Canyon Sprinting

Canyon Sprinting or Canyon Running is an illegal racing sport involving multiple aircraft or spacecraft competing against one another flying at high speeds through valleys or canyons in the ground. The sport first appeared on Earth around 2077 and has been monitored. Since then, canyon sprinting has become an activity for daring space pilots on other worlds besides Earth. Bryony mentions she sprints for fun.

In the 2300s, sprinting is almost always done on airless worlds to avoid drag. Maximum speed attainable in canyon runs can be upwards of 900 meters per second.

Rules
There are many rules to follow whilst engaging in sprint.


 * If the race is done on populated worlds, the race will occur at night.
 * Spacecraft must be hovering at a standstill at a point above the valley they will run through before the race begins. When the race starts, pilots go down into the valley and cannot go above 0 meters HAGL. (height above ground level, with respect to the surrounding flatter ground the valley runs through)
 * Spacecraft cannot make contact with each other.
 * If law enforcement arrives mid-run, all pilots forfeit the race and should proceed to fly away. However, most pilots ignore this rule and attempt to complete the race whilst being chased by law enforcement.


 * If racing on an atmospheric world, ships are limited to 100 m/s under supersonic speed.
 * If a spacecraft is at risk of slamming into the side because of taking a turn bad, they can try and go above the wall of the canyon, however they must forfeit their spot and safely rejoin the race in last place.

Risks
Flying at high speeds close to the surface presents many risks.


 * The position of the Sun can cast shadows across the canyon making walls or obstacles hard to see.
 * Crashing into the side of the canyon at high speeds.
 * (in more uncommon or unknown canyons, which aren't scouted beforehand) Ships at speed might not be able to react and turn in time if a surprise corner comes up.