ATHLETES

Rules and Regulations


Challenge Taiwan is run under following Rules & Regulations:

  • The race distances are
    3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run for Challenge Taiwan 226km,
    1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run for Challenge Taiwan 113km,
    1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run for Challenge Taiwan 51.5km,
    750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run for Challenge Taiwan Sprint.

  1. Competitors should understand and follow basic Competition Rules

  2. Participants in the 226km and 113km individual and flotation categories must be at least 18 years old on race day. Relay participants must be at least 16 years old.

  3. Participants in the 51.5km individual and relay categories must be at least 16 years old on race day.

  4. Participants in the Sprint Youth individual category must be at least 12 years old on race day.

  5. Participants in the Junior Triathlon must be at least 6 years old on race day.

  6. Participants in the Mini Junior Triathlon must be at least 3 years old on race day.

  7. All participants must familiarize themselves with the International Triathlon Union (ITU) competition rules.

  8. Participants must complete each segment within the specified time limits and finish the entire race within the overall cutoff time. Results will not be recorded for those who exceed the limits, and they may be stopped by race officials.

  9. Participants are responsible for understanding the race rules and course route, and must strictly follow official instructions and stay on the designated course.

  10. The race route will have flexible traffic control and is not fully closed. s All roads are considered open to traffic. Participants must follow traffic rules, keep to the right, and be vigilant, especially near major intersections, crowded areas, and residential zones.

  11. Participants must follow directions from race officials and police. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification by the Race Director or Head Referee.

  12. Emergency vehicles or staff may enter the course at any time. Participants should remain cautious and alert.

  13. In case of a serious accident or collision, the participant must wait for the referee and medical personnel to determine whether it is safe to continue. No time compensation will be granted for the delay.

  14. The triathlon consists of swimming, cycling, and running in that order. Except for the swim cap and bib number provided by the organizer, all other gear (e.g., swimsuit, goggles, bike, helmet, running attire) must be self-provided.

  15. Transition times are included in the total race time.

  16. Swim caps, bibs, and tattoos must be worn as instructed and must remain clearly visible. Alteration is prohibited.

  17. All participants must complete check-in procedures and attend the pre-race briefing. Bicycles must be racked in the transition area within the specified time. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

  18. Race attire is mandatory. Racing shirt must be worn at all times; racing shirtless is prohibited.

  19. Headphones are prohibited during the swim and bike legs. Personal music devices are allowed on the run but must be at a low volume to ensure situational awareness.

  20. All participants are subject to anti-doping regulations and may be tested. Use of any banned substances or alcohol is prohibited. Positive tests result in disqualification.

  21. Participants must demonstrate sportsmanship and treat others with respect. Misconduct before, during, or after the race may lead to disqualification.

  22. Participants must monitor their physical condition and stop if unwell. Medical staff have full authority to determine fitness to continue.

  23. Participants who withdraw or are disqualified may not continue the race, regardless of recovery.

  24. Outside aid is strictly forbidden except at designated aid stations.

  25. Participants must not touch others' bikes or gear.

  26. Withdrawals must be reported to officials immediately. Those who trigger a search and are later found safe may be charged for rescue operations.

  27. In the event of adverse weather or unsafe conditions, the organizer may alter or cancel the event.

  28. Age groups are divided into 5-year increments. Groups may be combined if there are insufficient participants.

  29. Late check-in or bike racking requires an application and a NT$1,000 late fee. Latest check-in is 19:30; latest bike racking is 21:00.

  30. In case of force majeure, the race may be modified or canceled without refund or liability.

  31. Disqualified athletes wishing to continue must sign a waiver and wait until all non-disqualified participants have departed. In relay teams, all three members must sign.

  32. The organizer reserves the right to modify rules, course, and venue prior to the race.

  33. Matters not covered shall be decided by the Race Arbitration Committee.



SWIM RULES

  1. Participants must wear the official swim cap provided.

  2. In long-distance races (226km/113km/51.5km), use of fins, paddles, kickboards, snorkels, or flotation devices is prohibited. Only those in the flotation group may use buoys.

  3. Youth, Junior, and Mini participants may use life jackets, swim rings, or floatation aids and will enter the water in the final wave.

  4. Participants in the flotation group will not be ranked in the official results.

  5. The organizer may change or cancel the swim leg based on weather or water conditions.

  6. Wetsuits are allowed if water temperature is below 24°C, subject to final race briefing announcement.

  7. Participants must maintain a safe distance in crowded swim starts to prevent injury.

  8. Participants must have their race number marked at the designated spot and keep it visible until finish.

  9. Overtaking must be done from the side, without affecting the other swimmer.

  10. Walking along the shoreline is prohibited—penalty applies.

  11. Assistance during the swim leg may result in disqualification.

  12. No practice swimming is allowed—follow staff instructions for designated entry time.

  13. Lifeguards may cancel a participant's swim leg if deemed unsafe.

  14. Short rest is allowed by holding onto buoys or ropes, but forward movement using them is not.

  15. In case of emergency, raise one arm with swim cap above head as the signal for help. Boarding a rescue boat equals withdrawal.

