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"Great event, very well managed and athlete friendly. Everything was beautifully done, and the fan support at 3:00 am after a long run was REALLY encouraging. I will definitely be doing the event next year.”
-- Robert Sibley, Team Fast Forward B
1. RACE CLASSES
2. STARTING PROCEDURE
3. GENERAL RULES AND PENALTIES
4. SPECIFIC LAP REQUIREMENTS
5. SWIMMING
6. CYCLING
7. RUNNING
8. TRANSITION AREA
9. SPECIFIC RULES
10. TIMING FINISH ORDER
1. RACE CLASSES
1.0 Definitions
These rules apply to 24 Hours of Triathlon, 8 Hours of Triathlon, 24 Hours of Duathlon and 8 Hours of Duathon.
1.1 Age Group Classification
Age classifications are based on the athlete’s age as of December 31st of the year of the event. The minimum age for racing is 16 unless parental consent and written approval is granted by the race director. The minimum age for solo competitors is 18 unless parental consent and written approval is granted by the race director. Teams do not have age group categories. Solo results will be divided into age group within each category.
USA Triathlon age group divisions:
16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+
1.2 Solo Triathlon
1.3 Team of 2 Triathlon
1.4 Team of 3 Triathlon
1.5 Team of 4+ Triathlon
- Open (men, women and coed teams are one category)
1.6 Solo Duathlon
1.7 Team of 2 Duathlon
- Open (men, women and coed teams are one category)
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2. STARTING PROCEDURE & OVERVIEW
The triathlon will comence with a Le Mans style swim start in wave category (as required). Competitors will start in the TA, with 5 minutes between waves. The first three legs of the race must be completed in swim - bike - run order, after that swims, bike and run legs may be done in any order, with swimming only during daylight hours, see rule 4.1.
The duathlon will comence with a mass bike start at the entrance to the pit area, 5 minutes after the first swim start. The first two legs of the race must be in bike - run order, after that bike and run legs may be done in any order.
Teams compete in a relay format which means only one athlete from each team may be on the course at any given time. Team members essentially "pass the batton" before the next team member can start a leg.
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3. GENERAL RULES AND PENALTIES
3.1 Preparation and Training
No person shall participate in the races unless such person is trained adequately as might be expected of a prudent person entering the competition, and is in excellent health, based on recent training, physical examinations, as necessary.
3.2 Age Group Competition
Age group athletes must compete in the age group division corresponding to their age on December 31 of the year of the event.
3.3 General Conduct
At or during the event, or while at the event site, all participants must:
- Conduct themselves in a matter that is not offensive in any way to fellow participants, spectators, officials or volunteers and is considered reasonable and acceptable in the community;
- Treat all participants, officials, volunteers and spectators with fairness, respect and courtesy;
- Refrain from the use of abusive language or conduct; and
- After violating any of the Competitive Rules, report such violation to the Head Referee or retire from the event.
3.4 Race Conduct
3.4.1 Entire Course. Participants must cover the prescribed course in its entirety. It is the participant's responsibility to know the course. Any violation of this section, even if no advantage is gained, shall result in a variable time penalty, unless (i) the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or was dangerous. In the event of a violation, the penalty shall be a time penalty or disqualification.
3.4.2 Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Participants shall refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, including the improper use of language or conduct directed toward an official. Violations result in disqualification or a time penalty depending on the severity of the violation.
3.4.3 Obstruction. Participants shall refrain from intentionally or accidentally blocking, charging, obstructing, or interfering with the forward progress of another participant. Any violation shall result in a time penalty.
3.4.5 Unauthorized Assistance. No participant shall accept from any person (other than a race official or other competitor on the course, or a support crew in the transition area) physical assistance in any form, including food, drink, equipment, support, pacing, a replacement bicycle or bicycle parts. The receipt of information regarding the progress, split times, or location of other competitors on the race course shall not be considered the acceptance of unauthorized assistance. Any violation shall result in a time penalty.
