5. The Brunei Adventure Race November 2007

The Brunei Adventure Race 2007

WHAT IS THE BAR?

BAR refers to The Brunei Adventure Race Challenge Series. The BAR will introduce the sport of Adventure Racing to Brunei.

The first of its kind in Brunei Darussalam, the BAR is designed to fuse Extreme Sports with experiencing the diverse local cultural traditions while showcasing the spectacular natural Brunei terrain as a backdrop. All this, in one great racing event!

OBJECTIVES OF THE BAR

• Focus on and highlight the tremendous landscapes of Brunei
• Learn and experience activities found in traditional Bruneian culture
• Learn and participate in a new exciting sport and its techniques
• Promote adventurous activities to Bruneian youths in a safe, responsible manner
• Promote an awareness and appreciation of the beauty and nature of our local surroundings
• Set personal challenges, understand and promote teamwork to realise goals
• Exposure to a new sport to build local competitiveness and to participate internationally
• Scout for young talents to form and develop a home grown team
• Lay the groundwork for hosting adventure recreation events with international participation
• Adventure Sports and Tourism
• Sports Tourism
• In line with Domestic Tourism Objectives

WHAT HAPPENS

Training at Adventure Race Clinics is strongly recommended and available through bookings at scheduled times prior to the Race.

There will be 4 Race Days run over one month. Each race will identify and feature the cultural and landscape highlights specific to each respective district. Participants can race in one event, or the entire series!

The race is designed so that team skills are tested and even the slowest teams can catch up on speed while negotiating different legs of the race. The race is geared to all ability levels and while it’s both physically and mentally challenging, the emphasis is still on fun!

Event Disciplines

If you’re still unsure about your skill level, then we can take you through a training session (advanced bookings required) before the event. So enjoy it, don’t worry about it!

The BAR Route

The BAR Race course will be kept secret until race morning. The starting line and 1st race discipline will be revealed to teams at the Pre Race Briefing. The official route will be released at Check in on Race Day. The following are potential locations in the BAR Route:

Race 1 – Brunei Muara District
The Empire Hotel & Country Club Race Kick off / Raftbuilding / Sailing
Jerudong Park Playground / Polo Club Rockclimbing / Horse riding
Sungai Damuan Canoeing
Taman Mini Perayaan Kg Parit Traditional Mystery Experience
Tasik Lama Rock Climbing
Tasik Meradun Abseiling
Kg Air Kayaking / Rafting / Water Taxi Driving
Taman Rekreasi Hutan Bukit Subok Foot Travel / Running
Bukit Bujang Pahang Jungle Trek / Abseiling / Rockclimbing
Kota Batu Hills Orienteering

Race 2 – Tutong
Tasik Merimbun Traditional Mystery Challenge
Pantai Seri Kenangan Traditional Mystery Challenge / Raftbuilding
Sungai Basong Cycling

Race 3 – Belait
Labi Kayaking / Mountain Biking / Cycling
Ingai Hot Springs Jungle Survival Trekking / Orienteering
Sungai Belait Yachting / Sailing
Sungai Liang Forest Reserve Mystery Challenges

Race 4 – Temburong
Belalong National Park Rafting through River Rapids
Sungai Pandaruan Udang Galah Fishing
Bukit Patoi Abseiling
Wasai Berjanggut Jungle Trekking
Gua Teluggong Orienteering
Longhouses Basket weaving

TRAINING CLINICS

Training clinics are available and strongly recommended to all race participants. Clinics will run on scheduled dates prior to the race. Participation is limited and available through appointment only to ensure maximum interaction between instructor and participant. Course clinics will specific to cover all elements involved in the race ie Rope Skills, Orienteering, Water Sports and Teambuilding.

CHECKPOINT AND TIMING FOR THE BAR

There will be a demonstration checkpoint during registration to familiarise yourself with the checkpoint process.

Each team must successfully complete the obstacle set at each checkpoint in order to receive instructions to the next section of the race. The first team to arrive at the finish line after completing all the obstacles wins the race.

In the event of a tie, Teams will compete against each other in a timed bonus round of an obstacle challenge and / or quiz on the cultural activities learned during the race.

BAR IDENT

PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOUR RACE IDENTIFICATION & PASSPORT.
If it is lost or destroyed, it may not be possible to provide you with a time or score.

