be run in the following Classes:

Men: K-1, K-2, K-4, C-1, C-2.

Women: K-1, K-2
Mixed: K-2, C-2

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION [GR]
CALENDAR

Before the 1st of August of each year, all National

Federations shall send to the ICF headquarters and to
the Chairman of the Marathon Racing Committee, their
proposed programme of international races for the
following year, for publication in the ICF Calendar.
Changes to the Calendar may be made to 30th
September after which date the Calendar will be
considered complete and be published.

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CHAPTER II – CLASSES AND BUILDING RULES
6 LIMITATIONS [TR]

K1 K2 K4 C1 C2
Max.
520cm 650cm 1100cm 520cm 650cm
length
Min.
8kg 12kg 30kg 10kg 14kg
weight

Trademarks [GR]
The guidelines for any advertising material carried on
the clothing and equipment of paddlers should be as
follows:

a. The advertising of tobacco smoking and strong

spirit drinks will not be accepted.
b. The ICF and National Federation organising an
ICF event should not engage in any exclusive
sponsorship advertisement.
c. National Federations participating in the World
and Continental Championships should have a
uniform advertising design identifying sponsors.
d. All advertising material should be placed in such
a way that it does not interfere with
competitors’ identification and does not effect
the outcome of the race.
e. All advertising material used should be in
accordance with the IOC Athletes Code and the
ICF Eligibility Rule.

Any boat, accessory or article of clothing, which does

not comply with the above mentioned conditions will
be ineligible for use during the competition.
Teams are responsible for their own equipment.

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7 CONSTRUCTION [TR]

a). Kayaks
All kind of building materials are permitted.
Sections and longitudinal lines of the hull of the
Kayak shall be convex and not interrupted.
Steering rudders are allowed. The maximum
thickness of the rudder blade must not exceed 10
mm in the case of K-1 and K-2 if the rudder blade
forms an extension to the length of the kayak.

b). Canoes
All kind of building materials are permitted.
Sections and longitudinal lines of the hull of the
canoe shall be convex and not interrupted. The
canoe must be built symmetrically upon the axis
of its length.
Steering rudders or any guiding apparatus directing
the course of the canoe are not allowed. A keel,
if any, must be straight, shall extend over the
whole length of the canoe and shall not project
more than 30 mm, below the hull.
The C1 and C2 may be entirely open. The
minimum length of the opening shall be 280cm
and the edge of the side of the craft (gunwale)
can extend maximum 5cm into the craft along
the whole defined opening. The boat can have
maximum three strengthening bars with a width
of maximum 7 cm each. Removable spray decks
may be used.

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c). Bailers
Manually operated pumps may be fitted in both
canoes and kayaks. Bailers which interrupt the line
of the hull are not permitted. Electrically
operated pumps may only be used when the race
organisers require it on safety grounds. Automatic
or pump bailers may be fitted in both kayaks and
canoes.

d). No foreign substance may be added to boats which

give competitors an unfair advantage. The use of
hull lubricants is not permitted

8 MEASURING [TR]

The length of a kayak or canoe shall be measured

between the extremes of the stem and stern. Stern
bands or other protection of the stem or stern, if any,
are to be included. Any rudder forming a continuation
of the length of a kayak is not included in the
measurement. The weight of a kayak or canoe shall be
measured when the boat has been emptied of excess
water and may include buoyancy, seats, footrests,
steering gear and fixed pumps, but excluding paddles,
spray decks and drink containers.

