Regulations - TSAIGU TRAIL - Born to be wild

Event Introduction

The 11th Tsaigu Trail is scheduled on Oct 30 to Nov 1, 2026, in Linhai City, Zhejiang Province of China, with 3 events including 105K, 50K, 25K.

All event starts from XingShanMen Plaza and return there with a closed race loop. The detail for each event is as follows:

• 105K: start off 05:10/05:30 on Oct 31 of 2026, about 6,677 meters of ascent, a total cutoff time of 28.5h.

• 50K: start off 05:40/06:00 on Oct 30 of 2026, about 2,629 meters of ascent, a total cutoff time of 10h45min.

• 25K: start off 07:45/08:00 on Nov 1 of 2026, about 1,034 meters of ascent, a total cutoff time of 6h.

Note: The actual distance and ascent as well as cutoff times may vary due to the unknown factors.

Participant Instructions

Participants should be aware of the risks of the race, be sufficiently prepared, and have completed full race preparation for the following situations, promising to adhere to the following rules:

1) Know how to face and deal with various difficulties caused by altitude increase, such as night travel,low temperatures,strong winds, thunderstorms, fog, and rain or snow etc.

2) Be able to cope alone with physical and psychological issues that may arise due to extreme fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, muscle and joint pain, and other ailments.

3) Be aware of various difficulties that may be encountered in the wilderness and make own judgments based on personal ability and condition. The organizing committee only provides some certain assistance.

4) Provide truthful certification materials, strictly prohibit any fraudulent practices, impersonation, and fair competition.

5) Follow procedures and rules for signing risk acknowledgments before the race.

6) Strictly comply with competition procedures and rules, obey referees, and protest or appeal according to the prescribed procedures in case of any disputes.

7) Respect opponents, referees, and spectators.

8) Observe sports ethics, maintain order during the race, and strictly prohibit doping.

9) Forbidden with nudity.

10) Forbidden to destroy trail markers and signs during the race.

11) Forbidden littering intentionally and comply with forest fire prevention regulations and prohibit the use of fires.

12) Forbidden to accepting non-neutral aid outside of checkpoints.

13) Obligatory duty of participants to assist those in dangerous situations and inform the organizing committee.

Physical Requirements

Participants are required to submit a medical examination report (including an electrocardiogram/ECG & blood pressure) issued within one year prior to the event.

Participants will not be allowed to register with the following diseases or conditions:

1) Patients with congenital heart disease and rheumatic heart disease.

2) Patients with hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases.

3) Patients with myocarditis and other cardiac diseases.

4) Patients with coronary artery disease and those with severe arrhythmia.

5) Patients with abnormally hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

6) Alcoholic drunk or those with insufficient sleep.

7) Pregnant women.

8) Other individuals with diseases not suitable for sports.

Race Sections

A race section is the part of the course between two aid stations (or checkpoints). Aid stations provide services such as food, drinks, clothing changes, medical care, etc. The basic rules for race sections are as follows:

All participants must carry mandatory items along the designated course, which should be packed in a backpack and display the bib number properly without any covering on it. During certain checkpoints, the referee will check whether the mandatory items carried by participants meet the race rules. Participants are expected to manifest the referee courteously. If penalized or disqualified for failing to carry mandatory items, please remain calm and courteous.

Typically, the aid stations provide drinks and food and can refill water containers for participants (stations do not provide bottled drinks for taking away). Before leaving the aid station, ensure you have enough water and food to safely reach the next station.

Qualifications for Registration

Participants can apply for the race event based on their ITRA performance index:

• 105K: ITRA performance index ≥410

• 50K: ITRA performance index ≥360

• 25K: ITRA performance index ≥260

For the 50K and 105K distances, participants must be between 18 and 63 years of age on race day. For the 25K distance, participants must be between 18 and 65 years of age. (Elite/Invited athletes are exempt.)

Each participant may only enter the lottery for one Category.

