Information
TROT FAQ, POLICIES, RULES, AND GUIDELINES
Trail Racing Over Texas (TROT) is committed to providing safe, fair, and high-quality race experiences for our runners, volunteers, venues, and the Texas trail running community. The policies below are designed to ensure clarity, consistency, and transparency for all participants. Please read them carefully before registering or contacting us, as many common questions are answered here.
These policies apply to everyone and help ensure standardized service and a great race experience for all. While changes may sometimes seem like simple requests, most event expenses are incurred months in advance, and each registration includes individual insurance and other non-refundable costs. For these reasons, TROT must uphold the following guidelines without exceptions.
TROT follows—and in many cases improves upon—industry-standard best practices in event management and participant care.
Registration Management via RunSignup
TROT uses RunSignup as our official registration platform.
Participants can manage nearly every aspect of their registration through their RunSignup account, including:
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Registering for races
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Editing personal information
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Updating T-shirt/giveaway selections
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Viewing/signing waivers
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Viewing digital bibs
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Resending confirmation emails
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Managing add-ons or purchases
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Team/relay roster updates
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Distance transfers (if enabled)
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Event transfers (if enabled)
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Bib transfers to another runner (if enabled)
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Deferrals (if enabled)
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Insurance claim access (if purchased)
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Redeeming credits, coupons, or gift certificates
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Claiming event insurance coverage
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…and more.
Please check your RunSignup account first before emailing TROT, as most changes can be completed self-service.
Registration Changes, Credits & Insurance Policies
A. Check RunSignup Options First
Before submitting any request to TROT, participants must log into their RunSignup profile and review the event-specific options available for their registration.
Depending on the race, RunSignup may offer:
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Deferrals
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Event transfers
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Distance changes
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Bib transfers
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Insurance claim submission
If an option is available in RunSignup, it must be used there.
TROT will only process manual credit requests when no RunSignup option is available.
B. TROT Standard Future Race Credit Policy
If RunSignup does not offer deferrals or transfers for your registration, TROT’s standard sliding-scale future credit policy applies:
Credit Schedule
90+ days before event: 100% credit
30–89 days before event: 75% credit
Under 30 days: No credit
Credit Terms
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All requests must use the official Race Credit Request Form.
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A $10 administrative fee is deducted from credit.
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Credits are based on amount paid minus discounts and fees.
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Credits expire 2 years from the original event date.
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Credits are non-transferable and cannot be reissued once used.
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Credits may only be used by the original registrant.
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Volunteer and promo credits may operate under different rules.
C. Using Credits
Participants should register normally on RunSignup and apply credits in checkout.
If no credits appear but you believe you have a balance, submit the Use Credit Request Form for verification.
Credit Value
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1 credit = 50% entry discount
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2 credits = 100% comp entry
Timed events such as Jackalope Jam have specific higher credit values (listed in the main TROT credit section of event pages).
D. Race Insurance Protection (RegShield / FanShield)
TROT offers optional race insurance through RunSignup at checkout.
Key Insurance Rules
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Must be purchased during registration only
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Cannot be added later
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May not apply to bundles or special packages
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Covers only specific, approved circumstances
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Participants must review the policy to understand coverage
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TROT cannot assist with or view claim details
TROT can only see whether insurance was purchased—not claim status, documents, or eligibility.
No Double Dipping
Participants may not receive:
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An approved insurance reimbursement, and also
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A TROT-issued future race credit
If you bought insurance, you must pursue your claim with FanShield first.
TROT may issue credit only with proof of a declined claim.
How to File an Insurance Claim
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Use the “File A Refund Request” link in your RunSignup confirmation email
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Or visit the portal: https://requestmyrefund.com/fanshield/refund
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Or email: help@fanshield.com
RegShield/FanShield is a third-party insurer; all claims and questions must go through them.
Distance Changes (Dropdown & Upgrades)
Dropping to a Shorter Distance
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Must be completed via RunSignup during open registration via the event transfer option of your existing registration
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No refunds or credits issued
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After race start, any incomplete distance is recorded as DNF. Habanero is the only event offering drop-down medals to preserve enough medals for participants in their originally registered events.
