Race Rules & Regulations
Complete guidelines for participating in Torpedo SwimRun races. Read carefully before entering.
Organisation
Torpedo SwimRun Pty Ltd
13 Alfred Road, Newlands, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
Entry Pre-Requisites
To participate in Torpedo SwimRun races you must be a proficient, experienced and capable swimmer in open water, and capable of running on various technical terrains.
Grade Green / Kids
Short course for young swimmers with parent participation
Format: Individual
Age: 6+ years (as of 31 December in year of event)
Grade Blue / Family · Intermediate
Open water swimming in dams and/or lakes and/or rivers
Format: Individual
Age: 13+ years (as of 31 December in year of event)
Additional requirements for ages 13–18:
- •Guardian must co-sign the indemnity form
- •Guardian must email register@torpedoswimrun.com with CV detailing open water swimming and running capability
Grade Red / Advanced
Real distance, real exposure, real decisions for experienced tethered pairs
Format: Teams (tethered pairs)
Age: 18+ years (as of 31 December in year of event)
Additional requirements for special permission ages 16–18:
- •Guardian must co-sign the indemnity form
- •Guardian must email register@torpedoswimrun.com with CV detailing open water swimming and running capability
Requirements:
- •Experienced open-water swimmers with proven running capability
- �����Real distance, real exposure, real decisions. Navigation matters here.
Grade Black / Hardcore · Skins
High risk in open ocean and/or cold water and/or currents and/or technical swimming. Skins races have no wetsuit.
Format: Teams (tethered pairs)
Age: 18+ years (as of 31 December in year of event)
Requirement:
Entry is limited to approved teams only, assessed by our swim safety panel. Email register@torpedoswimrun.com to apply.
Race Course
Course Requirements
- •Athletes must follow the racecourse at all times
- •Adhere to rules of the road — run within yellow line on road running sections
- •Not following the course = disqualification
Checkpoints
- •Multiple checkpoints throughout the course
- •Additional unannounced checkpoints may exist
- •Failing to pass a checkpoint = disqualification
Weather & Course Changes
In case of adverse weather (high winds, poor visibility) or unexpected situations, race organisation may shorten or cancel the race in the interest of safety.
Equipment
General Rules
- •All teams must start and finish with the same equipment
- •Picking up or dropping equipment = disqualification
- •Mandatory gear check before start
- •Team time runs from start gun until last member crosses finish line
Mandatory Equipment
- Whistle
- Wetsuit (Cape Town non-Skins races)
- Swim Cap
- Race Bib
Recommended Equipment
- • Swimming hand paddles
- • SwimRun pull buoys
Equipment NOT Allowed
- Floatation larger than 100 cm x 60 cm
- Any motorised equipment
- Swim fins longer than 15 cm (toe to end)
Cut-Offs
Teams must pass cut-off points within specified time frames (presented at race briefing). Teams not making cut-off will be taken off the race or directed to a shorter course.
Racer's Responsibility
General Responsibilities
- •Know and follow all rules
- •Respect other athletes, organisation, spectators, tourists, environment and residents
- •No unfair methods to gain advantages
- •Doping is forbidden — SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport may be contacted
- •Obliged to help other participants in emergencies
Before the Race
You may train and scout the course, but must:
- •Respect residents and landowners
- •Pay all relevant SAN Parks entrance fees
During the Race
- •Athletes participate at their own risk — organisation not responsible for accidents
- •Teams must assist other injured or sick teams
- •Abandoned teams must report withdrawal to organisation
- •If one athlete abandons, their team member must also withdraw
- •Litter only at designated water points — zero tolerance = disqualification
Safety Rules
Team Safety
- •Both team members must stay together — no more than 20m apart on land
- •No more than 10m apart during swimming
- •Never move further than 10 metres from the trail
Water Entry
Athletes must enter water feet first — diving is not allowed.
Refusal to Continue
Race Organisation & Medic Team may refuse a team to continue if they:
- • Are not equipped with compulsory equipment
- • Are judged not capable due to fatigue or poor physical condition
Race Administration
Race Jury
- Comprises 4 persons from race organisation
- Two or more members required for a decision
- May use "common sense" to resolve unclear situations
- Decision of jury is definitive
Jury Responsibilities:
- • Enforce the rules
- • Decide outcomes of protests
- • Decide disqualifications
- • Decide about course changes and rule changes
Protests
Must be submitted in writing within 1 hour of finishing to race organisation. Must include:
- • Time and location
- • Team number and signatures of both members
- • Team/name being protested against
- • Reason for protest
- • Witness name or team number (if possible)
Protests not meeting criteria will be dismissed.
Disqualifications
Breaking any rule will lead to disqualification.
External Assistance
Outside assistance is not allowed. Each team must complete the race unsupported.
Media & Sponsor Exposure
Sponsor Markings
Teams may have sponsors marked on race gear.
Race Swim Caps & Bibs
- • Race caps cannot be modified — must be worn and visible on all swims
- • Race bibs cannot be modified — must be worn at all times
Photography & Film Rights
By entering, athletes grant race organisation the right to use photos and film material taken during the race for marketing, press, internet, television and film purposes.
Terms & Conditions
Refunds & Cancellations
Refunds only apply if entries can be substituted from the Waiting List. Processing happens after event completion.
| Cancellation Timing | Refund |
|---|---|
| In writing, 4+ months before | 85% of entry fee |
| In writing, 2–4 months before | 65% of entry fee |
| Less than 2 months before | No refund |
Team Substitutions
Full Team Substitutions
Not permitted. Entries must be refunded per policy; returned entries go to waiting list.
Partner Substitutions
Allowed until race registration at R250 per athlete change.
Event Cancellation
In case of adverse weather putting athletes at risk, organisers may:
- • Alter swim and run segments to safer alternatives, or
- • Cancel entirely
No refunds possible in event of cancellation.
By entering a Torpedo SwimRun race, you accept these rules in full.
The Torpedo SwimRun Indemnity is available for download at torpedoswimrun.com/rules/