3.4.6 Re-entry. Upon leaving the course, a participant shall re-enter the course and continue at the same point of departure. Any violation of this Section shall result in a time penalty, unless the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or was dangerous, in which case the penalty shall be disqualification.
3.4.7 Race Numbers. Participants shall plainly display their race numbers at all times, and shall maintain the race number in an unaltered, unobstructed and readable state at the start and finish gates, in the transition areas, and on the course. Any violation shall result in a time penalty.
3.4.8 Unfair Advantage. No participant shall use his body, head, arms, or legs to gain an unfair advantage, or to push, pull, hold, strike, or force through one or more participants. Any violation shall result in a time penalty.
3.4.9 Abandoned Equipment. No participant shall leave any equipment or personal gear on the race course. Any violation shall result in a variable time penalty.
3.4.10 Unauthorized Accessories. No participant shall, at any time during the event, use or wear a hard cast, headset, radio or any other item deemed dangerous by the Head Referee. The exception is use of portable music accessories on run legs. Any violation shall result in a time penalty.
3.4.11 Glass Containers. No participant shall utilize any glass bottles or glass containers at any time during the event outside the support area. Any violation of this Section shall result in a time penalty, unless the conduct is dangerous, in which case the penalty shall be disqualification.
3.4.12 Unauthorized Equipment. No participant shall use any equipment which is improper under these rules, including but not limited to equipment which might provide an unfair advantage or endanger other participants. Unless otherwise provided for in these Rules, any violation shall result in a time penalty.
3.4.13 Endangerment. No participant shall commit any dangerous act which could cause injury to any participant. Any violation shall result in disqualification.
3.4.14 Wave Starts. When the beginning of the event is commenced by starting designated "waves" or groups of participants at different times, all participants shall start in and with the proper wave or group. Any participant who violates this section by starting in an improper and earlier wave or group shall be disqualified.
3.5 Licenses
You must hold a USAT annual membership or single event permit to compete in 8 HOT or 24 HOT. You can purchase a single event permit when you pay for your entry or at registration.
3.6 Team Member Transition/Changeover
Team member changeovers may only occur in the transition or support crew areas. A racer who starts a leg must finish that leg. Teammate changeovers are prohibited on course. A racer of a team may not start a leg until the previous leg is finished by his/her teammate. For example, the racer on the swim leg must enter the transition before the teammate can start out on the next leg.
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4. SPECIFIC LAP REQUIREMENTS
4.1 - The initial three legs for each individual/team must be completed in sequential swim- bike – run order. Legs may be done in any order once the initial three legs have been completed, however final results are tallied by the total number of completed triathlons. Legs (including the initial three legs) may be completed sequentially by any team member, or combination of team members. Additional legs are tallied in the sequential swim - bike - run order. For competitors in 24 HOT no swimming is permitted between Saturday 6:30 pm and Sunday 6:30 am, see
rule 5.3
4.2 - Once the initial three legs have been completed, individual disciplines (swim, bike, run) can be completed in any order, at any time, and by any competitor on the team during the 8 or 24 hour period.
4.3 - Only complete legs will be counted. A complete leg starts and finishes at the transition area. For example, if a team/solo chooses to do sequential swims, the swimmer must exit the water and run through the transition area (for timing and lap counitng purposes) before another swim lap is started.
4.4 - Completed triathlons, plus tallied legs, will be counted towards the final standing.
Completed triathlons (defined as: equal number swim - bike - run laps) will be tallied to determine final standings and overall results. (Note, it is not necessary to do the laps in sequential order after the initial three legs, but, laps will be recorded for result standings as swim+bike+run, in that order). Individual laps will be tallied to determine overall results, counting the swim leg first, followed by the bike leg.
Examples:
Team A FINAL RESULT: Completes 12 swims - 9 bikes - 10 runs. SCORING = 9 complete triathlons + 1 swim lap.
Team B FINAL RESULT: Completes 11 swims - 18 bikes - 17 runs. SCORING = 11 complete triathlons.
Team C FINAL RESULT: Completes 13 swims - 12 bikes - 11 runs. SCORING = 11 complete triathlons + 1 swim lap + 1 bike lap.