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 CHAPTER III - ORGANISATION OF THE
COMPETITIONS
9 OFFICIALS [GR]

International competitions shall be held under the

supervision of the following officials:

Chief Official
Technical Director
Competition Secretary
Starter(s)
Aligner
Course Umpire
Finishing Line Judge(s)
Timekeeper(s)
Boat Scrutineer
Raft Marshall
Safety Officer
Announcer
Press Official

If circumstances permit, one person may function in

two of the above positions. The top management of
the Competition shall be in the hands of the
Competition Committee which shall consist of:

Chief Official
Technical Director
Safety Officer

The Competition Committee shall:

a) Organise the competition and supervise its
arrangements;

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 b) In the event of inclement weather or other
unforeseen circumstances which make it
impossible to carry out or finish the competition,
postpone the competition and decide on another
time when it may be held, or abandon the
competition, or, if the competition has already
begun, abandon or reschedule the competition;
c) Hear any protests that may be made and settle
any disputes that may arise;
d) Decide on matters concerning disqualifications in
cases where the regulations have been broken
during the competition. The decision of the
Committee shall be based on the ICF Marathon
Racing Rules. Penalties in accordance with the
ICF Statutes may also be imposed (i.e.
disqualification for a longer period than the
duration of the competition in question);
e) Before any decision is made regarding an alleged
infraction of the rules, hear the opinion of the
officials who are in control of the race, if it is
felt to be of importance in clearing up the
alleged offence.

The Competition Committee may disqualify any

competitor who behaves improperly or who by his or
her conduct or speech shows contempt towards the
officials, other competitors or onlookers.

A member of the Competition Committee may not

participate in a judgment connected with the
disqualification of a competitor from his or her own
national federation.

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10 DUTIES OF OFFICIALS [TR]

The Chief Official, who is also the Chairman of the

Competition Committee, shall decide all matters
arising during the actual contest, which are not dealt
with in these rules.

The Technical Director is responsible for the

preparation and running of the competition.

The Competition Secretary is responsible for recording

the results and preparing lists of prizewinners. He or
she must keep the minutes of the proceedings of any
protest meetings. He or she must provide the Press
Official with all necessary information regarding the
running of the event or the results.

The Starter decides all questions concerning the start

of the races, and alone is responsible for decisions as
to false starts. or she must see to it that the starting
gun or pistol is in working order. The starter must
order the competitors to their places and carry out the
start in accordance with the Marathon Racing Rules.
The language used shall be English. The starter’s
decision is final.

The Aligner is responsible for bringing the boats to the

starting line with the least possible delay. The
language used shall be English.

The Course Umpire shall ensure that during a race the

rules are complied with. If the rules are broken, the
Umpire shall report the infraction to the Chief Official,
who, in turn, shall refer it to the Competition
Committee. The Competition Committee shall then
decide whether any of the competitors concerned shall
be disqualified, or not. The Course Umpire shall
appoint officers to supervise the control points along
the course.

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The Finishing Line Judges decide the order in which
the competitors have crossed the finishing line. They
shall be placed at the finishing line. If the judges differ
regarding the placing of two or more of the
competitors, the disagreement shall be decided by a
simple majority. In the case of equal voting, the Chief
Judge shall exercise a casting vote. The decision of the
judges is final.

The Timekeepers are responsible for recording the

times. Before each race the Chief Timekeeper shall
establish that the watches or other time-keeping
equipment are working satisfactorily.

The Boat Scrutineer shall ensure that the dimensions

and weight of the boats, equipment, clothing and
advertising conform to the ICF Marathon Rules, and
shall mark them accordingly. Should any not fulfill the
ICF requirement they shall be excluded from the
competition.

The Raft Marshall

a) Confirms that the boat and equipment have
been approved by the Boat Scrutineer.
b) Confirms that the boat, equipment and
clothing of the competitor meet the
requirements of the competition regulations.
c) When satisfied dispatches the boats, in the
appropriate order, to the Aligner.

The Safety Officer is responsible for advising the

Competition Committee on the safety measures
necessary, and for seeing that these are taken.

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The Announcer, on the instructions of the Competition
Organiser, announces the start of each race, the order
of starting, and the placing of the competitors during
the race. After the race is finished he or she will
announce the results.

The Press official must supply all necessary

information to the representatives of the press, radio
and television, on the race and its progress. The Press
Official is therefore authorised to seek this information
from the various officials, who must provide, as quickly
as possible, copies of the official results.