Registration Method

The race totals about 6,500 participants. All registrants must log in to the official event website (https://entsaigu.saihuitong.com/) or follow the official Social media accounts "Tsaigu" (WeChat ID: UltimateTsaiGu Instagram:@tsaigu Facebook:@tsaigu).

While the applicants exceed the event quota, the qualification will be determined by pre-paid lottery. Applicants who fail to win the lottery will have their registration fee refunded in 3 days.

Registration Period: June 20, 10:00am – June 26, 10:00am

Lottery Result Release Date: July 2, 14:00am

Double Entry Odds Rules:

Finishers of 2026 Chengdu Trail, 2026 Nine Peaks Grandmaster Challenge, and 2026 Mountain & Sea Journey will be entered into the lottery pool one additional time (2x winning odds). Runners who complete all three races get three extra entries in the pool (4x winning odds).

The registration window and platform for guaranteed-entry runners and weighted-lottery runners are the same as for the general public.

Guaranteed-entry runners are exempt from the lottery; upon submitting their entry, the system will show their status as "Registered" or "Under Review."

Weighted-lottery runners enter the standard lottery and will be notified of selection results at the same time as the general applicant pool.

Elite Entry Registration Window: July 10, 10:00am – July 17, 10:00am

Elite Free entry:

105K: Woman≥625 and Man≥750

50K: Woman≥660 and Man≥790

25K: Woman≥650 and Man≥780 or Half Marathon: M <1:07 vs. W <1:17

Free accommodation:

Check-in on Oct 12 and check-out on Nov 2 of 2026: Woman≥725 and Man≥865

Note:

Free elites are only supplied with bibs and wristbands etc.

Free accommodations will be applied on Sep. 20 of 2026 based upon ITRA performance index on that day. The deposit will be required for application and could not be refunded if DNS.

The Tsaigu Committee has the decision for the elite qualification.

The registration fees are as follows:

• 105K: 1480 CNY

• 50K: 780 CNY

• 25K: 480 CNY

Cancellation of Registration

• Apply before 10:00 on July 1st of 2026, with 100% refunded.

• Apply before 24:00 on July 31st of 2026, with 70% refunded.

• Apply before 24:00 on August 31st of 2026, with 50% refunded.

• Apply before 24:00 on September 30st of 2026, with 30% refunded.

• No refund applications will be accepted starting on October 1st of 2026.

Note:

Those did not win the draw will receive the registration fee automatically usually in one week.

Changing Race Distance/Category

Since participant slots for the general public are allocated via a lottery draw, no category changes will be accepted after the draw results are announced; only refunds will be processed.

For elite runners receiving complimentary entries, category change requests may be submitted to the organizing committee no later than October 19, 2026. Elite runners who request a category change or register after this deadline will forfeit their eligibility for overall podium rankings and prize money.

Race Equipment (Including Mandatory Equipment)

Participants must carry the mandatory equipment listed below for check-in and ensure it is carried throughout the race (the following list of mandatory equipment and equipment is the minimum requirement for participants, and participants should select clothing that provides windproof, waterproof, and warming properties to ensure their safety during the race):

Note: The 105K group will decide whether to pack rain pants based on the weather forecast for the week leading up to the race.

All participants must receive the mandatory equipment check before getting the bib number.

Only 105K has a clothing change point (located at HuangShiTan), all participants must receive the mandatory equipment check along the way (all mandatory items must be carried may not be stored at the clothing change point, checks will be performed before entering the aid stations);

Race Bib Number

The race bib number will be distributed along with the race pack. During the race, it must be clearly pinned to the chest or abdomen, not covered by other clothing.

The bib number is the participant's pass to use services like transportation, medical care, rest areas, and baggage storage.

Baggage Storage

105K: Each participant can deposit two bags , each not exceeding 30 liters, before the start of the race at the starting point; clothing change bags will be transported to the clothing change point (HuangShiTan) after the start, and then returned to the starting point while the station staffs returned.

50K: Each participant can deposit one bag, not exceeding 30 liters, before the start of the race at the starting point;

25K: Each participant can deposit one bag, not exceeding 30 liters, before the start of the race at the starting point.

