1. Participation Requirements
To participate in the Downhill Swim event, you must be able to swim and be at least 18 years of age. Younger participants may take part in the event with written consent from their guardians and at the organizer’s discretion.
Every participant must have a valid accident insurance policy.
By registering, each participant accepts and understands that the race situation may put unusual strain on the body. This means that even previously symptomless or latent conditions may pose a serious risk. If you have coronary artery disease, asthma, heart failure, diagnosed arrhythmias, or any other underlying condition that may be triggered by exertion, consult your doctor about the risks of participation.

2. Entry Fee, Cancellation Terms, and Changes to Information
Both team members must be named at the time of registration.

Registration is binding, and the entry fee will not be refunded in full in case of cancellation, not even with a medical certificate.

If you are unable to participate, the options are:

1. Team member substitutions are allowed until July 24, 2026. Team information can be changed/updated via the confirmation link. The team is responsible for updating its own information.
2. Changes to team information after July 24, 2026, must be made directly with the event organization. After July 24, 2026, a change fee of €30 per change will apply.
3. Partial refund of the entry fee. We will refund 80% of the fee if cancellation is made by May 31, 2026. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this date.

If the event must be canceled by the organizer, participation may be transferred to the following year. If the team does not want to transfer, 75% of the entry fee will be refunded.

3. Swimming Route
The swimming route follows the Oulanka River. Participants must stay on the marked route. If a participant must temporarily leave the route, the other team member must ensure that the last safety boat does not pass the team.
There are several service points along the route, all located on dry land. The longer route has five mandatory checkpoints at service points; the shorter route has four. Participants must visit all service/checkpoints. All service points and service boats are equipped with first aid capability.

4. Equipment
Swimmers must carry with them all equipment used during the swim from start to finish. All equipment, including food and similar items, must be labeled with the participant’s or team’s name.

Mandatory equipment for each pair:

• At least one first aid pressure bandage in a waterproof package.
• A wetsuit suitable for the conditions and neoprene booties/other protective shoes.
• If the water temperature is below 14°C, the jury may require the use of a neoprene hood and neoprene gloves.
• One whistle per participant, one space blanket per team, and at least one working mobile phone per pair.
• The pair must have at least one brightly colored swim buoy attached to a swimmer with a cord.
• Participants must wear the swim cap provided by the organizer throughout the event. A second swim cap, neoprene hood, etc., may be worn underneath.

Recommended equipment:

• Neoprene hood (if the water is cold)

Prohibited equipment:

• Snorkels
• Fins
• Hand paddles
• Pull buoys

5. Timing
Time is measured from the start to the finish line. The team must pass all checkpoints and the finish line together.
There are several checkpoints along the route that the team must pass within the maximum allowed time in order to continue in the event. Information on maximum times will be provided no later than the day before the start.

6. Responsibilities of Participants
Participants must respect all other participants, nature, the event organization, spectators, and people living and moving in the event area. All participants are required to familiarize themselves with these rules and instructions and comply with them. Participants are obligated to assist other competitors or event organizers in emergencies or upon request.

Participants may practice on the route and familiarize themselves with it before the event, but they must respect the residents and nature of the area. Participants must be aware that the event takes place in a national park and that the park’s rules, restrictions, and regulations apply.

Participation is at the participant’s own risk; the event organizer accepts no liability for accidents that may occur during the event. Teams are obliged to assist other teams that have suffered an injury or need first aid. A team that withdraws must notify the race organization as soon as possible. Participants must not leave litter in nature; violation of this rule will result in disqualification.

7. Rules
The event jury consists of the event director and at least two members of the organizing committee. The jury makes decisions on route changes, schedule changes, and rule changes. Decisions made by the jury are final.

Violation of the rules will result in immediate disqualification. Although the event is timed, it is intended to be more of an experience than a competition. Reasons for disqualification may include littering and environmental damage.

Receiving assistance from outside the event organization is prohibited except at official service points. Assistance concerning safety issues is allowed.

8. Safety
The event organizer must conduct a risk assessment and take necessary measures to minimize risks for both competitors and staff. The organizer ensures there is a sufficient number of safety personnel and adequate safety equipment on site.

The team must stay together from start to finish, and at no point may the distance between team members exceed ten meters. If one member encounters an unexpected situation, the other must ensure that the last service boat does not pass the team.

The event organizer has the right to prevent a team from continuing if the jury, first aid staff, or other members of the organization deem the team too fatigued or physically unfit to continue safely.

If a team must withdraw from the event, they must immediately notify the nearest member of the organization.

The event date is Saturday, August 1, 2026. Backup dates are Friday, July 31, 2026, and Sunday, August 2, 2026. The organizer may change the event date due to weather conditions if it is determined that safe swimming cannot be guaranteed.

9. Photography, Image Rights, and Media Rights
The event organizer retains the rights to all photo and video material recorded during the event. Unauthorized commercial use of the material is prohibited.

Participants grant the event organizer the right to use photos and video footage taken during the competition free of charge for marketing and media purposes, including on the event’s website and social media. Participants may use material from the event on their personal social media channels free of charge.

10. Acceptance of Rules
By participating in the event, every team member accepts the rules of the competition in full.