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RULES & POLICIES

Certification
The Banff Marathon is not currently an officially certified distance course however the distance of the event will be accurate. 
Official distance certification is being explored presently.

Registration Policy
Please see Registration Policy

Conditions Of Entry

Release Waiver, Indemnity and Conditions of Entry

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

I, the applicant (also referred to hereafter as the "participant"), understand that for the purposes of this Waiver, the "Event" is defined as all activities related to the Banff Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km and Virtual running events including but not limited to the primary sporting activity, other associated sporting activities, associated training camps, socials, clinics, kid’s run, expos and gatherings organized by Banff Marathon Inc. (hereafter referred to as the "Event Organizer").  I understand and accept that these activities have foreseeable and unforeseeable inherent risks, hazards and dangers that no amount of care, caution or expertise can eliminate, including without limitation, the potential for serious bodily injury, sickness, disease, contagion including but not limited to COVID-19, permanent disability, paralysis and loss of life. I, the applicant, on behalf of myself, members of my family, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, hereby forever release, discharge and hold harmless the Event Organizer, Pinnacle Fitness Inc.,  Banff Road Race Inc., Athletics Alberta, Banff National Park, Town of Banff its representatives and agents including without limitation, Event sponsors, Event directors, Event contractors, Event producers, municipal, provincial, federal governing agencies, park governing agencies, volunteers, all venues in which Events or segments of Events are held, and all other entities associated or involved in the organization or staging of the Event including the officers, directors, employees, heirs, assigns, representatives and agents of any of the above, from all claims or liabilities for death, personal injury, property damage, theft or damages of any kind, howsoever incurred, which arise out of or relate to my participation in, or my traveling to and from, or in any way connected to, the Event and activities and notwithstanding that the same may have been contributed to or occasioned by the negligence of these stated parties. I agree not to bring any claim against the persons or entities mentioned above for any of the claims or liabilities that I have waived, released or discharged herein; and I indemnify and hold harmless the persons or entities mentioned above from any claims made or liabilities assessed against them as a result of my actions during and participation in this Event. I, the applicant, agree to all Event conditions, any instructions given to you by the Event Organizers and officials of the Event, and the following Conditions of Entry:

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
 

1. ENTRY

1.1 The participant is aware and agrees to the Registration Policy as described on the Event registration form and on the event website.

1.2 All participants must show picture ID and if applicable, their Athletics Alberta or IAAF membership card at check-in.

1.3 Participants in the Event are subject to the Athletics Alberta competition rules and the rules of the IAAF and Athletics Canada. If the participant is using a wheelchair, the participant will also be subject to the rules of the IPC. If there is any conflict between these rules and the Agreement, the Agreement shall apply to the extent of the conflict.

1.4 Participants may be subject to unannounced drug testing as provided for by Athletics Canada and the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.

 

2. EVENT SAFETY

2.1 At all times during the Event the participant must adhere to all instructions given by the Event officials.

2.2 Participation in the Event is personal to the participant that registers for the Event; the participant is strictly prohibited from swapping, selling or transferring or offering to sell, swap or transfer the place in the Event or allowing any other person to wear the Event number. Any breach of this Condition shall render the entry void. If the participant is found to be in breach of this Condition the Event Organizers reserve the right to exclude the participant from participation in future Events

2.3 Due to the unique nature of the route in Banff National Park (which is comprised of a combination of paved roads, paved and dirt trails, narrow sections, sharp turns and some curbs), participants are not permitted to use the following items in the Event:

2.3.1 any wheeled device including wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles, inline skates, etc;

2.3.2 any artificial aid;

2.3.3 any pets or animals; or

2.3.4 headphones: Due to the event taking place in a National Park and the need for participants to be able to hear clear instructions from officials with regards to wildlife and other matters, the Event prohibits the use of these devices for the participant's safety and the safety of those around them. Over the ear/on the ear headphones are strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.  For earbud use, there is no risk of disqualification for simple use provided only one earbud is used, however, if a participant puts themselves or other participants at risk, directly or indirectly through the use of these items, the Event Organizers reserve the right to disqualify the participant.

2.3.5 any other item that could potentially inhibit the flow or safety of other participants or which the Event officials deem may cause danger or risk of danger to the participant or other participants.

2.3.6 anyone or anything that can provide a form of pacing for elite participants

2.4 The participant warrants to the Event Organizers that on the day of the Event, the participant will be sufficiently fit and healthy to participate in the Event unaided and in accordance with the Conditions of Entry. The participant acknowledges that a marathon event is an extreme test of a person's physical and mental limits and carries with it the potential for death, serious injury, and property loss. The participant assumes those risks, and agrees to participate in the Event entirely at their own risk. The participant certifies that they are physically fit, have sufficiently trained for participation in this Event, have taken all precautions which are necessary and prudent for safe participation, and have not been advised against participation by a qualified health professional.

