RACE RULES & REGULATIONS

Rules and regulations 
„Vodno-Matka Trails 2025”

07.11.2024

Skopje

DECLARATION OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND DISCLAIMER VODNO-MATKA TRAILS 2025

By registering, the participant acknowledges that the competition requirements, legal order and rules of procedure are binding. These regulations serve the uniform and equal engagement in the sport and are non-appealable in a court of law. Their recognition and upholding are a prerequisite for participating in the event. Each entrant is responsible for the technical safety of his/her gear and must ensure that it is in conformity with the rules. The organiser assumes no liability for accidents, personal injury or material damage, theft or other damages!

PARTICIPANT'S DECLARATION

1. I have read, understood and fully accepted the Rules and Regulations governing the sports event in which I take part (VODNO-MATKA TRAILS 2025), that will take place on April 6th, 2025. The Rules and Regulations are published at the official website of the event (www.vodnomatka.mk).
2. I am sure of being sufficiently prepared (physically and psychologically) to take part in the race. I follow the appropriate medical controls to guarantee that I enjoy good health, not suffering from any disease, allergy, physical defect, lesion or cardio-respiratory disorder advising against taking part in the event.
3. I am fully aware of the difficulties of the event, its course, profile and distance; which I have previously consulted at the event website (www.vodnomatka.mk).
4. I am aware that this type of event entails an additional risk for the participants. I therefore state that I am taking part in the event of my own free will and at my own initiative, and I fully assume the risks and consequences derived from my participation.
5. I have sufficient knowledge and technical skill to guarantee my own safety in the environment and conditions of autonomy in which the event takes place. I also have the sports and safety gear required by the Organizer for the day of the event; and I guarantee that it is in perfect condition, that I know how to use it properly, and that I will wear it/carry it on my person during the entire event.
6. I commit to obey the rules and safety protocols established by the Organizer of the race in which I take part; and to behave responsibly, avoiding conducts that increase risks to my physical or psychological integrity. I will follow the instructions and comply with the decisions taken by the responsible persons from the Organization (judges, doctors and organizers) with respect to all aspects of safety.
7. I authorise the Medical Services of the event to perform on my person any medical procedure or diagnostic test that they deem appropriate in any moment of the event, whether or not I have requested it myself. Whenever requested by them, I undertake to abandon the event and/or allow my hospitalization, if they deem it necessary for the sake of my health.
8. I authorise the event Organizer to take and use any photography, film or recording of my person taken during the event, providing they are exclusively related to my participation in the event; and that I will not receive any compensation in return.
9. I will not consume any prohibited substances considered as doping substances by the athletics and mountaineering federations before or during the event. I am aware that the Organization may oblige the first three classified participants of each category per race to undergo anti-doping control.
10. I am aware that my race-bib is personal and non-transferable, therefore I will not cede it or sell it to any other person in any case, even in the case that I cannot assist in the event.
11. I am taking part in the event of my own free will and on my own responsibility. Therefore, I exonerate any responsibility the Organizer, its collaborators, sponsors and any other participants, exempting them from any liability for any physical or material harm that may occur to me, and therefore, I waive my right to file a report or claim against said parties.
12. I undertake to follow the general guidelines of respect for nature and for other persons. Said guidelines are described below:
    >> To exercise caution and follow the established rules when moving along trails and roads which are open to traffic.
    >>To not cause any deterioration to the biotic, geological or cultural resources, or in general to the landscape.
    >>To perform any physiological needs in appropriate places, or in any case, out of water and far from passage or meeting points.
    >>To not trash or abandon objects or solid or liquid waste out of the places specifically provided for disposing of such objects or waste.
    >>To not leave the marked trail.