Team A DURING RACE STRATEGY: Completes 12 swims - 9 bikes - 10 runs. They have 9 complete triathlons with credit of 1 swim lap, which is applied towards the next full lap triathlon (they will need another bike leg).
Team B DURING RACE STRATEGY: Completes 11 swims - 18 bikes - 17 runs. They have 11 complete triathlons with NO credit swim legs. They will need to swim in order to utilize the bike/run laps, and if 6 swims are completed, could bump their overall triathlon score to 17!
Team C DURING RACE STRATEGY: Completes 13 swims - 12 bikes - 11 runs. They have 11 complete triathlons with credit swim and bike legs, which are applied towards the next full lap triathlon (they will need another run leg).
It is up to you and your team to develop an efficient strategy and keep track of what laps have been completed. Think of the swim as a barometer, since that's where the count begins for scoring.
4.4.1 - Extra legs that were completed, but not tallied due to the swim, bike, run scoring, will not count towards the final standing.
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5. SWIMMING
5.1 Permissible Strokes
Swimmers may use any stroke to propel themselves through the water, and may tread water or float.
5.2 Bottom Contact and Resting
A participant may stand on the bottom or rest by holding an inanimate object such as a buoy, boat, rope or floating object. Excluding the bottom, a participant shall not use any inanimate object to gain forward progress. A violation of this section shall result in a time penalty, unless the violation was substantial and resulted in an unfair time advantage, or the violation was dangerous.
5.3 Dark Hours
Swimming is prohibited during dark hours. Competitors may not enter the water after 6:30pm Saturday and may commence swimming again at 6:30am on Sunday.
5.4 Emergencies
A swimmer experiencing difficulty and in need of assistance shall raise an arm overhead, and pump it up and down, and call or seek assistance. A swimmer who has received official assistance, whether voluntary or involuntary, must retire and withdraw from the remainder of the race unless such assistance did not aid the swimmer in making forward progress. No swimmer shall return to the race if the official rendering assistance requests that the participant withdraw from the race or receive medical assistance.
5.5 Wet suits
Wet suits are highly recommended for all competitors for the entirety of the race.
5.6 Official Equipment
If provided by race management, a swimmer shall wear the proper official swim cap corresponding to his wave. The penalty for an infraction of this rule is a time penalty. For safety reasons if no official cap is provided, all swimmers should wear their own brightly colored swim cap.
5.7 Goggles
Swimmers may wear, but shall not be required to wear, swim goggles or face masks.
5.8 Illegal Equipment
Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.
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6. CYCLING
6.1 Propulsion
All bicycles shall be propelled only by human force and human power. Other than pushing a bicycle, any propulsive action brought on by use of the hands is prohibited. Any violation of this Section shall result in disqualification.
6.2 Forward Progress
Participants shall not make any forward progress unaccompanied by their bicycle. If a bicycle is rendered inoperable, a participant may proceed on the cycling course, running or walking, while pushing or carrying the bicycle, so long as the bicycle is pushed or carried in a manner not to obstruct or impede the progress of other participants. Any violation shall result in disqualification.
6.3 Course Knowledge
The sole responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed cycling course rests with each participant. No adjustments in times or results shall be made for participants who fail to follow the proper course.
6.4 Traffic Laws
All participants must obey all traffic laws while on the cycling course unless otherwise specifically directed by a race official, race monitor or designee with actual authority. Unless otherwise directed in accordance with the preceding sentence, all participants shall come to a complete stop when required by a traffic sign or traffic control device and shall not proceed through any intersection unless such intersection is clear of oncoming traffic. In no case shall a cyclist cross a solid yellow line indicating a no passing zone. Any violation shall result in disqualification or a time penalty.
6.5 Lighting
All participants must carry a front facing white light and rear facing red light, which are turned on between the hours of 7:30 pm and 6:30 am (sunset to sunrise) local daylight savings time.