Competitors must keep their Passports and Race Bibs to proceed on all sections of the race.
They will also need to keep them for entry to the Gala Dinner and Prize Presentation. All teams continuing onto subsequent races will retain their bibs and registration numbers.

ENTRY CATEGORIES EXPLAINED:

All four BAR 2007 races categories will run by the same format.

• Teams of four (mixed with at least one male or female)
• 20km urban and jungle adventure course
• Testing your nerve and teamwork to the limit
• Pre-event training and advice clinics
• Race goody bags and prestigious prizes

CHALLENGE CATEGORY: B$100 per team

Teams of four: reasonable fitness: 20 years and over. Teams choose and navigate their own routes through a 20km trail of adventure accumulating checkpoints on foot and rope, with additional surprise “BAR” challenges along the way within a 6 hour time limit.

ANYONE can take part (subject to general fitness requirements) and all teams will have equal chance to shine and ‘catch up’ on the different legs in the course.

PRIZES

Total cash prizes worth B$50,000 and Medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in all Categories. Certificates of participation and medals will be awarded to all finishers. The racers competing to win are in for awesome spot prizes, thanks to our incredible sponsors, and other prize providers.

RULES & REGULATIONS

As the event is time based, infringement of any rules attracts a time penalty. The Race Director applies time penalties and various rules.

1) Team mates must stick together, within 20 metres. All teams must proceed together throughout the entire race
2) You must pass the equipment/gear check
3) You must successfully complete each obstacle to move to the next round
4) You must reach all designated checkpoints
5) All Team mates must check in AND check out with the race official at all Checkpoints
6) DON’T drop any litter along the route or spoil the course
7) Be Considerate to others, DON’T do to others what you wouldn’t like done to you
Be SAFE – plan ahead and follow any signs
9) BAR is an unsupported race, no support crew is required. All necessary equipment and supplies are provided. However, Cheerleaders are always welcome
10) The Race Director and Race Medic Officials have the right to have the right to deny forward progress of any competitor in the interest of his/her health
11) If a Team or Team member decides not to finish the race, you must inform the Race Director immediately
12) If one member is unable to finish, the team may continue, however, no one person can continue alone and the team will not be ranked
13) Team’s mobile phone must be with the racers at all times during the race. It is to be used ONLY in an emergency to call the Control Centre. Once the mobile phone is used, your team will be disqualified. If assistance is needed, we will send assistance to you.
14) Any contact and/or assistance to a competing team during the race by support staff or spectators will result in disqualification from the race. Assistance by other competing teams is acceptable.
15) For safety reasons there will be cut-off times for teams to reach each checkpoint and finish the entire race. If teams do not complete the race before the cut-off times they may be asked to return to Base Camp.
16) The ranking of the race is determined by the BAR Race Jury after the penalties and bonuses have been awarded.
17) Failure to abide by the race rules and regulations will result in automatic disqualification. The Race Director’s decision is final.
18) Rude behavior or arguing with Race Officials and Marshals will result in automatic disqualification.
19) The Race Director reserves the right to change the rules or the course at any given time.

Disqualification or Time Penalties will result for:
1) Missing a Check point
2) Not checking in and out with race officials at all checkpoints
3) Cheating, Unfair or rough behaviour
4) Littering by Team members or team’s cheerleaders
5) Carrying personal Mobile phones during the race.
6) Using the phone registered for emergency calls to the control centre. These must be protected at all times and used ONLY in dire emergency
7) Not wearing safety equipment when required eg: life jackets during water sections, helmets during biking sections etc
Not obeying traffic lights, signs, signals on roads
9) Not obeying direction markers, signs, signals along the route
10) Abandoning a team mate
11) Not assisting any person in danger
12) Disrespect of land or private property

GEAR LIST

There are two mandatory gear lists: individual and team gear. They are all essential to your race-safety, as well as helping your enjoyment. The final definitive gear list will be emailed to all team chiefs in advance of each BAR Urban Adventure events. The race organizers will check that you have all gear listed before, during or after the race, and if there is an omission, then a time penalty may be applied.