First Aid and Medical

• Medical services are available at all service stations, and can be reached by phone to the urgent contact phone number;

• The medical services provide supports to participants and the race staffs;

• In case of injury or uncomfortable, participants can seek medical help at these points, call the phone number on the bib, or ask other participants to inform the race's medical staff;

• Any assistance by participants to injured runners and seeking help at medical service is extremely important, but be aware your own safety in first;

• Participants should understand that due to the complexity of the race's geographical environment, it may take somewhat longer for medical personnel to arrive than expected, so the first-aid supplies carried by participants play a crucial role in their own safety;

• When a participant decides to seek medical assistance from the race, it means they completely authorize medical personnel to employ necessary emergency medical interventions such as intravenous injections, and medical staff have the right to decide whether the participants can continue racing and whether they need hospitalization based on the participant's condition;

• Typically, emergency medical services will be initially paid for by the participant, and any reimbursements from race insurance will be applied for based on the medical records and bills after the race also by the participant;

Checkpoints and Aid Stations

All participants must have their bib correctly (with the race chip attached to the back). Those without the race chip during the race will be penalized.

All rescue points and service stations are under the control of the race committee. Only participants with clearly worn bib numbers can enter the aid stations, which are listed in the race guide and on the official website.

There are two types of aid stations:

• Simple aid stations: drinking water, energy drinks, cola, coffee, tea, bananas, oranges, nuts, raisins, biscuits, etc.;

• Full aid stations: in addition to the above, there are various flavors of porridge, noodles, rice balls, steamed buns, ham, coffee, hot chocolate, and bread etc.

To reduce waste, participants should carry a cup or container of at least 150 ml to get drinks from aid stations. Trash cans and trash bags are provided at service points for disposing of waste.

Cut-Off Time.

The total cut-off time for each event are as follows:

• 105K: 28.5h

• 50K: 10h45min

• 25K: 6h

After 15 min from the start of the race, participants who have not started are prohibited from taking part in the race. Each event's cutoff time at each checkpoint is clearly marked, based on the time the participant checks in at the checkpoint. Participants must leave before the closing of the checkpoint they enter. The race committee reserves the right to terminate the race or modify the cut-off times of the checkpoints when exceptional weather or other special circumstances occur.

Rest Area

For 105K, a rest area (equipped with a certain number of beds and blankets) is set up in YangDu Village. However, due to traffic restrictions, the time slot for the shuttle buses for participants who withdraw from the race is usually between 06:00-20:00. Outside of this time slot, those who withdraw from the race will rest in the rest area until the following day when they will be transported back to the finish area.

At the finish area, a simple rest area is provided for all participants, but it is only for those who complete the race; the rest area is not for sleeping overnight, so participants should arrange their own accommodation.

Withdrawal and Transportation Arrangement

Unless impaired by injury, participants should withdraw at the checkpoints by notifying the checkpoint staffs and having their wristbands cut off. Participants can still use their race bibs to take transportation, enjoy supplied meals, and rest areas.

Return transport for withdrawals is arranged by the checkpoint staffs based on the following rules:

• Whether the checkpoint has shuttle buses that can be allocated back to the finish area;

• Whether the health condition of the withdrawn participant requires prompt return to the finish area;

• For those checkpoints or medical stations that only allow passage of small vehicles, there may be delays, or those stations will bring the withdrawn participants back to the finish area as they close and evacuate;

• When weather conditions lead to the termination of the race, the race committee will arrange for vehicles to bring participants from the checkpoint back to the finish area as quickly as possible.

When participants decide to withdraw mid-race, they typically need to make their way back to the previous checkpoint or move forward to the next one to proceed with the withdrawal. If a participant encounters the sweeping staff while heading back to the previous checkpoint and does not wish to follow them to the next one, the sweeping staff will process the withdrawal and cut off their wristband.