In World Championships all officials must be recognised

International Marathon Racing Officials with valid
certificate

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INTERNATIONAL MARATHON RACING [GR]
OFFICIALS

Recognition as an international Official for Marathon

Racing is given by the ICF to those persons who have
passed an appropriate examination. Only national
federations are entitled to nominate candidates for
this examination, and the candidates names must be
submitted to the ICF General Secretary at least two
months before the date of the examination. The
application shall be accompanied by a fee of 20 Euros,
which is not refundable in the event of the candidate
failing in the examination.

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Applications shall not be younger than 25 years or
older than 65 years, and must have served as officials
at least five times, and possess appropriate experience.
A copy of the application form shall also be sent to the
Chairman of the Marathon Racing Committee. A sub-
committee of the ICF will arrange the examination
annually, in conjunction with a major marathon event.
The examination will be conducted in one of the
official languages of the ICF and will be based on the
Statutes and Marathon Racing Rules of the ICF and
practical experience of marathon racing.

If a national federation wishes to hold an examination

at some other time, the federation must meet the
living and travel expenses of the members of the
examining committee.
Candidates who have failed one examination may
enroll for another, but not earlier than the following
year.
Successful candidates will be issued with a legitimating
card as International Marathon Racing Officials. The
cost incurred by a candidate in connection with the
examination, shall be a charge on the national
federation of that candidate.

12 INVITATIONS [GR]

An invitation to an international competition shall

contain the following information:
a) Time and place of the competition.
b) Situation and plan of the course.
c) Classes and distance of races.
d) Sequence and starting times of races.
e) Nature of the course, water conditions and
degree of difficulty.

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 f) Amount of fees.
g) Address to which entries should be sent.
h) Last date for receiving entries. This date shall
not be earlier than 14 days before the first day of
the competition.

Invitations to the World Cups competitions shall be

sent to all ICF members at least three (3) months prior
to the respective event.

13 ENTRIES [GR]

Entries for an international competition can be made

only through the national federation and in accordance
with the regulations given in the invitation.
An entry shall, however, always contain the following:
a) The name of the club or federation to which the
competitor/s belong.
b) The events in which the team proposes to
compete.
c) First name and surname of each competitor,
together with the date and year of birth and his
or her citizenship.
d) For competitions designated as the ICF
Championships similar details regarding reserves
if any. For other events on the ICF Calendar it is
not necessary to specify the names of reserves on
the written entry.

In addition to nominated crews, federations are

allowed to enter substitutes in every race, as follows:
K-1 and C-1 1 person, K-2 and C-2 2 persons.
Substitutes may be placed in any of the boats entered
in the race in question. In multi stages races, the
composition of a crew may not be changed after the
start of the race.

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An entry may be telegraphed if it is dispatched before
midnight on the last day for receiving entries. Entry by
telegram must be confirmed immediately by letter and
in the eventuality of conflicting information; the
information by letter would take precedence.
When making their entries federations must give the
colors of the clothing worn by the competitors, and
these colors must not be changed during the competiti-
on.

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ACCEPTANCE OF ENTRIES AND [TR]
PROGRAMME

Applications for entry must be acknowledged within 48

hours of receipt. For events other than Championships
a team leaders meeting shall be held commencing not
later than three (3) hours before the first event starts
and not sooner than 30 hours before the first event
starts, to determine amongst other things the final
entry details. After the meeting the definitive
programme shall be completed and made available at
the course giving names and citizenship of competitors
and the results of the draw if one has been required.
For Championships a team leaders meeting shall be
held commencing not later than 12 hours before the
first race and not sooner than 36 hours before the first
race. After the meeting the definitive programme shall
be available at the course, giving names and
citizenship of the competitors and the results of the
draw if one has been required.

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15
ALTERATIONS IN ENTRIES AND [TR]
WITHDRAWALS

For events designated as the ICF Championships only

those substitutes named on the entry are allowed to
replace the nominated competitors. Notification of
such alterations must be given at the team leaders
meeting.
The Chief Official may in exceptional circumstances
accept written replacement of named competitors by
named reserves up to one hour before the start of the
first race.
The Chief Official's decision as to what constitutes an
exceptional circumstance is final, and not subject to
appeal. The withdrawal of an entry is considered final
and no renewed entry of the same crew is allowed.
Entry fees cannot be refunded.