MANDATORY INDIVIDUAL GEAR REQUIREMENTS:

• Running Shoes (toe revealing shoes not permitted)
• Hydration Bottle / System
• Helmet (supplied unless you have your own)
• Whistle
MANDATORY TEAM GEAR

• Teamwork, Fun and Enthusiasm!
• A fully sealable waterproof bag to carry your team’s valuables. You never know when you’re going to get wet!
• Mobile Phone (fully charged)
• First Aid Kit – contents listed and checked by our Medic Supervisor

RACE SUPPLIES ISSUED:

• BAR Race Bib (supplied) SHOWING AT ALL TIMES
• Race Passport
• Control Centre Emergency Phone number
• Compass and Race Map
• Waterproof map case for race passport & other paperwork
• Aids and all safety equipment ie helmets, life jackets, harnesses, gloves etc

ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT

• GPS Units
• Maps not supplied by BAR

BAR Facts

• Brunei’s first ever Adventure Race
• Urban and Jungle Adventure Race where hundreds of participants run, climb, abseil, raft, kayak and navigate their way around Bandar Seri Begawan and Brunei Muara features
• Event village with food, live stage, public entertainments, sports demos and battles and retail concessions
• The latest innovative, exciting, fastest growing sport and 1st time ever in Brunei!
• Media engine for national press: Television, radio, magazine, newspapers, web and blogs
• Partnerships with national and local press – ongoing editorial & promotional spaces before race
• The most challenging adventure and most exciting team event to hit Brunei!

QUICK FACTS

Race THEME: Teams race against each other within a time limit, overcoming mental, emotional and physical challenges to conquer obstacles

EXPECTED Participants: Total Participation 50 teams / 200 racers

TEAM Composition: Mixed Gender Teams of 4 racers with at least 1 Male or 1 Female

Competitor CATEGORIES: Aged 12 to 99 years

Event DISCIPLINES: Footwork: Cross-country and Trail Running, Paddling: Kayak and Rafting, Climbing: Abseil and Rope-related, Navigation: Orienteering, Secret sections

LENGTH of Course: 4 – 6 hours / 20 km

Team LIMIT: 50 teams in the Young Category
50 teams in the Challenge Category
20 teams in the Pro Gold Category

SUPPORT Crew: Cheerleaders allowed at all times

Who can ENTER: Anyone who is fit and enjoys a challenge

TRAINING & Planning: The official race website contains detailed information about the event to assist you in your planning during the race. Training Clinics are conducted at scheduled times prior to the race

Entry FEE: B$100 per team in the Pro Gold Cat

Entry METHOD: Download and print online entry form. Deposit entry fee into race bank account Fax / Email form to organiser with a copy of the bank deposit slip.

ENTRY CLOSES: Late registration until 25 October 2007

There are 2 BAR races.

RACE 2 There will be 4 sections to the race:

Race 1 (Open) Tutong District 4 November 2007
Race 2 (Qualifier) Belait District 11 November 2007
Race 3 (Qualifier) Temburong District 18 November 2007
Race 4 (Finals) Brunei Muara District 25 November 2007

Each race is open to new participating teams. However, only teams participating in all 4 races will qualify for the Grand Prize.

The organiser shall be known as ASTRA
Adventure & Sports Training Association

VOLUNTEERS

Committee Members
Looking for Dynamic, Interested and COMMITTED Individuals to Drive this event and TAKE CHARGE!

Marshal Roles
Volunteering for the BAR Urban Adventure means you are signing up for hard work, long days and serious responsibility – but brilliant fun, working in a great environment with a really cool team spirit. The BAR Volunteers are the greatest heroes of the events, and crucial in keeping the show on (and off!) the road.

This year we will require BAR volunteers in the following roles:

• course marshals and safety staff to keep the race running smoothly
• promo / PR staff to look after concession stands, VIP’s, spread posters, fliers and branding
• navigationally-savvy drivers, experienced kayakers, first-aiders etc
• Specific roles eg the Ropes sections (qualifications needed) will be assigned in advance
• Marshals and general Adventure Village roles will be allocated prior to the Race days, as appropriate.

Volunteer Goody Bags
The BAR volunteers and marshals must be some of the most resilient and hard working crew ever. We make sure you are well rewarded. All BAR Adventure 2006 marshals will receive a goody bag jam packed with treats, including T shirt, stickers, treats, access to race course and Gala Party.

Your Details
If you are interested in volunteering to be part of the BAR team, then please email teams@bruneibay.net or joosmania@gmail.com with the following details:

• Name, address, email address, mobile number (or other contact number)
• Your skills (e.g. navigation ability; rope-skills; driving a van; meticulous admin efficiency)
• Your relevant qualifications
• Relevant equipment you may be able to bring (radios, own safety gear/equipment, etc)
• Any dietary/medical issues
• The days you can manage (Fri/Sat/Sun?) and any preferences for your roles.

