Firefighter Gauntlet

Timekeeping:

• The race begins at the sound of a gunshot or verbal command from the Race Marshal and ends when all tasks have been completed, and the competitor (and dummy) crosses the finish line.
• Competitors must complete tasks in the designated order. Any attempt to advance without completing a task will result in being stopped by staff and directed to complete the pending task.
• Each competitor is allowed one attempt per entry. Competitors must remain in their designated course for the race's entirety.
• Restarts are only permitted if the event coordinator determines a course or equipment malfunction, such as objects that were not placed by competitors inhibiting progress, broken tools, or damaged props.

Safety Measures:

• Mandatory safety gear includes helmets, gloves, and eye protection, which are provided by the Firefighter Gauntlet. Competitors may use their own gear if it meets safety standards.
• Medical personnel will be on-site, and an ambulance will be on standby (when available) to address any emergencies. Competitors with emergencies will receive immediate attention from Gauntlet staff and medical personnel.

Penalties and Restarts:

• No restarts are allowed unless there is a course or equipment malfunction.
• Competitors failing to adhere to task-specific rules will be directed to restart the task, with the race time continuing to run.

Foam Bucket Carry:

• Competitors start at the middle hose coupling between two foam buckets, which can be adjusted but not moved beyond the starting point.
• The starting point shall be defined as the edge of the coupling closest to the Finish Line. The foam bucket’s front edge (the edge furthest from the finish line) may not pass the designated starting point.
• Once the competitor has adjusted the foam buckets, the Race Marshal shall instruct the competitors to get into a ready position without any contact with the foam buckets.
• After the start, competitors grab the foam buckets by the handles and run to the end of the hose, placing the buckets past the outer edge of the hose coupling at the end of the course (closest to the 2x4 prop)

Weighted Sled Pull:

• The designated rope pull area shall be defined as the area in-between the hose coupling and the edge of the 2x4 prop furthest from the coupling.
• Competitors must keep both feet in the designated area and pull the rope hand over hand without moving their feet outside of the designated area.
• Running with the rope instead of pulling the rope hand over hand or moving outside of the designated area will result in reset of the sled and restart of the task.
• Competitors must pull the sled completely past the outer edge of the hose coupling to proceed.

2x4 Chop:

• Competitors must chop completely through a 2”x4” board, separating it into two pieces with no visible connection before moving on.
• Competitors are limited to 15 full axe swings (axe head moves 20 inches or greater). If not completed within 15 swings, the competitor will continue to the next task.

Run:

Hose Drag:

• Competitors must drag the hose until the nozzle tip passes the outer edge of the last coupling.
• Competitors must face forward while dragging the hose. Any method of holding the hose is allowed as long as they run forward.

Dummy Carry:

• Competitors must stay within the defined hose barriers and carry the dummy under its arms and around its waist/chest, monitored by staff. Any improper carrying technique, outside of what has been defined, will result in a restart of the task. Time will stop once the dummy’s feet have fully passed the last coupling on the opposite side of the course.
• Gauntlet staff may guide competitors backward to maintain the center of the lane without pushing forward or backward.

• Youth: Age 12 and under, and any child under 18 opting into the youth course, compete in a modified course. Tasks generally include: small fire extinguisher carry, unweighted sled pull, 50’ run to hose, forestry hose 50’ drag, and small hose bundle 50’ carry. Staff may assist as needed.
• Open Exhibition: Includes entries receiving outside assistance or omitting tasks. Competitors requesting task omission or assistance before the race start will be placed in this division and not timed. Competitors unable to complete tasks or receiving assistance during the race will be moved to this division.

Individual Divisions:

• Individual divisions shall be separated into 3 age groups and shall be separated into Male and Female:
- • Youth (over 12)
- • 18-39
- • 40-49
• Further division is possible if there are at least 10 competitors per new group.

Tandem Division

• Tandem is an open age division and may comprise of male, female, or combination pairs that will complete all main course tasks in order. Tandem teams may only switch after completing the 2x4 chop and before starting the 100’ run, signaled by a mandatory high-five monitored by staff.

Engine Crew Division

• Engine Crew is an open age division and may comprise of male, female, or a combination of 4 participants that will complete all main course tasks in order. Teams may only switch upon completion of a task and prior to the start of the following task. Switching team members between tasks will be signified with a ”high-five” to clearly alert the Firefighter Gauntlet staff of the changeover. All team members must complete a task. Team members may not assist a team member in any physical aspect in completing a task. Once a team member has completed a task and switched off to a new team member, they are ineligible to complete any further tasks. *Note: this means if the first 3 team members do a single task and switch, the 4th team member will be required to complete all the remaining 3 tasks without switching.

First Time Competitor Training and Pre-Race Safety Briefing

• Each Firefighter Gauntlet shall have a First Time Competitor training with Gauntlet staff 1 hour before the start of the race. Competitors will be allowed to review the course with Gauntlet staff during this time.
• Each Firefighter Gauntlet shall have a safety briefing 30 minutes prior to the start of the race.