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ALTERATIONS IN THE SEQUENCE OF [TR]
EVENTS

The sequence of races given in the invitation, and the

intervals between the races as given in the racing
programme, are binding on the organisers. Alterations
cannot be made unless the respective team managers
or national representatives at the competition give
their consent.

17 MARKING SIGNS [TR]

Flags marking portage limits shall be diagonally divided

with one half in red and the other in yellow. Both
starting and finishing lines shall be marked with red
flags at the points where these lines intersect the
outer limits of the course.

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18 COURSES [TR]

a) River courses without obstacles, or interruptions.

b) River courses with obstacles such as weirs, rocks
or shallows involving obligatory or optional
portages.
c) Open water courses on lakes, estuaries or the
open sea.
d) Any combination of the above.

Length of the courses:

Seniors - men Min. 20 km and no upper limit.

Seniors - women Min. 15 km and no upper limit.
Juniors Min. 15 km and no upper limit.

Races may be run in one or several stages, over one or

several days, the final result being based on total
racing time. Turning points shall be negotiated as
directed.
Courses for World Cups competitions should reflect the
characteristics of Marathon Racing of the host
federation.

19 CANOE AND PERSONAL NUMBERS [TR]

All kayaks and canoes shall carry a number which shall

be attached to the kayak or canoe as instructed by the
race organiser.
The personal numbers provided by the organising
national federation shall be placed on the back and if
necessary on the front of the competitor as required
by the organising federation. The title or main sponsors
name may be shown on the front side with the
personal numbers.

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20 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPETITORS [TR]

Each team leader shall receive printed or written

instructions at least 5 hours before the beginning of
the competition, containing the following information:
a) Detailed information on the course and their
markings.
b) Starting time(s) and procedures.
c) Starting line.
d) Finishing line.
e) Competitors’ racing number.
f) Obligatory safety equipment requirements.
a) Transport arrangements for boats and
competitor, if being provided by the organisers.

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 CHAPTER IV – RACING REGULATIONS
21 MEANS OF PROPULSION [TR]

Kayaks shall be propelled solely by means of double-

bladed paddles. Canadian canoes shall be propelled
solely by means of single bladed paddles. The paddles
may not be attached to the boats in any way.

22 START [TR]

1) The starting line shall be marked by two red flags or

two red buoys or a combination of both.
2) Competitors shall be at the start at the time
specified in the racing programme. The start shall
be given without reference to any absentees.
3) The classes shall start in descending order from
fastest to slowest as determined by the competition
committee.
4) The method of starting shall be one of the following
and shall be decided by the organising committee
and included in the information booklet distributed
beforehand.
a) Stationary Start
The position of the boats at the start is such
that the bows of the competing boats are on
the starting line(s). The boats must be
stationary. The craft may be held at the stern.
Wherever possible all boats in a class shall line
up at the starting line and use the stationary
start. Where this is impossible or
impracticable owing to lack of space, or water
or weather conditions, the following
alternative simultaneous starting procedures
may be employed.

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 b) Grid Start
National teams equally represented in each
rank of the grid with the positions being
determined by the draw. National teams to
take precedence over club teams.
c) Le Mans Start
The boats are lined up on the shore in an order
determined by the draw.
d) Rolling Start
Where strong currents render a stationary
start difficult, a rolling start may be used, the
boats being allowed to drift towards the line
with a view to crossing on the signal.
e) Interval Start
Where a simultaneous start is impracticable or
undesirable, an interval start may be used,
the order being determined by a draw. A list
of competitors with their starting times shall
be issued to the team leaders and pinned to a
notice board at the start least three (3) hours
before the start of competition. It is also
possible to have an interval start in groups.
5) In all cases paddlers shall be called to the water at
least ten minutes before the scheduled start, or in
the case of a Le Mans Start given a ten minute
warning.
6) The following procedures will then apply for the
respective starts:

a) Stationary start and

b) Grid start
The starter shall ensure all craft are
stationary on the starting line or grid line as
appropriate.