  16. Participants must turn at the official turnaround point—cutting the course leads to disqualification.

  17. Penalties:

    • 1st offense: 4 minutes

    • 2nd offense: 8 minutes

    • 3rd offense: Disqualification


BIKE RULES

  1. The organizer reserves the right to change the cycling course, distance, or cancel the leg due to weather or road conditions.

  2. Race bibs and number stickers must not be altered and must be worn as instructed. Bibs must be on the back.

  3. Helmets are mandatory. Participants without helmets will be disqualified.

  4. Helmets must comply with one of the following standards:

    • ASTM-F1447-1994

    • AS/NZS 2063:1996 or NZS5439 or AS2063.2

    • Snell-B90 or B95

    • EN1078 (CE)

    • USCPS (US)

  5. Helmets must be securely fastened before removing the bike and remain fastened until the bike is racked.

  6. All bikes (except folding, mini-wheel, and single-speed bikes) are allowed. Mini Triathlon participants' bikes must have wheels smaller than 14 inches.

  7. Participants are responsible for bike maintenance. Bikes must be serviced within 3 weeks before the race.

  8. Bikes must have functional front and rear brakes. Only bikes passing inspection will be allowed in the transition area.

  9. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes (cycling or athletic). Sandals and slippers are prohibited.

  10. Participants must repair their own bike. No outside help or equipment sharing is allowed. No bike repair services will be provided.

  11. Outside support is prohibited. Only 226km participants may receive personal aid within 100 meters before/after designated bike aid stations.

  12. Participants may not ride shirtless or use plastic bottles as water bottles. Violators may be disqualified immediately.

  13. Littering is only allowed in designated discard zones.

  14. Bike swaps are not allowed during the race.

  15. Caution must be taken at aid stations, turns, narrow areas, forks, and U-turns.

  16. Drafting and group riding are prohibited. A minimum 12-meter gap must be maintained at all times.

  17. Draft zone: 12m long by 3m wide (1.5m on each side).
    Overtaking must be completed within 15 seconds, or the overtaker must fall back outside the draft zone.
    Once overtaken, the participant must exit the draft zone within 15 seconds.

  18. Penalties for drafting or unsafe riding:

    • 1st offense: 4-minute penalty

    • 2nd offense: 8-minute penalty

    • 3rd offense: disqualification

  19. Overtaking against traffic flow is strictly prohibited.

  20. The course is not entirely closed to traffic. Participants must follow traffic laws and keep to the right-hand side.

  21. Always ride on the far right (slow lane) and overtake from the left. Be cautious and follow police and referee instructions.

  22. Riding on fast lanes is prohibited. Violators will be disqualified and banned.

  23. Participants may walk or run while pushing their bike if necessary.

  24. Participants not finishing before course closure will be disqualified.

  25. Special Needs Bags will be placed at the 45km point and will not be returned. Do not store valuables.

  26. If unwell, participants must notify referees and board the sweep vehicle. Once onboard, they may not continue.

  27. At the finish line, relay participants must rack the bike before handing off to the next athlete.


RUN RULES

  1. The organizer reserves the right to change the run course, distance, or cancel it due to weather or road conditions.

  2. Race bibs and number stickers must be worn on the front of the body and clearly visible. Do not alter them.

  3. Participants must obey traffic laws and follow instructions from referees and police. Slower runners should stay to the right to allow passing on the left.

  4. After dark, runners must be extra cautious at intersections and course turns.

  5. Participants should place warm clothing and a headlamp in their Special Needs Bag for the run.

  6. Participants must apply reflective tape and wear safety gear provided on race day.

  7. Participants must stay within the controlled race zone; exiting the zone leads to disqualification.

  8. Running shirtless is prohibited; violators will receive a time penalty.

  9. Littering during the run will result in a 240-second penalty.

  10. Support vehicles or pacers are not allowed. No external party (friend, coach, family) may follow, assist, or hand off items to the participant. Violators will be warned and asked to leave the course area.

  11. Only official support is allowed. Any external assistance may result in penalties at the discretion of the Race Director or Head Referee.

  12. At turnaround stations, participants must collect and wear a checkpoint token on their wrist. Missing or improperly worn tokens result in disqualification.

  13. Participants may voluntarily withdraw if unwell. Referees will record the bib number and collect timing chips.

  14. Special Needs Bags for the run will not be returned. Items left unused are considered abandoned and will be discarded. Do not place valuables inside.

  15. The organizer reserves the right to disqualify participants who do not finish before course closure.


PROTESTS

  1. For rule violations explicitly stated in the rules, the referee's decision is final.

  2. Protest procedure:

    • Participants must submit a written and signed complaint to the Arbitration Committee. The committee’s decision is final.

    • A NT$8,000 deposit must be submitted with the appeal. If the protest is rejected, the deposit is forfeited.

  3. For competition-related issues:

    • Oral protests can be made, but a written appeal must be submitted within 1 hour of finishing or being disqualified.

    • Coaches, family, or friends are not permitted to question referees during the race. Violations will result in disqualification of the participant.

The organizers reserve the right to change the rules.
Any further announcements or revisions to these regulations will be announced by the event organizers.

Update status: 29th May, 2025