Littering

Rule 3 of the twenty-four page Ironman booklet we just printed out states, "a 3rd violation results in disqualification (DQ)." Rule 3 is the Littering Violation. Wow! Now, I can imagine if 2,000 bikers dropped Gu packets on the streets wherever they wanted, it could make a mess. I guess in an extreme case someone's bike tire could lose traction? But a DQ seems a bit extreme. What if you aren't near a drop zone, you stuff the packages or banana peels or whatever in your race jersey?
Here's another one - NO OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE! So, I can't hand Jan, at anytime in the hours she will be racing, anything. No food, no extra drinks, nothing or she is automatically DQ. If I run next to her, for any length of time, DQ.
"Keep 4 bike lengths (7 meters), between your bike's front wheel and the rear wheel of cyclist in front of you. I guess I'll have to give Jan a ruler to ride with. Maybe we can connect one to the front of her bike. 2,000 people biking, seems like you might accidently be next to or behind someone at many points.
Well don't, or it's in the penalty tent for you! 3 of these warnings and, you guessed it, DQ.

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