For instance, would you prefer to be dealing with the public action at the BAR Village or out on the event course amongst the competitors? Remember that certain marshal spots may be remote and isolated, and some may involve directing traffic or trailrunners. Are you comfortable loading/unloading heavy boxes, bikes, equipment etc? Some volunteers are ideally suited to be that friendly face at the end of the competitors’ trek to the middle of nowhere, while others are best suited to issuing instructions at the Event Village, or may simply prefer helping out

All roles are equally valuable. Read on to help you decide what suits you. And it’s also cool if you’re up for pretty much anything OR if you have any special aversions to a particular role!

Key Times and Roles
You can be involved in any or many of the activities at the times below. Please note that the roles list is not exhaustive and the times are not yet definitive.

Info-zone:
Facing the public and providing info on the activities. Efficient, friendly, enthusiastic. No fitness required! The BAR will have brilliant public appeal with a live stage, big screen and concession stands, as well as various adventure activities. you may be asked to operate the activities and or perform general support duties like being an “info-runner” and being the MC.

Event promotion:
Motivated smiling individuals to hand out and deliver and put up promo posters and encourage the public to join the BAR. This role ideally will extend to the weekend and week before the event.

Kidzone Fun Fair / Bouncer / Face Painting:
We need arty (or happy) types looking to have a great laugh running the and painting faces during the weekend promotions

Event Concessions PA:
Runners to look after all the queries and requests from the concessions and partners at the BAR Village.

Pre-event set-up & post-event deconstruction:
We need a crew of strong, savvy, hard workers who enjoy a spot of site construction (marquees, tents, fencing, signage). Times are 8am-late. It’s intense, but we love you for it and you’ll get a few extra perks if you can help out on the construction too. On Monday we are looking for a deconstruction team of any willing strong workers! Again, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts!

Competitor admin:
Accounting and admin staff to help manage the entries, refresher course sign-ups, queries, and team registrations. You don’t have to be fit; just efficient, very patient and friendly! It’s great fun because the teams are generally buzzing with excitement (and sometimes confusion) and it’s your job to channel that into a sense of order!

Race Marshals:
Happy, patient, enthusiastic types to look after designated checkpoints, giving (or actively not giving!) information as briefed by the volunteer coordinator. This is a great job for superheroes. Competitors LOVE to see a marshal when they’re tired and bewildered, but they tend to take them for granted at all other times (ie when focused on the racing). The reward is the knowledge that you’re a key link in the chain to making the race run successfully. It would be help to have a basic fitness – lots of standing, perhaps running from one location to another….

Typical marshal activities will include:

• Helping to register competitors
• Undertaking gear checks
• Briefing competitors on what they will be doing at certain checkpoints
• Helping to ensure that the teams abide by the Race Rules
• Updating BAR HQ with info about the race and racers passing through
• Carrying equipment
• Handing out water
• Cheering on and boosting morale
• Collecting any walking wounded
• Possibly administering basic First Aid, Assisting our paramedics
• Being visible and available to anyone who requires assistance or help
• Clearing the checkpoint of any litter, lost property etc after the race

Food
We will provide basic catering ie packed lunches and refreshment at the BAR Village.

Water
There will be a fresh water supply ONLY at the Event Village – so be sure to BRING WATER BOTTLES or HYDRATION PACKS so that you can stock up with at least 2 LITRES OF WATER for the day, but ideally more. This is CRUCIAL and up to yourself to manage.

Equipment and Clothing
Please prepare for all weathers. Be sure to bring plenty of suitable clothes, waterproofs AND sun cream, as well as a basic gear-list which will be recommended to you closer to the dates.

Further Information
Once you have registered with us, we will give you further information regarding roles, gear-list and timings. PLEASE do let us know immediately if there is any reason or problem that might mean you can’t make it on the weekend; we will be depending on any volunteer’s vital support during the event and if you can’t make it we’ll need to know so that we can reallocate the marshal and volunteer roles and work. If you’ve got this far, and you’re typing up your email to volunteer, then well done, we look forward to having you on board. It’ll be a blast!

THANK YOU for your Interest in
“The Brunei Adventure Race 2007!”