Race Course Marking

For all events, a large number of identifiable markers are set up along the route. To aid visibility at night, fluorescent markers will also have reflective strips that are visible when illuminated by a headlamp. If markers are not continually seen within a certain range (within 300 meters), participants should return to the last place with markers. Participants are required to follow the markers and are not allowed to take shortcuts, as off-course paths usually complicate rescue efforts.

Finishers

All finishers will receive a medal as a commemorative gift. In addition, podium finishers will be awarded trophies, prize money (in China law the tax is 20%).

The prize money breakdown for podium finishers will be updated when elite registration opens.

Note: Prizes are awarded based on gun time. Should gun times be tied, net time will serve as the tiebreaker.

Penalty

General Rules of Penalties:

Competitors who violate the rules of this mountain trail running competition will be subject to penalties including warnings, time penalties, disqualification, suspension, or ban, depending on the severity of the violation. The penalty guidelines for rule violations are as follows (the listed content is for reference only; the Event Dispute Handling Panel reserves the right of final decision).

Given the outdoor nature of mountain trail running, all penalties are cumulative. Each violation discovered will be penalized, and the final penalty is the sum of all penalties imposed. Electronic monitors set up at the start/finish and along the course serve as valid evidence for officiating.

Note

• Multiple penalties will be cumulatively added together;

• Other violations shall be judged and punished by the Referee according to the situation of the time;

• Any solid proof for runners’ rule violation found after the race will be supplemented as additional penalties.

Judges and Arbitration

• The Arbitration Committee consists of one organization member, one race director, one runner participant, and other relevant capable persons

• Appeals can only be accepted within 4h after the announcement of the penalty or results.

• The arbitration committee has the right to investigate the contents of the appeal in accordance with the rules of the competition and make a ruling within the prescribed time limit. This arbitration is the final decision and no further appeal will be accepted.

• In case of extreme weather conditions (such as heavy rain and snow, high storm, etc.), the start time of the event may be delayed temporarily. However, if the situation does not show better situation during the delayed period, the event will be canceled.

• The organizing committee has the right to terminate the event or adjust the cut-off time for safety reasons in case of severe weather conditions.

• The organizing committee have the rights to cancel the event due to force majeure reasons, including but not limited to natural disasters (such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, blizzards, and other extreme weather conditions), government actions (such as venue expropriation and requisition), epidemics and infectious diseases. The organizing committee will fully refund the registration fee or the participants may choose not to refund any registration fee but can extend the quota to the next season.

• Participants who are not sponsored by official event brands can only display their personal sponsor logo on the clothing or equipment they use during the race. The use of any other advertising and marketing equipment (flags, banners, etc.) is prohibited at any location along the race route (including the finish area). Any violation will result in penalties imposed by the organizing committee.

Image and Copyright

• The copyright of any official images (including videos and photos) taken during the event belongs to the race committee. Participants automatically waive their copyright to these images, and the committee can use these images without participants' permission, assigning them to media and collaborating brands for promotional use.

• It is prohibited to accept non official photography provided by athletes for follow-up within 500 meters before and after the CP stations. The Committee has the right to cancel the participant's race.

• During the race, the Committee serve photographers to take photos and videos for the participants, providing free photos and videos. Any one, taking photos or videos in any area of the finish areas or tracks without authorization and permission from the Committee, is attempting for business sales is considered infringement. The Committee reserves the right to hold them accountable.

Insurance

Civil Liability: The race committee provides insurance during the event covering all service personnel and participants.

Personal Liability: Participants are advised to purchase additional insurance to increase the amount that can be claimed in case of any accident.

Those aged than 70: Required to purchase the additional insurance and will be checked by the Committee.

Race Guide

The race guide can be consulted on the official website, WeChat public account, and it includes cut-off times, checkpoint details, medical points, and information on checkpoints accessible to relatives.

The Committee Information

Official website: www.tsaigu.com

Official email: tsaigu@163.com

Official customer service WeChat: TsaiGu10000

Facebook and Instagram: @tsaigu

Right of Interpretation