GENERAL RULES VODNO-MATKA TRAILS 2025

• Each competitor participates in the event at his own risk.
• Mandatory equipment - none (except starting number) but we recommend that each competitor at least bring a mobile phone, an emergency blanket or a windbreaker, a half-liter water bottle and a silicone cup for fluids (the race does not have plastic/cardboard cups at refreshment stations).
• In case of unfavorable weather forecast, the organizer reserves the right to prescribe mandatory equipment, necessary for the safety of the runners.
• The competition will be held in all weather conditions, the only exception being prolonged periods of unstable weather with thunderstorms. In this case, the race organizer may decide to change the route or cancel the race (without the right to refund the registration fee or transfer to the next year).
• The organizer reserves the right to change the routes, for which the participants will be promptly notified.
• Due to the difficulty of the race, persons under the age of 18 may not compete at a distance of 32km and 45km.
• Due to the difficulty of the race, children under the age of 16 may not compete over a distance of 23km, unless they are accompanied by their parent or guardian who signs a statement of responsibility for their participation in the competition.
• Due to the difficulty of the race, children under the age of 13 may not compete at a distance of 10km.
• The race route will be well marked (pvc stripes, arrows-signposts, markings on trees and stones...). On the route there are stations for refreshments with food and liquids, medical service, mountain rescue service and an ambulance on call. There will also be marshals at key places who will help direct the runners.
• If markings are significantly deficient or absent on any part, report this to the nearest checkpoint. If you don't see a marker for more than 200 m, go back to the last marker and proceed more carefully.
• A competitor may voluntarily withdraw from the race at checkpoints. He must immediately notify the organizer of the cancellation (contact at the start number).

RACES

• Ultra trail 45km / 2,800D+ - start: 06.04.2025 at 8:00 am. Limit 11 hours.
• Long trail 32km / 1,700D+ - start: 06.04.2025 at 9:00 am. Limit 8,5 hours.
• Medium trail 23km / 1,300D+ - start: 06.04.2025 at 9:30 am. Limit 6 hours.
• Short trail 10km / 600D+ - start: 06.04.2025 at 10:00 am. Limit 3 hours.
• Kid's race divided into categories 4-6 y.o. (100m), 7-9 y.o. (400m), 10-12 y.o. (800m). Start at 10:30 am.

• All race details such as maps, time tables, GPX files can be found on the event website www.vodnomatka.mk 

RACE FEES

• Ultra trail 45К - promo (first 20 payments) - 41 EUR; regular (until 09.03.2025) - 49 EUR; late (from 10.03.2025 until quota is reached) - 57 EUR.
• Long trail 32К - promo (first 20 payments) - 33 EUR; regular (until 09.03.2025) - 41 EUR; late (from 10.03.2025 until quota is reached) - 49 EUR.
• Medium trail 23К - promo (first 20 payments) - 24 EUR; regular (until 09.03.2025) - 33 EUR; late (from 10.03.2025 until quota is reached) - 41 EUR.
• Short trail 10К - promo (first 20 payments) - 16 EUR; regular (until 09.03.2025) - 24 EUR; late (from 10.03.2025 until quota is reached) - 33 EUR.
• Online payment will be charged a 4% commission for bank charges and maintenance.

• Club (group) discount of 10% on the regular or late registration fee for at least 8 registered competitors. Payment only to giro account or via invoice. Before applying, send a list by e-mail vodnomatka@gmail.com no later than 15.03.2025
• Free entry fees for the first three overall from 2024 for the distances they won, national athletics champions, Olympians, as well as for competitors with an ITRA index of 750 (men) and 600 (women). Before applying, write to us via e-mail vodnomatka@gmail.com no later than March 15, 2025.
• The maximum number of participants (quota) in all distances together is 700.
• A medical certificate is not required to participate in one of the races. However, the organizer encourages all competitors to obtain a medical certificate proving that they are fit for sports training and competitions.

CANCELATION AND REFUND OF FEES

• Participants who cannot attend the event due to health problems and who have already paid the registration fee can request a partial refund of the registration fee by e-mail vodnomatka@gmail.com
• Refund of 50% until March 15, 2025..
• Refunds are not possible after March 15, 2025, regardless of the reason for non-participation.
• In all other cases, we do not refund the fees paid.

TRANSFER OF RACE FEE TO ANOTHER RUNNER

• Participants who cannot attend the event and want to transfer the race fee to another runner should contact via e-mail vodnomatka@gmail.com no later than March 15, 2025.
• In order for the transfer to be made, 2,5 EUR must be paid to the organizer.
• Transfer is not possible after March 15, 2025, regardless of the reason for non-participation.
• NOTE: Participation in the event with someone else's start number is prohibited for safety and competition reasons and will result in disqualification.