 

3. REMOVAL FROM EVENT

3.1 The Event Organizers reserve the right to refuse any entry to the Event or to ask the participant to cease participation if:

3.1.1 the participant fails to follow instructions given by Event officials;

3.1.2 the participant attempts to participate in the Event in a manner that the Event Organizers and/or Event officials believe:

(a) may cause injury to the participant or another participant;

(b) may damage or harm the environment including littering at any point on the course by not using designated waste bins;

(c) is likely to cause offence; or

(d) otherwise causes a risk or potential risk to health and safety including any failure, in whole or in part, to comply with the restrictions in Condition 2;

3.1.3 the participant is unfit to participate in the Event due to:

(a) the consumption or use of alcohol or drugs;

(b) an injury or illness; or

3.1.4 the participant fails to arrive at the start location at the specified time; or

3.1.5 the participant is unable to make sufficient progress in the Event that will allow them to complete the event in line with timelines set by the Event Organizers. The Event has a course time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes. There will be certain cut-off times along the course based on this time at which time the course will re-open to vehicular traffic and participants may be asked to cease their participation in the Event. Participants must maintain a minimum 15-minute per mile pace (approximately) and complete the full marathon distance-start line to finish line-within the event time requirement. There is no Walking division in the Event. Those who finish outside of the time limit will not be recorded as official finishers and may not receive full on-course support from Aid Stations and traffic personnel.

3.2 If, in accordance with Condition 3.1, if the participant is refused entry to the Event or is asked to cease participation in the Event, the participant must remove their electronic chip and return it to an Event official.

 

4. WITHDRAWING FROM THE EVENT

4.1 If in advance of the Event, the participant plans not to participate in the Event for any reason, they should inform the Event Organizers as soon as possible (no refunds are available).

4.2 If the participant decides to withdraw during the Event, they participant should inform an official of the decision immediately and submit their timing chip so the Event Organizers can account for all of the participants.

 

5. CANCELLATION

5.1 The Event may be cancelled if circumstances beyond reasonable control arise, including, without limitation, war, civil or political unrest, terrorism, inclement weather conditions, natural disasters, forest fires, flooding, pandemics, wildlife interaction or acts of God.  No refunds will be issued in the aforementioned scenarios unless otherwise stated in the Event Registration and Cancellation Polices or in “Unique Cancellation or Postponement Conditions” (Section #12). Due to the unique character of Banff National Park, a wildlife interaction could occur on the race route. In such cases, the Event Organizers reserve the right to cancel or enact other measures deemed necessary as per the Event Wildlife Interaction Response Plan. No refunds will be issued in this scenario unless otherwise stated in the Event Registration and Cancellation Polices.

5.2 If the Event was to be cancelled due to circumstances within the control of the Event Organizers, for example not receiving the proper permits and permissions from governing bodies, low registration numbers, etc, the participant will receive a full refund less the on-line processing fee.

5.3 In the event of cancellation, the Event Organizers will have no responsibility for any costs incurred by a participant as a result of cancellation including any travel or accommodation costs.

 

6. DATA PROTECTION

6.1 For the purposes of this Condition 6, personal information includes medical data collected for health and safety purposes ("Personal Information").

6.2 The participants agrees that the Personal Information relating to them can be stored, used by the Event Organizers and its partners in connection with the organization, staging and administration of the Event.

6.3 Medical information may also be used to allow medical assistance to be given to the participant.

6.4 The participant agrees that the Personal Information relating to them may be used by the Event Organizers and the Event partners (under anonymity) in connection with the compilation of statistical information.

6.5 The participant agrees that their name, image and contact details can be used by the Event Organizers and Event partners for the purposes of:

6.5.1 the promotion and marketing of the Event;

6.5.2 adding the participant to a mailing list to keep the participant informed about any future events and services such as leisure activities relating to either similar types of events or activities;

6.5.3 promotional and marketing material in respect of similar events, other community based activities organized by the Event Partners, (together the "Marketing Information").

6.6 If the participant would not like the Event Organizers or Event partners to use the Marketing Information or Personal Information other than for purposes related to your participation in the Event, please e-mail the Event Organizers with this request.

