Official Rules

Entry & Prizes

• The cost to enter this contest is $20 per bed.
• The entry fee is paid per team/bed.
• Prizes are as follows:
  1st Place: $100
  2nd Place: $75
  3rd Place: $50

Registration & Check-In

• All teams must register before participating.
• Contest registrations should be received no later than 30 minutes prior to the event start, unless a different deadline is provided.
• Teams must check in before the race begins.
• Late entries may not be accepted once the contest has started.
• The contest will be canceled if fewer than three teams are registered and present at the time of the contest.

Eligibility

• All participants must be 18 years of age or older.
• All participants must sign a waiver before participating.
• Each team must have 5 team members.
• All entries are subject to the State Line Heritage Days Committee General Rules and Regulations and the Bed Race Contest Rules.

Team Composition

• Bed race teams will consist of 5 team members.
• One team member must remain on the bed at all times during the race.
• The remaining four team members will be assigned to each corner of the bed for the entire race.
• Team members may not switch positions during the race unless approved by contest officials.

Bed Construction & Design

• The bed base must be built on a standard frame with a twin-size mattress only.
• The bed must have exactly 4 wheels.
• Wheels do not have to be the same size, but all wheels must be load-bearing and in contact with the ground.
• Beds must be human-powered only. Motorized beds are not allowed.
• Push handles may be used, but handles may not extend more than 12 to 16 inches from the frame.
• Runners must have full visibility for the entire race.
• The height of the bed may not exceed 8 feet.
• The width of the bed, including handles, may not exceed 72 inches.
• The length of the bed may not exceed the length of a properly fitted twin-size bed frame.
• Beds are encouraged to be decorated.
• Decorations may not block the pushers’ vision or create a hazard on the racecourse.

Contest Format

• All races will be timed.
• Teams will race on the designated course.
• Depending on the number of entries, top racers may be required to run more than one race to determine final placement.
• All team members and the bed must cross the finish line together.

Racing Rules

• The bed must always be pushed, not pulled.
• The bed and rider must remain forward-facing during the race.
• Pushers must remain in contact with the bed at all times.
• The rider must remain on the bed for the entire race.
• All team members must stay with the bed during the race.
• Teams must follow the designated racecourse and all instructions from contest officials.

Judging & Winner Determination

• Winners will be determined by timed race results.
• The fastest eligible times will determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
• Best decorated bed will be determined by judges or contest officials.
• Judges’ and contest officials’ decisions are final.
• Contest officials may disqualify teams that do not follow the rules.

Safety & Conduct

• Helmets and closed-toed shoes must be worn during the race.
• Knee pads are recommended but not required.
• Contestants must follow all instructions from contest officials.
• Unsafe behavior may result in disqualification.
• Contestants may not interfere with another team.
• Participants are expected to behave respectfully toward officials, volunteers, spectators, and other contestants.

Disqualification

• Using a motorized bed.
• Pulling the bed instead of pushing it.
• Failing to keep the rider on the bed during the race.
• Failing to keep pushers in contact with the bed during the race.
• Blocking runner visibility with decorations or bed design.
• Exceeding the allowed bed height, width, or length.
• Failing to wear required safety equipment.
• Failing to complete the required course.
• Interfering with another team.
• Unsafe, unsportsmanlike, or disrespectful behavior.
• Failure to follow instructions from contest officials.

General Rules

• All entries are subject to the State Line Heritage Days Committee General Rules and Regulations.
• State Line Heritage Days reserves the right to clarify rules, adjust procedures, or make final decisions as needed for safety, fairness, or event operations.
• Contest officials have final authority during the event.