Moving Up in Distance
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Must be completed via RunSignup during open registration
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Requires registering for the longer event using the event transfer option of your existing registration
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Original registration credit will be applied
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Distance changes are not permitted if the destination race is sold out.
Bib Transfers
If bib transfer is enabled for the event, it must be completed through RunSignup.
Unauthorized transfers, bib selling, or bandit running result in:
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Disqualification
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Permanent ban for both parties
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Possible legal/trespassing consequences
Venue & Park Fees
Many TROT events take place at state parks or protected venues requiring separate entry passes. These are pass-through fees collected by TROT on behalf of the venue and are in addition to our permit fees.
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State Park Annual Passes are not valid during special events
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Venue pass requirements are shown on each event page
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Venue-related add-ons purchased during registration are mandatory and non-refundable
Refunds
TROT does not offer refunds for any reason.
Insurance (if purchased) must be handled through RegShield/FanShield.
Photograghy & Film Policy
General TROT Rules, Conduct, & Guidelines
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The Race Director has the ultimate decision on any and all matters (unless a USATF official is present in regards to enforcing USATF rules). This includes “pulling” or removal of a participant from the event for the purpose of safety, based on the race director’s observations of the runner’s health, condition, and physical or mental state.
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Any runner caught cheating - by gaining an unfair advantage by any means (course cutting, not covering the entirety of the course under your own power, etc.), will receive a DQ status and lifetime ban from TROT races. Evidence may be requested post-race if your race result is in question. All matters, protests, and incident reports will be handled in a private and professional matter between the individuals involved, the race director, and any law enforcement (as required).
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Any participant that disrespects the volunteers, staff, or other runners will be banned from our races permanently. This also includes any incidents with the park, police, or wildlife in the parks.
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Littering: Any runner found discarding garbage anywhere other than a designated trash container will be subject to DQ and removal from the event. This includes leaving personal areas in a mess. TROT is strict about the Leave No Trace policy. A reminder that all TROT races are cupless, you must carry your own hydration container at all times.
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Race apparel, "swag", and finisher items: At registration, you may have an option of an apparel item AND/OR other race items both included or with extra charges. You are responsible for the selection, including sizing or other options available. This can NOT be changed at packet pickup as orders are made months in advance based on your selection. Post-event exchanges or purchases of race items may be made available. Registrations made within 4 weeks of the event could potentially be offered alternative items or sizes based on availability or delayed receipt of items due to lengthening lead time on production. TROT does its best to forecast registration numbers.
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If you are found to be bib selling, bib transferring, or bandit running our races without permission/consent we will ban both you and the person you bought or transferred the bib from. Our insurance states that YOU signed a waiver and you are running our races, not anyone else.
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Performance Enhancing Drug, Techniques, and Doping - Trail Racing Over Texas has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on allowing any person convicted of doping to participate in our races. We believe in a Clean Sport and those who have tested positive for banned substances or methods will not be allowed to run our races.
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Gun Time (not chip time) will be used for Awards and Results. Late starters will also have gun time used for official results.
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DNF/Dropdown Policy: In addition to the above "Dropdown" section. Runners starting a race but not finishing the intended distance will be listed as a DNF at the bottom of the results for their registered distance, with an indication of the furthest timed checkpoint they reached. Runners may not be “dropped down” to a shorter distance once they start a race, and will not appear as finishers of the shorter distance. This ensures a fair event where runners know their competition, and cannot be lowered in place by a runner dropping down in distance. Runners may switch distances before the start of their race and will be eligible as a finisher in that event.
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Cutoffs: Finishline closure and mid-race checkpoint cutoff times will be event specific. These are based on realistic pace calculations of being able to complete the event in the allotted time for our permit to be at the venue with respect for our staff, the venue, the general public, and our volunteers' time. The Race Director has the ultimate decision at any time for a participant to not continue on course. While it is one of the most difficult discussions as a race director to have it is out of respect for all our participants and volunteers to follow the cutoff times. Participants that do not make cutoffs will be listed as DNF in the official results.
