Smartwatches are NOT permitted during the race. IOF Committee stated the following:
As IRF rule B7(b) say: Carrying of other navigational aids, including GPS devices, mobile phones, computer devices of any type, pedometers and altimeters on the course is prohibited.
So, the use of GPS and Smart Watches during the World Rogaining Championships is Prohibited. All watches with GPS, tracking, altitude capabilities MUST be placed in a sealed bag by the organizers. The same process as the use of a cellphones. For example Garmin watches with Adventure Race mode still have the Altitude capability, this function is not allowed, so the watch must be carried in a sealed bag.
Only watches with basic functionality of Time and Stopwatch are allowed.