Adventure Racing Ontario Series rules

(Updated Dec. 5th, 2022)

The Adventure Racing Ontario Series is a series of team-based adventure-sport events taking place in the province of Ontario, Canada. 

Team:  For the purpose of the series any team competing on the most challenging course offered by a participating events will receive points.  Teams may draw from a roster totalling 6 team-mates.  Points will be allocated to teams based on their unique team name.  If two competing teams have the same name, they must inform the Points Committee of their respective team rosters.  If a team decides to change their name partway through the season, they must inform the Points Committee before the last event of the season.  Teams can be Coed, All-Male, or All-Female in nature.  Teams with multiple rosters competing in a single event can only count the highest ranking team in that event towards their points total.  Individuals may compete on different teams throughout the year.  Teams may be comprised of individuals from any province, state, or country.

Categories:  Coed, All-Male and All-Female categories will be recognized in the series.

Point Allocation:  Each Category within each event will have points awarded as follows (a teams 4 best results will count):

  • 1st place: 100 points

  • 2nd place: 80 points

  • 3rd place: 60 points

  • 4th place: 50 points

  • 5th place: 45 points

  • 6th place: 40 points

  • 7th place: 37 points

  • 8th place: 35 points

  • 9th place: 33 points

  • For places 10 – 40: 31, 30, 29….

  • Place 40: 1 point

Wilderness Traverse Bonus: Owing to the added difficulty of Wilderness Traverse, bonus points will be awarded as follows:

  • WT Expedition Course: 50 points (so winner of WT would get 150 points)

  • Explorers Course: 40 points

  • Challenge Course: 30 points

Distance Considerations:  For events with multiple distance options, only teams completing the longest course will be ranked (except Wilderness Traverse where teams finishing any course will be ranked).

Team Configuration Considerations:  For events with multiple team configuration options, i.e. teams of 2, 3, 4, or 6 allowed in the same event.  All configurations in the same category will compete against each other evenly for the purpose of the series. Relay categories will not be considered for the purpose of the series.

Event Rankings:  Rankings received from Race Directors are considered final.  If your team would like to dispute a ranking, contact the appropriate Race Director.

Ties:  Ties will be decided by looking for the most recent event where both teams competed against each other.  The highest ranking team from that event will rank higher in the overall standings.

Prizing: Each team on the podium will receive a memento describing their achievement. Mementos could include t-shirts, medals or similar items.

Contact: If you have any questions/concerns email us: contact.arontario@gmail.com

Adventure Racing Ontario Series Event Standards

Each Event Director agrees:

The event experience matches the event description provided in marketing material, or on the events website in terms of distances covered, expected finishing times and the level of difficulty of the various disciplines.  i.e. people experience what they sign up for.

Serious consideration is given to the safety of all participants for all sections of the event and back-up plans are in place for instances of inclement weather.  The Canadian Adventure Racing Association's Safety Guidelines should be followed.

Environmental impact and protection should be considered and discussed with land owners/managers to ensure minimal impact.  The Canadian Adventure Racing Associations Environmental Charter should be followed.

To obtain permission from all land-owners (public and private) for which the course may cross.  This includes all crown, park, and conservation land, as well as any roads, or trails being used. The RD should also mark out-of-bounds and private land on maps if applicable.

Test/vet the course a minimum of 2 months prior to the event taking place.  The course should also be tested at a time of year when conditions will be comparable to those experienced by participants. Ideally the course is tested/vetted a second time by an experienced third party.

Checkpoints (CP's) are placed on fair and unambiguous features that can be accurately located using the provided map, instructions, and and course markings.  It should be possible to locate the CP's without the aid of a GPS and using the same maps and navigation tools available to participants.  CP's should be verified by GPS, or a second method, i.e. from multiple "attackpoints" on orienteering maps. 

To provide formatted results within one week of the event.