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 When the starter is satisfied the line(s) are
stationary he or she shall give the signal or
"Ready" followed by a shot, starting horn, or
the word "Go".

If a competitor commences paddling after the

word "Ready" and before the shot has been
fired, he or she has made a false start.

A competitor who attempts to start before

any instruction is deemed to have made an
unfair start.

A competitor who attempts a false or unfair

start will be warned.

A second warning will result in the imposition

of two minute penalty.

A third warning will result in the competitor's

disqualification from the event.

A disqualified competitor must leave the

water immediately.

c) Le mans start
Competitors shall stand stationary on a
starting line. The starter, when satisfied the
competitors are stationary, shall say "Ready"
followed by a shot or the word "Go".

If a competitor or competitors commence

running before the shot has been fired, the
starter shall declare a false start and warn the
offending competitors.

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 A competitor who attempts to start before
any instruction is deemed to have made an
unfair start.

A competitor who attempts an unfair start will

be warned.

A second warning will result in the imposition

of a two minute time penalty.

A third warning will result in the competitor's

disqualification from the event.

In a Le Mans Start, no competitor shall tackle,

block, hinder or obstruct another competitor
running to his or her boat.

d) Rolling Start
The canoes shall form up well before the start
line and drift towards the starter.

The starter shall ensure the line is as straight

as possible and that no competitor will obtain
any undue advantage as a result of the start.

When the starter is satisfied, he or she shall

let the line drift to within 10 meters of the
start line and give the signal "Ready" followed
by a shot, a starting horn or the word "GO".
If a competitor commences paddling after the
word "Ready" and before the shot is fired, he
or she has made a false start.

An immediate time penalty of two minutes

shall be imposed upon the competitor making
a false start.

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 e) Interval Start
Competitors shall be called into their starting
position in the predetermined order.
Competitors must be advised five minutes,
two minutes and one minute prior to their
designated start time.
The starter shall ensure that each competitor
or group of competitors is stationary and level.
A competitor crossing the start line prior to
the ten-second warning shall be recalled with
the elapsed time taken from the designated
starting time; a competitor commencing
paddling between the ten-second warning and
the shot or starting command shall incur an
immediate two-minute time penalty.

7) Any penalty imposed under this rule shall be

notified to the team manger of the offending
competitor by the Technical Director. Whenever
possible, advice of any time penalty shall also be
given to the offending competitor(s) at the first
available checkpoint.

8) Multi-stage races:

Where a race is divided into several stages, the

starts of the second and subsequent stages on the
same day shall be carried out individually, or in
groups as determined by the organiser, and advised
to the team leaders at the team leaders meeting.

If carried out individually the competitors will leave

the stage start in the order of arrival from the
previous stage, and at the same intervals of time.

If in groups, these should also take into account

arrival from the previous stage, and time
differences recorded.

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 Timing will be cumulative, and the winner being the
competitor/crew having taken the shortest time
over the whole course, making due allowance for
any time penalties awarded by the organisers. The
restart of the second or subsequent days may utilize
any of the initial or stage start methods described in
this rule.

23 TURNS [TR]

When a race is run on a course with turning points

these shall be passed to port (i.e. anti-clockwise)
unless otherwise directed.

24 GROUP RACING AND OVERTAKING [TR]

When a canoe or kayak is overtaking another canoe or

kayak, it is the duty of the overtaking craft to keep
clear of other competitors at all times.

When a canoe or kayak is racing in a group of

competitors it is the duty of all the competitors in the
group to keep clear of other competitors at all times.
This rule applies to any maneuvering within the group.

25 COLLISION OR DAMAGE [TR]

Any competitor who is considered by a course umpire

or race official to have been responsible for a collision,
or who damages the canoe or kayak or paddle of
another competitor or unnecessarily deviates from
their course may be disqualified.