6.6 Endangerment
No cyclist shall endanger himself or another participant. Any cyclist who intentionally presents a danger to any participant or who appears to present a danger to any participant shall be disqualified.
6.7 Accidents
All participants shall exercise extreme caution and shall decrease speed if necessary in passing the site of any cycling accident. Any violation shall result in disqualification.
6.8 Dismounting
A participant may dismount, but shall not interfere with other cyclists. A violation shall result in a variable time penalty.
6.9 Illegal Equipment
Any participants who any time while on the course uses, wears or carries a headset, radio, iPod, MP3 player, headphones, mobile phone or any similar auditory equipment shall be assessed a time penalty.
6.10 Helmets
6.10.1 Helmet Types: All participants shall wear a protective head cover, undamaged and unaltered, which meets or exceeds the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Helmets manufactured prior to March 10, 1999 must meet or exceed the safety standards of (i) the American National Standard Institute (ANSI Z-90.4), (ii) The Snell Memorial Foundation (Protective Headgear for Bicycle Users), or (iii) ASTM F-1446 or F-1447, and which is clearly labeled by the manufacturer as satisfying such standards. Removal of helmet cover, if required for that helmet to meet such safety standards, shall constitute an impermissible alteration in violation of this section. Any violation shall result in disqualification.
6.10.2 Chin Straps: Helmet must be fastened before participants first mount their bicycle, at all times when the participant is on the bicycle, and must not be unfastened until the participant has dismounted. Any violation that occurs while the participant is in the transition area shall result in a time penalty. Any other violation shall result in disqualification.
6.11 Position Fouls
A participant is not permitted to position his bicycle in the proximity of another moving vehicle so as to benefit from reduced air resistance. While on the cycling course, participants shall not work together to improve performance, efficiency, or position by teamwork or other joint conduct. A time penalty shall be imposed for any violation.
6.11.1 Illegal Positioning. No participant shall permit his drafting zone to intersect with or remain intersected with the drafting zone of another participant or that of a motor vehicle. With respect to a motor vehicle (including authorized race vehicles), it is the athlete's responsibility to move out of the vehicle's drafting zone or to continually communicate to the vehicle to move away.
6.11.2 Definition of Drafting Zone. The term "drafting zone" shall refer to a rectangular area seven (7) meters long and two (2) meters wide surrounding each bicycle. The longer sides of the zone begin at the leading edge of the front wheel and run backward parallel to the bicycle; the front wheel divides the short side of the zone into two equal parts. With respect to a moving motor vehicle, the "drafting zone" is a rectangular area extending 15 meters to each side of the vehicle and 30 meters behind the vehicle.
6.11.3 Right-of-Way. A participant is generally entitled to assume any otherwise proper location on the cycling course provided that the participant arrives in the position first without contacting another participant. When taking a position near another participant, however, a cyclist shall not crowd the other participant and shall allow reasonable space for the other participant to make normal movement without making contact.
6.11.4 Blocking. Cyclists who have established the right of way must not block or obstruct the progress of another participant.
6.11.5 Passing. A participant who approaches another cyclist from the rear or from another unfavorable position bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul even if the cyclist being approached decreases speed. A participant must not attempt to pass another cyclist unless adequate space is available and the athlete is confident of his/her ability to pass the other cyclist. All passing is to be done to the left of the cyclist being overtaken unless otherwise specified.
6.11.6 Position. Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all cyclists shall keep to the right of the prescribed course unless passing.
6.11.7 Being Overtaken. When the leading edge of the front wheel of one cyclist passes beyond the front wheel of another cyclist, the second cyclist has been "overtaken" within the meaning of these Rules. A cyclist who has been overtaken bears primary responsibility for avoiding a position foul and must immediately move to the rear and out of the drafting zone of the passing cyclist. The overtaken cyclist shall first move completely out of the drafting zone of the other cyclist before attempting to re-pass the other cyclist. In no case, however, shall a participant move into the path of another participant possessing the right of way.
6.11.8 Exceptions. A participant may enter the drafting zone without penalty only under the following conditions:
6.11.8.1 When entering the drafting zone from the rear, closing the gap, and overtaking all within no more than 15 seconds.
