One Water Race Stockholm 24H – Race Rules

1. THE CONCEPT

One Water Race (OWR) is a non-stop 24-hour ultra-endurance race held
in and around Stockholm city center.
The course combines running and swimming to challenge participants’
endurance, strength, and mental resilience over a continuous 24-hour
period.

2. RACER’S COMMITMENT


All participants must commit to the following principles:

2.1 Understanding the Challenge

  • Participants must be fully aware of the race’s length, difficulty, and physical/mental demands.
  • Competitors must be prepared for the specific challenges presented by the event.

2.2 Personal Safety & Preparation

  • Participants should have the knowledge and experience to manage risks during the race.

2.3 Self-Sufficiency

  • No external assistance is allowed, except in emergencies.
  • Racers must independently manage injuries, fatigue, and nutrition.

2.4 Environmental Stewardship

  • Leave no trace.
  • Littering or causing environmental damage will result in penalties or disqualification.

2.5 Respect for Race Regulations

  • Show respect for all rules, officials, and fellow competitors.
  • Demonstrate fair play, sportsmanship, and compliance with all race guidelines.
  • Discrimination, extremism, or intolerance in any form is strictly prohibited.

2.6 Consent to Documentation

  • Participants agree to be filmed and broadcast live during the race.
  • By participating, racers acknowledge and accept that they may be documented during all race moments, including both triumphs and challenges, for live broadcast and future media use.

3. TEAM COMPOSITION

  • Each team consists of 2 racers.

Race Class Categories:

  • Professional Class: Male / Female
  • Amateur Class: Male / Female

Responsibilities:

  • Stay on course on foot or in water.
  • Racers must remain within 10 meters of each other at all times.
  • No vehicles or boats may be used for forward progress.

4. SELF-SUFFICIENCY

  • Teams are responsible for providing all necessary gear and logistics for the full 24-hour race.
  • Use designated team storage boxes in transition areas.
  • Purchasing, resupplying, or caching along the course is not allowed, except at official energy stations.

5. FOOD & ENERGY SUPPLY

  • The race organization provides all teams with food, energy, and water during the 24-hour race.
  • At the start/finish area, warm carbohydrate-rich meals, drinks, and energy supplies are available.
  • Supply stations are located approximately every 5 km along the racecourse.
  • Personalized nutrition and refueling are allowed only in the start/finish area, stored in the designated team storage boxes.

6. SAFETY

  • Safety is the top priority of the OWR organization.
  • All water entry and exit points will be assessed and manned by OWR staff.
  • All swims will be monitored by OWR safety boats.

7. TRACKERS

  • Each racer must carry a tracker provided by the organization.
  • Trackers must remain active for the entire duration of the race.

8. NIGHTTIME CONDITIONS

  • Nighttime is defined as 20:00 to 05:00, or earlier if required by conditions.
  • The race proceeds non-stop overnight.
  • All lighting gear must be fully functional during Nighttime Conditions.

9. EQUIPMENT

Mandatory Gear

Per Racer:

  • Wetsuit
  • Visible race bib
  • OWR-issued swim cap
  • Whistle
  • Headlamp (night use)
  • Swim cap light (night use)

Per Team:

  • Waterproof first aid kit
  • Safety line
  • Safety buoy
  • Interconnected safety line (for night swims)
  • Lighted safety buoy (for night swims)

Optional Gear:

  • Neoprene accessories (e.g., gloves, hats)
  • Swim paddles
  • Pull buoys (guide size: approx. 30cm x 30cm x 15cm)

10. NO-GO ZONES

  • Specific areas will be designated as no-go zones in official race information.
  • These areas are strictly off-limits.
  • Entry into no-go zones may result in time penalties or disqualification.

11. RACE COURSE & WATER ENTRY/EXIT POINTS

  • The racecourse includes designated water entry and exit points.
  • All entries/exits must occur between marked buoys or within 1 meter of a designated marker.
  • Failure to comply may result in penalties or disqualification.

12. FINISH LINE

  • Both team members must cross the finish line together for the race to be officially completed.

13. LITTERING

  • Littering is strictly prohibited.
  • All waste must be disposed of appropriately or handed to safety boats or transition staff.
  • Violations may result in penalties or disqualification.

14. RULES DURING SWIMS

Definitions:

  • Swimming: Forward movement in water without touching the ground.
  • Wading: Movement with ground contact — considered running.

Safety Requirements:

  • All swims must be accompanied by an OWR safety boat.
  • Night swims require:
  • Fully lit safety buoy
  • Swim cap light
  • Head light
  • Interconnected safety line

15. PENALTIES & VIOLATIONS

Penalties May Include:

  • Official Warning
  • Time Penalty (served in penalty zone at transition area)
  • Disqualification (for major or repeated violations)

Penalty Rules:

  • 1st Violation → Official warning
  • 2nd Violation → 1-hour time penalty
  • 3rd Violation → Disqualification
  • Maximum time penalty allowed: 2 hours

Violations Include (but are not limited to):

  • Unsportsmanlike behavior
  • Littering
  • Leaving the designated course
  • Taking unauthorized shortcuts
  • Disqualifications may be enforced immediately during the race or post-race by the Race Jury.
  • In cases where a penalty decision is required, Race Control will convene the Race Jury to deliberate and make a joint decision. The OWR Race Jury is composed of an odd number of members, with a minimum of three persons.
  • Disqualifications may be served and executed without delay at the discretion of the OWR Race Control. Decisions regarding violations and disqualification can be taken after the race by the Race jury.
  • OWR organization’s skippers, runners, and other staff also function as an extended arm of Race Control and are responsible for reporting any violations they observe.