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

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26 PORTAGING [TR]

Competitors may only portage at points designated by

the race organisers.
a) At official compulsory or optional portage points,
the limits of the section of the river to be
portaged must be clearly marked by flags
showing the start and end of the disembarkation
area and the start and end of the embarkation
area. The flags marking the portage shall be
diagonally divided in red and yellow.
b) All competitors (and their designated helpers
where approved) shall disembark in the defined
area, carry their craft around the portage and
embark in the defined area.
c) Any water after the end of the disembarkation
area and before the start of the embarkation
area is out of bounds.
d) Organisers must aim to provide enough bank
space to allow at least four K2's to be portaged
simultaneously.
e) A competitor making a portage at a point other
than the designated portage area along the
course must not make any forward progress
unless directed by the competition committee.
g) Where shallow water is encountered it is always
permitted to disembark in the river and drag or
carry the boat into deep water.
a) Under no circumstances may a portage be used
with an effect of shortening the course of the
race.

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27 ASSISTANCE [TR]

1) A competitor may not be accompanied along the

course or assisted in any way by other
canoes/kayaks not entered in the event or by any
vessel (e.g. runabout).
2) At World Championships and World Cups
competitions no competitor may wash hang a
competitor in another class.
3) A competitor may receive assistance from bank
support crews, as long as it does not impede
other competitors, but may not be progressed in
any way. All assistance must be given from the
bank, except for safety reasons. Such assistance
is limited to first aid services, provisions of food,
drink and clothes, replacement of faulty
equipment including paddles and help with
repairs.
4) In the event of a capsize, a competitor may
receive assistance with emptying his or her boat
and regaining his or her paddling position, but
may not be progressed in any way.
5) A competitor suffering from a lower-body
handicap may, by prior agreement from the
Competition Committee, receive assistance at a
portage, from designated helpers, provided no
advantage is received as a result of such
assistance and provided the competitor leaves or
is lifted from his or her canoe/kayak before the
helpers carry the boat.
6) No exchange or substitution of boats is permitted,
even with other competitors from the same team.

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

29
28 SAFETY MEASURES [TR]

Each boat must carry sufficient buoyancy, either in the

construction of the boat or fixed subsequently, to keep
the boat floating level when filled with water. The
scrutinisers may float test the boat if buoyancy is not
apparent after a visual inspection. If the organisers so
decide for safety reasons, additional buoyancy must
be fitted to each boat such that it will give support to
the paddlers when in the water and/or every
competitor shall wear a buoyancy aid and/or other
specified equipment. Such requirements shall be
named on the entry form.

Any competitor failing to observe such a direction shall

be refused the right to start. If they have started he or
she will be disqualified.
Competitors participate at their own risk. Neither the
organisers nor the ICF can be held responsible for
accidents or material damage which may occur during
a race.
Every official is required to observe that the safety
measures are being adhered to, and prevent boats or
competitors from starting or continuing if they fail to
meet the requirements laid down in the rules.
Marathon Racing may involve participants in dangerous
situations. It is a requirement that any competitor
seeing another in real danger shall render all
assistance in his or her power. Failure to do so may
involve disqualification.

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

30
29 FINISH [TR]

The finishing line is reached when the bow of the

canoe or kayak with the competitor/s in it has passed
the line between the flags. If two or more boats reach
the finishing line at the same time, they get the same
classification.

30 DISQUALIFICATIONS [GR]

Any Competitor who attempts to win a race by any

other than honorable means, or who breaks the racing
regulations, or who disregards the honorable nature of
the racing regulations will be disqualified for the
duration of the race concerned.
Should a competitor have completed a race in a kayak
or canoe which is shown, upon inspection, not to fulfill
the ICF classifications, he or she shall be disqualified
from the race in question.
It is forbidden, during a race, to be accompanied by
other boats along the course.
Such acts shall entail the disqualification of the
competitor/s concerned. All disqualifications by the
Competition Committee must be confirmed in writing
immediately, giving the reasons. The team leader of
the competitor must acknowledge receipt on a copy of
the notice, with the exact time, which marks the start
of the protest time.

