Race Categories
Racers in the Individuals Category complete all portions of the race alone. They may not receive aid on the course with the exception of two pre-designated support people in transition zones. Support people must wear a support bib. One support person should plan to be at the mountain, and one must remain in town. There is no time for a single support person to support in both zones. Individuals may select a variety of divisions, some of which also include smaller age-divisions, with the exception of Elite, Adaptive and Non-Binary Individuals.
Often the fastest times of the race come from the Elite Individuals category. It is the first wave of the day, and offers the best snow conditions. Individuals in this category are often former or current professional athletes or experienced multi-sport athletes. However, we allow all racers to self-identify as “Elite.” Participants in this category are NOT ELIGIBLE to win their age group. The top three male and female racers in this category ARE ELIGIBLE for cash awards. All racers in the Elite Individuals category are required to sign a waiver regarding PPP’s Transathlete and Drafting Policies, as this is the only category in which racers may challenge outcomes or report safety concerns to PPP Jury. Non-binary athletes are welcome to race in the Elite wave. They are eligible for top Non-Binary Individual award and may contact the race director for price adjustment.
Adaptive divisions are offered in Individual, Pairs and Teams Categories. In every case, a person with a disability must complete at least 3 legs (or half) of the course. All adaptive divisions are eligible to utilize support crew. Two support bibs will be automatically issued to participants in all adaptive divisions, but please reach out to the Race Director if you require more.
Non-Binary divisions are offered in Individual, Pairs and Teams Categories. In every case, all racers involved must identify as non-binary. Non-binary athletes who wish to race in the Elite wave are eligible for top Non-Binary Individual award and may contact the race director for price adjustment.
Racers who are 12 and under are welcome to race in the Pole Pedal Paddle. They may participate as individuals, pairs or on teams. Racers, however, must be able to complete each portion of the race with the same level of support as other racers. For example, a younger racer must be comfortable racing the bike course without an adult chaperone. 12 and Under racers do have the option of a shortened run course and a 2-person kayak in the pairs and teams categories.
Pairs category is for two racers who would like to share the course, with one racer doing each leg. Pairs are separated into the following smaller categories, many of which are further separated into age divisions: Male Pairs, Female Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Adaptive Pairs, Non-Binary Pairs, and Tandem Pairs. Tandem Pairs differ from the rest of the Pairs in that they may use tandem bikes and/or a two person kayak or canoe. Racers in the pairs category are the ONLY racers who are issued a pass to drive down Century Drive. We recommend finding a separate driver to be sure the runner meets the cyclist at the bike-to-run transition on time.
Tandem divisions are offered in Pairs and Team categories. In the Tandem division, racers must use a 2-person tandem bike and/or a 2-person tandem kayak. Tandem is the only division where a tandem bike is allowed. 2-person kayaks are also allowed for 12 and Under racers as well as Open Teams.
Teams consist of three to seven racers. One racer per leg, except for the option of a 2-person canoe instead of a 1-person kayak. Teams are organized into the following divisions, with some further organized by age: Adaptive Teams, Non-Binary Teams, Female Teams, Mixed Gender Teams, Male Teams, Open Teams, Tandem Teams, Family Teams and Business/Organization Teams. For divisions organized by age, all racers on a team must average their ages.
PPP holds a costume contest for the teams with the best costumes during the awards ceremony
A Business/Organization Team consists of three to seven racers who are all employed by that business or organization and appear on the regular payroll account. Racers may be of any age and gender. One racer per leg, with the exception of the option of a 2-person canoe instead of a 1-person kayak.
A Family Team consists of 3 to 7 racers who all belong to the same family. One racer per leg, except for the option of a 2-person canoe, and 2- person kayak if the racers doing the paddle are 12 or under. If a runner for a Family Team is 12 or under they also have the option of doing the shortened run course. Family Teams are divided into age divisions based on the average age of all racers on the team. Top three teams in each age division will receive a mug, but the overall podium for Family Teams will be determined using a score based on a formula. The formula is the number of team members plus their age range which is then divided by the team’s race time. The top three scores in the Family Teams category will win the Terry Bonynage Awards.
An Open Team consists of three to seven racers who are of any age, gender or association. One racer per leg, except for the option of a 2-person canoe OR 2-person kayak. Open teams differ from Tandem Teams in that they are NOT allowed to use a 2-person tandem bike.