Safety

Taking part in this event includes taking on risks. However with proper preparation and care these risks can be minimised so that you have a fun and safe event experience.

WHITIANGA RUNFEST RULES

Whitianga RunFest Participation Rules

1. I have read and understand the information regarding this event and understand that I participate in this event at my own risk.
2. I acknowledge and accept that this event involves an inherent risk of injury, illness and in extreme cases, death.
3. I hereby attest and verify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for this event.
4. I understand that competing in this event may involve running and walking in urban areas, roads and on off road trails. The hazards may include but are not limited to; challenging terrain, rocks, roots, streams, cliffs, steep banks, geothermal activity, motor vehicle traffic, slippery surfaces, loose rocks, soft sand, weather conditions, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, actions of spectators, other competitors, general public and the event organisers personnel.
5. I will be drug and alcohol free for this event.
6. I acknowledge that although the event has medical personnel and resources at various points along the course, the inaccessibility of much of the trail will make it difficult or impossible for medical assistance to reach me immediately and extractions may also take a period of time.
7. I agree to allow event medical staff to treat me as they see fit.
8. I will stay on the marked course at all times, unless instructed by event staff.
9. I will obey all course marking.
10. If race management indicate that compulsory gear is needed, I will wear or take the compulsory safety equipment required by the event.
11. My support crew and I will obey the instructions given by event staff.
12. I accept that I may be pulled from the course at any time with the discretion of event staff primarily for, but not limited to, safety reasons.
13. I will complete the entire course under my own power.
14. I will not light any fires.
15. I will be respectful of other trail users such as recreational walkers and mountain bikers.
16. I will not litter.
17. Smoking is not permitted at any of the checkpoints or along the trail by participants, staff, spectators or supporters.
18. If I wish to withdraw from the event, I will either inform the nearest event staff, or text the Race Communications Manager (see rear of race number for phone numbers).
19. If I need assistance, I will ask a staff member or call the Race Communications Manager (see rear of race number for phone numbers). If none of these options work and I have cell phone coverage and it is a true emergency, I will call NZ emergency services by dialling 111.
20. Participants who leave the course/event without informing staff of their race number will be classified as “missing”. The participant will be contacted on their mobile phone and their emergency contact will be called. If there is no response from either party or the emergency contact does not know the status of the runner, a search will be activated.
21. I hereby allowing aerial filming of myself, including use of drones, as part of this event.
22. I hereby allow the use of my name and image to be used in the media and for marketing purposes.
23. I understand that my contact details will be added to the Element Events NZ database, and that I will receive emails directly from Element Events NZ. I understand that Element Events will not distribute this database for any reason and that I can unsubscribe from this database at any time.
24. I accept that the event may be run on an alternative course if the planned courses are not able to be used on race day.
25. I accept that the refund policies, as stated on the official event website at the time I entered, are not negotiable. I understand that the Organisers may have to cancel or postpone the event and consequently my entry fee may be partly refunded, not refunded or transferred to a new event date.
26. I agree to comply with any Covid-19 requirements that may be imposed by the Government.
27. I hereby acknowledge this waiver, agreement, release and indemnity discharges all persons, corporations, associations and bodies involved or otherwise engaged in promoting or staging the event and their servants, agents, representatives, officers and employees from loss, injury or damage to my person or property.

Known Event Hazards may include:

• Bridges/ steps/ barriers / board walks
• Cliffs/ banks
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Flooding
• Ferry crossing
• Getting lost
• Heat stroke / Hyperthermia
• Hyponatremia
• Low light conditions
• Medical problems
• People – Other trail users
• Poor fitness
• Renal shutdown
• Steep slopes
• Vegetation spikes, prickles, sharp leaf edges
• Vehicles/ public roads / competitors/ spectators hit by traffic

Emergency plans

During the event, an emergency could take place such as a fire, Tsunami, earthquake or similar.

If an emergency does occur, follow all instructions from staff who may hold you at certain locations or lead you to safety.

What to do if you are injured / ill or just cannot continue to run/walk:

1. Stay calm.
2. Contact one of the two phone numbers on your race bib. Or;
3. Stop the next runner going past you and ask for help.
4. Apply first aid to yourself if required.
5. Put on warm clothing if you are cold.
6. Wait for assistance. We have event staff and medics who will get to you as soon as they can.

What to do if you are lost.

1. Stop.
2. Think, can you retrace your steps to the last known track marker? If yes then do so.
3. If you cannot retrace your steps then stay where you are.
4. Contact one of the two phone numbers on your race bib. Or;
5. Put on warm clothing if you are cold.
6. Wait for assistance. We have event staff and medics who will get to you as soon as they can.