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31 PROTESTS [GR]

A protest against the right of a crew to take part in a

race shall be referred to the Chief Official not later
than one hour before the start of the race. A protest
made later, within 31 days from the date when the
race in question was held, is only permitted if the
officials of the association making the protest can
prove that the facts on which the protest is based
came to their knowledge later than one hour before
the start of the race.
A later protest shall be referred to the ICF Marathon
Racing Committee accompanied by the prescribed fee.

A protest made during a competition relating to an

incident in the race must be addressed to the
Competition Committee and handed to the Chief
Official not later than one hour after the last of the
competitors involved in the incident have completed
the course, or if forced to retire one hour after the
retirement has been reported to the organiser.
The organisers shall be permitted to commence issuing
preliminary results and carry out reward ceremonies
after one third, or the first three, whichever is the
greater, of the competitors of the class have
completed the course, or their retirements notified to
the organiser.
All protests shall be made in writing and be
accompanied by a fee of 25 Euros (or an equal sum in
the local currency) the fee will be refunded if the
protest is upheld.

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32 APPEALS [GR]

Competitors have the right to appeal to the ICF,

through their national federations, against a decision
of the Competition Committee, within 30 days from
the date when the race was held. The appeal shall be
accompanied by a fee of 25 Euros or its equivalent,
which will be refunded if the appeal is upheld.
The ICF Board of Directors shall pronounce the final
decision based on a recommendation by the Marathon
Racing Committee.

33 ANTI-DOPING [GR]

Doping as defined in the Olympic Movement Anti-

Doping Code is strictly forbidden. Anti-Doping control
shall be conducted in accordance with the ICF Anti-
Doping control regulations under the supervision of the
ICF Medical & Anti-Doping Committee.

34 INFORMATION [GR]

After the ending of all international Marathon

Competitions listed in the Competition Calendar of the
ICF, two copies of the results must be air mailed to the
ICF Secretary General, and one to the Chairman of the
Marathon Racing Committee.

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33
CHAPTER V - SPECIAL RULES FOR WORLD
CHAMPIONSHIPS

35 ARRANGEMENTS [GR]

World Championships may be arranged every year with

the consent of the ICF Board of Directors, at a time
and place approved by it, and in accordance with the
ICF Marathon Racing Rules. The World Championships
shall be open only to member federations of the ICF.

In the Olympic events, a valid World Championships is

held only if at least six (6) federations from at least
three (3) Continents start in the event. If during the
event some federations drop out or do not finish, the
validity of the Championships is not affected.
For the Non-Olympic events, a valid World
Championships is held only if there are at least six (6)
federations in each event and there must be at least
three (3) Continents starting overall in the
competition. If during the event some federations
drop out or do not finish, the validity of the
Championships is not affected.

Championships are restricted to the following classes:

Men K1, K2, C1 and C2

Women K1 and K2
Junior Men K1, K2 and C1
Junior Women K1 and K2

Entries shall be limited to two (2) boats per nation per

class, World Championships shall be held over 2 days,
and each race shall be completed in one stage, i.e.
non-stop.

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34
36 PROGRAMME OF EVENTS [TR]

The order of the events shall be as follows:

1st day: K1 Men, K1 Women, C1 Men

Junior K1 Men, Junior K1 Women, Junior C1 Men

2nd day: K2 Men, C2 Men, K2 Women;

Junior K2 Men, Junior K2 Women;

37 THE COURSE [TR]

The course for a World Championship shall be of a type

within the normal and general experience of the
federations organising Marathon Racing competitions.
It should include a limited number of portages,
normally at least two.

The recommended distance should be such that the

winner of each class shall record a time of not less
than two and a half hours and not more than three
hours.

For juniors the distance shall be not less than 18 km

and not more than 22 km.