6.11.8.2 When cyclist reduce speed for safety reasons, for course blockage, for an aid station, for an emergency, when entering or exiting a transition area, or when making a turn of 90 degrees or more; or
6.11.8.3 A section of the bicycle course expressly excluded by race management from the position foul Rules because of overly narrow lanes, construction, detours, or a similar reason.
6.12 Permissible Equipment
Bicycles must be propelled solely by the rider's legs (for all able bodies competitors) and shall have the following characteristics: no more than 2 meters (6' 7") long and 75 cm (29.5 ") wide; there may be no protective shield, fairing or other device on any part of the bicycle, other than the wheels, that has the effect of reducing air resistance; recumbent style bicycles are prohibited; wheels may be made with spokes or solid construction.
Multiple bicycles and/or wheels may be used throughout the competition, but equipment changes, other than fixing a mechanical failure such as a tire, may only be made inside the transition or pit area, not on the race course.
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7. RUNNING
7.1 Conduct
A participant must run or walk the entire portion of the run course. Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all runners shall follow and remain within the prescribed course. A participant who gains forward progress by any other means shall be disqualified.
7.2 Course Knowledge
The responsibility of knowing and following the prescribed course rests with each participant.
7.3 Permitted and Illegal Equipment
A participant may carry a water bottle on the run portion of the course, provided that such container is not made of glass. Glass containers are prohibited. Walking poles are permitted provided the user does not impede the progress or otherwise interfere with other participants.
7.4 Lighting
All participants must carry a white light, which is turned on between the hours of 7:30 pm and 6:30 am (sunset to sunrise) local daylight savings time.
7.5 Pacing
Pacing is permitted by racers, team members and support / pit crews on the run course any time after noon on Saturday. Physical assistance or carrying of aid (food, water, etc.) for cometing athletes by pacers is pohibited.
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8. TRANSITION AREA
8.1 Entering and Exiting
A participant must reduce cycling speed to an acceptable and safe level when exiting and entering the transition area. Failure to do so shall result in a time penalty.
8.2 Placement of Equipment
All participants shall place equipment only in the properly designated and individually assigned bicycle corral or support area, and shall at all times keep their equipment confined to such properly designated areas. Any violation of this Section shall result in a time penalty.
8.3 Bicycle Placement
All participants must return their bicycles to an upright position in the properly designated bicycle corral or in their support area after completion of the cycling course and before beginning the next segment of the event. Any violation shall result in a time penalty.
8.4 Obstruction and Interference
Participant shall not impede the forward progress of another participant or interfere with another participant's equipment while in the transition area. Pit / support crew and non-competing athlets must remain outside the transition area unless actively providing aid and/or in the act of transitiongin or setting up equipment. Any violation shall result in a time penalty, unless such obstruction or interference renders another participant unable to complete the event, in which case the penalty shall be disqualification.
8.5 Glass Containers
Any participant who brings any glass container into the transition area shall be disqualified.
8.6 Time Penalties
8.6.1 In General. In the event that a participant is assessed a time penalty, the applicable time period shall be added to that participant's aggregate finishing time in calculating official race results. Time penalties shall be cumulative and a participant may be assessed more than one time penalty for violations of the same rule.
8.6.2 Definition. A "time penalty" as used in these Rules shall mean a time penalty that varies in accordance with the severity of the infraction. The time penalties shall be 6:00 minutes for the first offence, 12:00 for the second offence and disqualification for the third offence.
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9. SPECIFIC RULES
9.1 Team Captains:
Each team will designate a team captain who will represent the team in all official correspondence and communications before, during and after the event. A team co-captain may be designated to represent the team when the captain is unavailable during the event. Only team captains and co-captains may file protests.
9.2 Pre-race Meeting
All competing athletes must attend the pre-race meeting. Support crews are encouraged to attend.
9.3 Support Crews
Teams/solos may have unlimited support crew, but their support is limited to the Start/Finish/Transition (TA) and Support Crew Area (SCA). Support crews are not allowed on the bike course.