TRANSFER TO ANOTHER RACE DISTANCE

• Participants who paid for one length but changed their mind and want to switch to another length should contact via e-mail vodnomatka@gmail.com no later than March 15, 2025.
• In order for the transfer to be carried out, 2,5 EUR plus the difference from the registration fees (with the current valid prices) must be paid to the organizer. There is no refund of the difference when switching from a longer to a shorter race.
• Transfer is not possible after March 15, 2025, regardless of the reason for it.

PENALTIES AND DISQUALIFICATIONS

• The competitor must be registered at all announced and unannounced control points along the marked route (described on the race website and at those indicated on the start number). It is the duty of each competitor to ensure at each control point that the controller has successfully entered his start number into the timing system.
• The organizer reserves the right to make an inadvertent error when registering competitors at one or more checkpoints. In such a case, if requested, competitors who are not observed at a control point must submit a GPS record or photo or witnesses as proof that they have passed it.
• Accompanying a competitor to the race (pacemaker) is not allowed - disqualification.
• Taking minor shortcuts, using unmarked paths, arriving at a checkpoint from the wrong direction - at least 1 hour for each of the irregularities.
• All competitors must stick to the specially marked route. Any deviation (abbreviation) using long abbreviations will result in disqualification.
• Throwing garbage on and off the track - disqualification.
• Use of transportation during the competition - disqualification.
• Avoiding and not helping another competitor in trouble - disqualification.
• Insult or threat to the organizer or volunteers - disqualification.
• Continuing along the route after the time limit has expired - disqualification.
• Participation with someone else's start number - disqualification.
• The disqualification may be immediate during the competition or upon discovery of the irregularities and may be followed by a public announcement.

APPEALS

• All appeals must be made verbally within half an hour of the competitor's arrival at the finish line. Then, if requested, the appeal for irregularities in the race must be submitted in written (electronic) form and with evidence (photographic material, GPS record or at least three witnesses).
• Appeals will be decided by the race director or a committee made up of concerned members of the organizing board. The decision will be made as soon as possible. There is no appeal against the decision.

CANCELLATION OF THE EVENT IN EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES (FORCE MAJEURE)

• In case of cancellation of the event due to a legal ban on sports events, all paid registrations are transferred to the next year's event. In this case, participation fees are not refundable.

WHAT DO I RECEIVE WITH THE RACE FEE?

• Personalized start number with chip and electronic (digital) timing
• Branded gift from the race
• Uniquely designed finisher medal
• Designing an attractive and picturesque path
• Cleaning of vegetation and marking of the route
• Medical teams and mountain rescuers during the event
• Food and drinks at the refreshment stations, approximately every 7 km
• Storage of spare clothing bags at the start/finish
• Voucher for a hot meal at finish
• Food costs and a gift for all volunteers who will support the race
• Transportation of contestants who give up at the checkpoint to the finish line
• Photography and video shooting of the event
• Securing all necessary legal permits for holding the competition
• Creating a website, Facebook/Instagram profile and maintaining the information in them
• Creation of advertising materials and vision for the promotion of the race and sport
• And last but not least - our efforts to bring all of the above into one super event

PODIUM CATEGORIES

Winners are announced in three age categories and overall classification (age on the day of the race).

Categories men/women:

• Junior 13-17 years (only for 10km race)

• Senior 18+ years (general classification)

• Veteran 40-49 years

• Master 50-59 years old

• Grand Master 60+ years

• The first three in the men's category and the first three competitors in the women's category in the general classification receive trophies and merchandise prizes.

• The top three in each male/female category receive diplomas. But there must be a minimum of 5 runners for the category to be officially recognized. This includes each category, if there are not enough to form a category then that category will be dropped.

EVENT ORGANIZER

Association for promotion and management of projects and events in
mountain running and other mountain sports TREX
Address: Ibe Palikjuka street 17, 1000 Skopje
Bank account no.: 270069272700140
Entity ID number: 6927270
Entity Tax number: 4058014518005
E-mail: info@trex.mk
President: Zikica Ivanovski
www.trex.mk 

Race director: 

Dejan Krle

vodnomatka@gmail.com

+389 71 246 423