Federations wishing to arrange a World Championship

must have submitted the proposed course and
technical arrangements for the inspection of the ICF
Marathon Racing Committee and received its approval
before submitting their application to the ICF Board of
Directors.

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

35
38
INVITATIONS, ENTRIES AND [GR]
PROGRAMME

Invitations to World Championships shall be issued by

the organising national federation and shall be in
accordance with the ICF Rules and regulations.
Invitations shall be sent out at least (3) three months
before the date of the Championships.
Entries from national federations shall state the
number of competitors and this must be in the hands
of the organising federation at least 45 days before the
competition. This number shall include substitutes and
team officials. The names of the competitors in each
class must be received by the organising federation not
later than 14 days before the competition.
Substitutes may be entered according to the rules
given in paragraph 13 and 15. No entry received after
the closing date shall be accepted.
At least 1 month before the competition, the
federations shall receive a provisional programme with
starting times and the number of entries from each
participating federation in each class. The final
programme shall be available 3 days before the
competition and shall contain.

a) Starting time of each race.

b) Names and citizenship of all competitors in each class.
c) Full instruction on the course and training arrangements.

39 DRAWING OF LOTS [TR]

The drawing of lots for the starting position in each

class shall be carried out under the control of an ICF
official and the supervision of the president of the
organising federation or his or her delegate.

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

36
40 JURY AND OFFICIALS [GR]

Final authority at the World Championships shall rest

with a Jury composed of up to five persons appointed
by the ICF Board of Directors.

One of these persons - either the President of the ICF

or some prominent person in the ICF - shall be
appointed chairman of the Jury. Subordinate to the
Jury are the Chief Official and other officials according
to paragraph 9 with the addition of a Chief Medical
Officer.

41 APPEALS [GR]

1) Competitors have the right to appeal to the Jury

against a decision of the Competition Committee. The
appeal, in writing and with reasons, must be addressed
to the Convener of the Jury and lodged, by the team
manager with the Jury Convener not later than 20
minutes after the team manager has been informed, in
writing, of the decision against the competitor or team,
and has signed the receipt.

2) If the paddler involved in the disqualification is still

completing the course, the time for lodging an appeal
shall be extended until one hour after that paddler
either completes the course or withdraws from the
event.

3) An appeal must be accompanied by a fee of (or

equivalent to) 25 Euros. The fee will be refunded if the
appeal is upheld.

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37
4) On receipt of the appeal, the Convener of the Jury
shall advise the relevant team managers and indicate
arrangements for hearing the appeal.

5) The appeal shall be heard as soon as possible.

Witnesses may be called.

6) The decision of the Jury is final.

7) Final results shall be prepared and medals and

trophies presented after the Jury's decision is
announced, or the time limit for appeals to the Jury
has expired (whichever is the latter)

42 CHECK-UP ON BOATS [TR]

The boat controllers will check boats by means of the

usual equipment. At the end of the race the first four
boats will be checked again.

43 AWARDS [GR]

The championships medals shall be given according to

the Olympic protocol. The medals shall be given in
three values, gilded, silvered and bronze and shall be
furnished by the ICF at the expense of the organising
national federation. The medals must on no account be
presented to any other persons than those who have
won the championship races.

Only medals, to the exclusion of other prizes, are to be

presented at the official ceremony. Other prizes may
be presented on an occasion other than this ceremony.

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To maintain the dignity and solemnity of the
presentation ceremony the competitor receiving
medals must wear training suits or national uniform.

44 ANTI-DOPING [GR]

Doping as defined in the Olympic Movement Anti-

Doping Code is strictly forbidden. Anti-Doping control
shall be conducted in accordance with the ICF Anti-
Doping control regulations under the supervision of the
ICF Medical & Anti-Doping Committee.

45 RESULTS AND REPORTS [GR]

The results of World Championships, reports of any

protests made, and other necessary documents
concerning the races, must be sent to the ICF
Secretary General by the organising national federation
not later than 30 days after the end of the
Championships.

ICF Marathon Racing Competition Rules 2005

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