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Dogs are NOT allowed on the course or at any of our event areas, start/finish, aid stations, check-in, etc. We love dogs just like most of you but it is a confusing environment and energy for them, we have seen the best of dogs act abnormally and not everyone is comfortable with dogs.
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Pacers may only be on foot and must have checked in, signed a waiver, and received an official pacing bib. Anyone receiving assistance from a pacer on a bike, or another form of transportation, or caught having someone muling (carrying runners' gear/nutrition, etc.) for them will be disqualified. Anyone who is being paced by someone in a race that does not allow pacers, or pacing too early in the race, will be disqualified. Pacers in almost all cases at trail races do NOT start with their runners, designated start distances for pacers will be detailed for each event. Pacers should only begin with their runners from these designated locations (ex. start of a loop). In some cases, USATF/WA rules may apply for championship divisions allowing only for a "safety runner" and no pacer, applicable athletes will be made aware ahead of time
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Crew rules and instructions will be provided per event. Typically, crews should only access/support their athletes within a designated zone around (not in) our aid stations (no mid-way on the course). This is to avoid any confusion around unfair advantage/assistance - USATF rules read that runners should not accept any aid outside of designated aid stations unless from another runner that is at the same point in the race. Aid stations and supplies (including ice and water) are to be handled by our official volunteers directly to runners only.
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Event Cancelation: Safety is our number one priority at TROT. We spend many months planning events to be held under all conditions unless life-threatening or unmanageable. TROT, venue management, emergency management, as well as city, county, state, and national health & safety administrations have the authority to delay or cancel events prior to or during the actual event. These decisions will come as close to the event as possible to ensure the most accurate information. Alerts will be made via your registration email, social media, and in some circumstances via phone text/call. If you do not hear anything assume the event is happening as planned. Not only are the individual runners' safety taken into account for these decisions but other factors, such as mass public safety and the resources available to respond in the event of many different scenarios. TROT will do its best to reschedule or come up with a fair resolution for our runners in the event of cancellation but registration fees will not be refunded as the vast majority of our work and expenses have been expended.
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No Shows: Race packets that are not collected during the designated packet pickup times for the event will be forfeited. Entries, venue-pass, and swag are not refundable or available for future credit. Holds and shipping is not available. Once the event has started, if you have not been removed from the event, you will be listed as DNS.
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Discounts: TROT tries to keep registration fees standardized for all participants and avoid price increases or discount rates. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively.
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Credits: Previous credits from canceled races, changed races, discount credits, and/or volunteer credits are only eligible for use on solo-style races that are hosted on RunSignup by Trail Racing Over Texas. Credits can not be used for remote/virtual events, relays, or events not hosted on RunSignup or by TROT. All credits, including promotional balances, obtained prior to June 1st, 2022 will expire on May 31st, 2023 except for volunteer credits. Individuals cannot transfer more than 2 races in a calendar year no matter the circumstances. There will be no credits issued once the event date has passed. In the event of a cancellation or rescheduled, specific instructions will be sent. Other event restrictions may apply. See the above credit section to request or use credit. The credits must be earned and the request must be received at least 10 days prior to race day.
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For relay teams; no refunds, transfers, rollovers, or credits will be provided for withdrawal. Team members may be changed as specified by each event. It is the relay captain's responsibility to manage and collect team member fees.
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If you are on active duty in the armed forces and are relocated, have mandatory training related to those duties, or are deployed, we will issue 100% race credit if notified prior to the event or as soon as possible.
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Trail Racing Over Texas follows rules, policies, guidelines, and community standards as established by governing bodies, partner organizations, and insurance and permit providers including USATF, World Athletics, IAU, ATRA, RRCA, SafeSport, Clean Sport, WADA, USADA, in addition to private event venues, local, city, county, state, and national government bodies upholding their own rules, laws, and regulations. Any participants who go against these rules or standards at a TROT event or via a TROT platform are subject to potential reporting, removal, ban, and/or legal implications.
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TROT Copyright & Trademark Notice: See the TROT Intellectual Property section for details about the use of TROT content and data.
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Additional policy information is provided at the time of event registration and on our Site terms and conditions.
This page was last updated on November 18th, 2025
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