9.4 Support Crew Area
Each team/solo competitor is allowed one only SCA. This area is to be used for sleeping, maintenance, meals, equipment repair and other off course preparation and recovery. SCAs are pre-assigned and measure approximately 15 x 20 ft. One vehicle (no more than 15 ft long) is allowed per team in the SCA unless two or more teams share a vehicle (e.g. RV) and they let the race organization know when they enter. Additional vehicles must be parked remotely. The race organization will run shuttles between the remote parking and the SCA throughout the event. Additional camping and RV hook ups are available at the adjacent Cherry Creek Camp ground (1/2 mile from the SCA.)
9.5 Food and Beverages
Beverages and food may only be supplied by support crews in the Start/Finish/TA/SCAs. Other beverages (no food) are supplied at aid stations only, and only by race staff.
9.6 Laws
All competitors, including support crews and spectators shall abide by all city, county, state and federal laws and ordinances at all times while participating in the event.
9.7 Protests
Protests can only be made by team captains or co-captains. Protests will be made in writing and delivered to the race director or a co-director any time during the race or after the end of the race, up to 30 minutes after the posting of the final results. Protests should contain any information that supports the protest, including description of the incident, witnesses, names, addresses, phone numbers and signature of protesting team captain. A $50 fee shall be submitted, in cash, with the protest. The race director, after his own discovery, will promptly rule on the protest. The fee will be forfeited to the race director if the protest is denied or refunded if the protest is upheld.
9.8 Final Rulings
The race director has the final say in any ruling, including rulings made by the co-director.
9.9 Quiet Hours
Quiet hours for events are between 10 pm Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. Any competitor, support crew or person associated with a competitor violating quiet hours shall result in a time penalty assessed to the associated team.
9.10 Transfers/Substitutes
To substitute a competitor on a team, the new competitor must fill out the waiver, complete with team name and original signature, and a $10 fee. You may either mail the waiver to 24 Hour Events, PO Box 4489, Boulder, CO 80306, or you may turn it in at Race Registration. Changes made after the August 16th, regardless of postmark, will incur a $20 fee. Any changes made after August 23rd, regardless of postmark, will incur a $30 fee. Any substitute team members must hold an annual USAT membership or purchase a single event permit. No competitor transfers/substitutions will be accepted after Registration closes at 7am Saturday August 30th.
9.11 Cancellation and Modification of the Course
In the event of severe weather or other extenuating circumstances that prevents the makes continuation of the event dangerous, the race director may modify, cancel or shorten the race as necessary. Results will be determined based on each team/solo's placement at that time as determined by their last completed lap.
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10. TIMING FINISH ORDER
10.1 Finish Times
10.1.1: 8 hour races end at 5:00:00 pm on Saturday. Competitors must complete their final leg by 5:00:00 pm for it to count in the race. Each team/solo's placing will be determined by the number of swim, bike and run (or bike and run) legs they have completed and the sequential order of finish.
10.1.2: 24 hour races end at 8:00:00 am on Sunday. Competitors must start complete their final leg by 8:00:00 am for it to count in the race. Each team/solo's placing will be determined by the number of swim, bike and run (or bike and run) legs they have completed and the sequential order of finish.
10.2 Finish Order
10.2.1: 8 hour races - Finish order is determined by the number of completed legs plus time. For example a team finishing with 8 legs at 4:45 pm beats a team finishing with 8 legs at 4:56 pm. Teams/solo’s may complete the race any time before the official finish at 5:00:00 pm on Saturday. Teams and solo’s may choose to stop and rest at anytime during the event but must re-enter the course where they originally exited.
10.2.2: 24 hour races - Finish order is determined by the number of completed legs plus time. For example a team finishing with 26 legs at 7:45 am beats a team finishing with 26 legs at 7:56 am. Teams/solo’s may complete the race any time before the official finish at 8:00:00 am on Sunday. Teams and solo’s may choose to stop and rest at anytime during the event but must re-enter the course where they originally exited.
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