 

7. CHANGES TO THE EVENT

7.1 The Event Organizers reserve the right to change the course, or make any other amendment to the Event that is deemed necessary to stage the Event. This could include but is not limited to; changing the race route, delaying the race, stopping participants on the course until the situation is deemed appropriate to continue, altering the distance of the route, canceling or other measures deemed necessary as per the Event Wildlife Interaction Response Plan. Any change to the Event will be communicated to the participant at the Event or sooner if possible.

7.2 Should the course be changed no refunds will be issued.

 

8. USE OF IMAGE

8.1 The Event Organizers will have full permission and licence to any and all photographs, motion pictures, videotapes, recordings or any other record of the participant in this Event for any purpose including commercial use, for no cost or charge. The participant's email address and contact information will be shared with the Official Event Photographer.

 

9. LIABILITY

9.1 In no circumstance shall the Event Organizers be liable to the participant, whether for breach of contract, any tortious act or omission (including negligence) or otherwise, under or in connection with the Agreement for any:

9.1.1 loss or damage;

9.1.2 loss of profit;

9.1.3 loss of reputation;

9.1.4 loss of business, revenue or goodwill;

9.1.5 loss of anticipated savings;

9.1.6 pledges made on the participant's behalf or by the participant to a charity; or

9.1.7 consequential or indirect loss, regardless of whether the loss or damage: (a) would arise in the ordinary course of events; (b) is reasonably foreseeable; or (c) is in the contemplation of the parties, or otherwise.

 

10. GENERAL

10.1 If there is a conflict or inconsistency between any provision contained in the body of the "RELEASE WAIVER, INDEMNITY AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY" and any provision contained on the Event website or other locations, except where provided to the contrary in the latter, the "RELEASE WAIVER, INDEMNITY AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY" will prevail to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.

10.2 The Agreement shall be governed by Alberta law, and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Alberta courts.

10.3 If any provision of the Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity of the remainder shall not be affected.

10.4 The Agreement does not create, confer or purport to confer any benefit or right enforceable by any person not party to it.

 

11. VIRTUAL RACE EVENT

11. 1 If the Event is deemed a “Virtual Event” by the Event Organizers, and/or the participant is participating in the Virtual Run Category, the participant will adhere to the following rules:

11.1.1. To comply with all rules and regulations of the Event, and all laws, rules, regulations, policies and guidelines issued by relevant Public Health Authorities concerning matters of health and safety and specifically as they relate to COVID-19.

11.1.2. That there is no specific route that must be covered.

11.1.3. That there is no designated start or finish site for this Event.

11.1.4. To choose a route and time to avoid congestion.

11.1.5. To review their route before running.

11.1.6. That no medical services will be provided to any participants

11.1.7. That no support services, namely hydration/electrolyte replacement/energy supplements and artificial cooling methods (sponges) will be provided in any fashion and the route will be planned accordingly so there is access to this support.

11.1.8. To be responsible for continuously monitoring and maintaining their exertion at a safe level during the Event.

11.1.9. To hydrate and fuel sufficiently prior to the Event and regularly during the Event.

11.1.10. To abide by the physical activity and ‘social distancing’ guidelines set forth by local health authorities during all phases of participation in the Event.

11.1.11. That if participating outside, they will be respectful of non-participants and use care and generally accepted running/walking guidelines on sidewalks, roadways, trails, tracks etc.

11.1.12. To carry a cell phone or other personal communication device during participation in the Event.

11.1.13. To not wear headphones during the Event.

11.1.14. To complete the event based on personal preference and capability (pace, cadence, aerobic threshold).

11.1.15. That no prizes will be awarded post event based on results

 

12. UNIQUE CANCELLATION OR POSTPONEMENT CONDITIONS

12.1. All entries are Non-Refundable, Non-Transferable to another person, and Non-Deferrable to a future event unless otherwise stated in the following 2024 Banff Marathon COVID-19 policies:

12.1.1 If the event cannot take place in 2024 due to COVID-19 or other such pandemic, the participant will have the following options:

1. Free entry in the 2024 Virtual Event OR:

2. Free entry deferral to the 2025 event

12.1.2. If the event is postponed to a future date in 2024, the participant will have the following options:

1. Free entry in the newly scheduled 2024 event date OR;

2. Free entry in the 2024 Virtual Run

12.1.3. If the participant is from outside of Canada, and does not have an option to travel to Canada as per an order in place by the Canadian federal government due to COVID-19 (ie. all citizens of the participant's country are not permitted to travel to Canada), the participant will have the following options:

1. Free entry in the 2024Virtual Event OR;

2. Free entry deferral to the 2025 event OR;

3. A Full Refund (less registration company processing fee)

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