DX Marathon Antenna Rules

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are now in the twilight period of our 2025–2026 DX Marathon scoring cycle. A significant amount of tabulation and verification work remains, and we still anticipate publishing final results around April 1 — nearly three months earlier than the Marathon has historically completed scoring.

From its inception, the DX Marathon has sought to create a true level playing field for all participants. Our class structure — from Unlimited to QRP — is designed to group operators with reasonably comparable operating conditions, including antenna systems. Antenna limitations are a fundamental part of defining each class.

We have several mechanisms in place to ensure compliance with the rules. This year, we have taken a particularly careful review of antenna disclosures submitted with entries.

Our submission form clearly requires a detailed description of antenna systems. The rule published on the DX Marathon website states:

Special Note on Antennas for Above Classes: It is a requirement that all questions on the submission form be answered with regard to antenna details. This includes type, height above ground, and wire lengths. If you are not certain whether your antenna fits within a class description, please contact the DX Marathon Program Administrator for a ruling. Limited, Formula (both classes), and QRP (both classes) entries without such detailed descriptions will be reclassified to the Unlimited Class.

The submission tool itself requires this information to be completed. There is a fill in form within the submission tool to clearly define your antenna system. This includes naming the antenna, if a yagi, the number of elements, the boom length, and the height above ground (street level). For a vertical, the height from the top of the vertical to the ground (street level) and for a long wire, the height of the highest point, and the length.

This year, we have reclassified a number of participants who did not strictly adhere to these antenna disclosure requirements. For Limited, Formula, and QRP entries, if antenna information is incomplete, unclear, or inconsistent with class requirements, the DX Marathon Scoring Team reserves the right to move the entry to the Unlimited Class — and we have exercised that authority where necessary.

We take these actions to protect the integrity of the program and to ensure fairness for the many participants who carefully follow the rules.

Looking ahead to 2026, we will be applying even closer scrutiny to antenna disclosures. If you claim a Limited, Formula, or QRP class entry, the burden of proof rests with you. Your antenna system must be clearly described on the submission form, and you may be asked to provide photographs or additional documentation. Failure to do so will result in reclassification to the Unlimited Class.

We appreciate your cooperation and your commitment to maintaining the high standards that make the DX Marathon a respected and competitive program worldwide.

Mark, WC3W

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