EVENT WAIVER


Christchurch Marathon (including Half Marathon, 10KM, and Kids Events)

Christchurch, New Zealand

INTRODUCTION

Please carefully review this waiver (“Agreement") before agreeing and entering the event. 

By completing the online registration, you confirm your acceptance of this Agreement. This applies to every participant, and if the participant is under 18 years old, their parent or legal guardian must also agree. 

Participation in the Event signifies acceptance of the terms & conditions, race rules and policies listed on the Event website (https://www.christchurchmarathon.co.nz/) and within the registration process. 

In return for the services provided by the Christchurch Marathon organizers ("Event"), I agree to the following terms:

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS

Participation in the Christchurch Marathon and associated activities comes with inherent risks. 

Activities include but are not limited to: venue activities, warm-up, competitive running and walking, use of facilities ("activities"). These activities carry risks that could result in injury, damage, death, or other losses to participants or others. By entering, I accept these risks (and permit my minor child to participate, if applicable).

Inherent risks encompass, but are not limited to:

Physical Activity Risks: Events demand extensive use of muscles and joints, requiring fitness and endurance, and pushing physical boundaries.

Environmental Risks: Participants may encounter unpredictable and severe weather conditions, such as sudden temperature changes, sun exposure, dehydration, and natural hazards.

Conduct & Decision Making Risks: Errors in judgment by event staff, volunteers, or participants, including misjudging abilities, health, or physical condition, and errors in instructions, medical care, weather assessment, or route planning.

Running-Specific Risks: Risks include falls, collisions with objects (vehicles, bicycles) or people (participants, volunteers, spectators), tripping, or encountering other hazards on roads or trails.

Health Risks: Potential exposure to communicable diseases (e.g., COVID-19) and complications from pre-existing, undisclosed, or unknown health conditions.

Location Risks: Remote locations may hinder communication, transportation, evacuation, or medical care.

Surface Risks: Uneven surfaces, ruts, holes, rocks, and other hazardous conditions may be present.

Supervision Risks: Limited supervision means participants are responsible for their safety, including during unsupervised times.

Behavioral Risks: Potential for negligent or intentional acts by participants, volunteers, or third parties, including criminal acts or terrorism.

Weather Risks: Adverse conditions such as storms, lightning, high winds, rain, hail, and extreme temperatures can significantly impact safety.

These risks, among others, can lead to severe injury, damage, death, or other losses.

I understand and agree to the following:

I (and my child, if applicable) will review all materials received, accurately complete and agree to the registration information, documents, and process, and comply with all rules and policies. Failure to comply with these may result in disqualification from the Event.

I will adhere to all health and safety measures, as outlined by the Event.

My (or my child’s) participation is contingent upon the Event’s receipt and review of all required forms and information.

Before participating, I will immediately notify the Event or Event officials if I believe any part of the course, facilities, or equipment is unsafe.

I am (or my child is) physically fit and capable of participating without causing harm to myself or others. It is my responsibility, in conjunction with medical advisors, to determine whether these activities are appropriate for me (or my child).

The Event contracts with independent contractors for some Event services and is not responsible for their conduct. Activities may take place on premises not owned or controlled by the Event, who is not liable for conditions at these locations.

I (and my child, if applicable) will respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every individual at the Event, including participants, volunteers, and spectators. Discriminatory or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

I will follow the Event’s withdrawal and transfer policies as outlined on the Event website.

The information provided in this Agreement is not exhaustive, and other unknown or unanticipated activities, risks, and outcomes may exist. I can consult Event representatives if I have questions about the activities or associated risks.

I (and my child, if applicable) voluntarily participate, acknowledging the inherent risks involved.

RELEASE AND INDEMNITy

As permitted by law, I agree to:

Waive and not pursue legal action against the Event, event sponsors, organizers, officials, staff, volunteers, property owners, and all associated entities ("Released Parties") for any claims related to injury, damage, death, or other losses arising from my (or my child’s) participation. This waiver includes claims due to the negligence of the Released Parties, whether passive or active.

Defend and indemnify the Released Parties from any claims made by me, my child, or third parties for injury, damage, death, or other losses related to my (or my child’s) participation, including covering legal fees and costs incurred by the Released Parties.

For minor participants, the parent/legal guardian agrees to waive and release any claims for personal injury or property damage resulting from inherent risks.

OTHER PROVISIONS

I acknowledge and agree that:

Any disputes arising from this Agreement will be governed by New Zealand law and resolved through binding arbitration in Christchurch, as the final remedy. Arbitration will be conducted under the Arbitration Act 1996, or any amendments.

As a legal guardian, I confirm my authority to act on behalf of the participant. If this status is contested or invalidated, I will release, defend, and indemnify the Released Parties as if I were the lawful guardian.

This Agreement takes precedence over any other contracts or forms related to these activities.

I am responsible for my personal belongings, and the Event is not liable for their loss. If I entrust the Event with personal property, I waive rights to it and consent to its disposal if necessary.

I will not use the Event’s intellectual property, including logos, names, or other branding, without prior written consent from the Event.

Race bibs and timing chips, must be collected in person with photo ID at designated times. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

The Event may obtain emergency medical care for me/my child. I consent to the release of necessary medical information for treatment, referral, billing, or other purposes.

The Event reserves the right to dismiss participants for safety or rule violations without refunds.

In a Force Majeure event (e.g., severe weather, natural disasters), the Event may alter, delay, or cancel the Event without refunds. Entries may be deferred to rescheduled Events or the following year.

I grant the Event and its affiliates the right to use my (or my child’s) image, name, and biographical information for promotional purposes without compensation.

Personal information will be handled according to the Christchurch Marathon Privacy Policy. I consent to communications related to the Event and can opt-out of marketing materials at any time.

If I am agreeing to this as the Natural Guardian of a Minor I will review this form thoroughly. By agreeing electronically, I consent to my child engaging in potentially dangerous activities and waive the right to sue for injuries or death resulting from these risks. To the extent allowed by law, I agree to indemnify the Released Parties for any legal fees incurred in defending claims brought by or on behalf of my child.

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

By entering the event, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to this Waiver and its terms.