EVENT TERMS & CONDITIONS - Northstowe Half Marathon 2025

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE NORTHSTOWE HALF MARATHON 2025 & RED BALLOON 5K (“EVENT”)

The Northstowe Half Marathon 2025 & Red Balloon 5K is organised and administered by The Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd (Co. No.13143736 registered in England and Wales) whose registered office is at 71-75 Shelton Street, London, WC2H 9JQ (“we” or “us” which expression includes our employees, event officials, authorised agents, sub-contractors or volunteers)

REQUIREMENTS
1. Only people properly registered in accordance with these terms and conditions are eligible to take part in the Event (“Participant(s)”).
2. Participants must be at least at the minimum age required stated below as of 27th April 2025 (“Event Date”)
  1. 11 years old for the 5k race
  2. 17 years old for the Half Marathon
3. Participants under 18 on the Event Date must be registered by a parent, legal guardian or carer on their behalf. Parents, legal guardians or carers registering on behalf of a Participant shall be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions on the Participant’s behalf and further agree to take full responsibility for such Participant on the Event Date.
ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS
1. The Event organiser is Northstowe Running Festival Events Limited (company number 13143736) whose registered address is 71-75 Shelton Street, London, WC2H 9JQ (“Organiser”).
2. The Participant shall be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions and to have entered into a legally binding contract with the Organiser when they accept the terms and conditions of participation by clicking the relevant field in the online registration form (“Online Entry Form”).
INJURIES AND PERSONAL HEALTH AND FITNESS
1. By signing up to take part in this event you accept complete responsibility for any injury or accident which may occur while you are travelling to or from the event, during the event, or while on the premises of the event save to the extent any injury or accident is caused by our negligence. You understand that participating in this event is potentially hazardous, and you should not enter and participate unless you are medically able and properly trained. We recommend that you consult your doctor before undertaking training for this event. It is your responsibility to make sure you are medically fit and capable of running. We reserve the right, in our absolute discretion, to stop any runner from taking part if we deem him or her unfit to run, including mid-race removal from the course where necessary.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
1. By entering this event, you are confirming that should you require any medical treatments during your attendance at the event, whether before, during or after the actual run, they may be administered by the events’ official medically qualified personnel.
2. An entrant shall be deemed to have made him/herself/their self, familiar with, and agreed to be bound by the UKA Anti-Doping Rules and to submit to the authority of UK Anti-Doping in the application and enforcement of the Anti-doping Rules. The UKA Anti-Doping Rules apply to entrants participating in the sport of Athletics, for 12 months from the [date of entry], whether or not the licence holder is a citizen of, or resident in, the UK.
ENTRY
1. You must not under any circumstances give your race number to anyone else. Amongst other potential problems, doing so may cause problems of identification for the event medical services in the case of an accident or injury. Any attempt to do so will result in immediate disqualification of the individual(s) concerned and ejection from future events.
CANCELLATIONS AND TRANSFERS
1. You can withdraw until 5 weeks before the event to receive a partial refund. You will receive your entry fee, minus a £10 cancellation fee. After this date, there can be no refunds. If you need to withdraw please email info@northstowehalf.co.uk as all withdrawals must be made in writing.
2. Alternatively, you may, by contacting us in writing, transfer your entry to another runner you arranged. Any such transfer will be made by us re-registering the entry in the name of the alternative runner who will be required to accept the terms and conditions of entry before the transfer is completed. Transfers are not possible unless we receive your written request before 5 pm on the 17th of April 2025. Please email the request to info@northstowehalf.co.uk.
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE EVENT
1. You are entirely responsible for all travel to and from the event and we will not be liable if you miss the start of the event as a result of any transportation delays. In these circumstances, you must allow plenty of time to make sure that you arrive to be entirely ready to run when the event starts.
CANCELLATION AND ALTERATIONS TO THE EVENT
1. We reserve the right, in our absolute discretion, to cancel, delay, alter or shorten the course, or postpone the event due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances outside of our reasonable control. In such cases, we will endeavour to inform participants as quickly as possible.
2. Where the event has to be cancelled, delayed, altered or postponed due to circumstances outside of our reasonable control (including for the avoidance of doubt due to adverse weather conditions or as a result of instructions from the emergency services or local authority) participant will not be entitled to any refund of:
  1. The entry fee;
  2. Any Registration Platform processing fees;
  3. Any other losses, such as travel or accommodation expenses.
3. The Organiser reserves the right to change the date of the Event and if the Participant is unable to attend on the revised date, they have 7 days to inform the Organiser in writing from when the change in date is announced to receive a refund of their entry fee (excluding Registration Platform processing fees). We shall not be liable for any inconvenience, expenses, costs, losses or damages suffered by participants.
4. Where the event has to be cancelled, delayed, altered or postponed due to circumstances that were within our reasonable control, our entire liability in respect of any inconvenience, expenses, costs, losses or damages suffered by you, as a result, will be limited to the entry price you have paid to take part in the event.
5. Participants will receive the following refund options:
  1. Transfer entry to one of the Virtual Races;
  2. Defer entry to the next year’s event;
  3. Refund of 30% of the entry fee (excluding Registration Platform processing fees);
ANIMALS
1. Animals will not be permitted on the Northstowe Half Marathon & Acorn 5K course. We are unable to allow guide dogs on the course but can offer a free place to guide runners.
BIKES, STILTS, ROLLER SKATES, SKATEBOARDS, BUGGIES, ETC.
1. Participants are not permitted to use any of the above or similar in the Half Marathon or 5K race, and those attempting to do so will be prohibited from starting and may be forcibly removed from the course, including mid-race where necessary. Likewise, anyone attempting to start or join the race in any outfit that we, in our absolute discretion, deem unsuitable and/or dangerous to other competitors or spectators, will not be allowed to start the event or, if on the course, may be forcibly removed from the event.
WHEELCHAIR PARTICIPANTS
1. Non-racing wheelchair users are welcome to take part in the 5K race. We do not recommend taking part in the Northstowe Half Marathon due to the nature of the course. If you wish to enter in a non-racing wheelchair, you will start at the rear of the wave for carefully considered health & safety reasons associated with the course terrain and density of runners in sections of the race. Please contact us at info@northstowehalf.co.uk if you have any questions or require further assistance.
PARTICIPANT OBLIGATIONS
1. As a continuing condition of entry into, and participation in, the Event each Participant shall ensure that:
  1. they do not start earlier than the official start time on the day of the Event;
  2. they do not use a mobile phone whilst participating;
  3. they do not use a music player with headphones whilst participating, save for bone-conducting headphones which are permitted;
  4. they display the official Event number provided in the manner indicated in the Event information, ensuring they do not fold or deface the event numbers;
  5. they do not deviate from the official signed route of the Event;
  6. they must comply with the UKA competition rules in force, available at https://www.uka.org.uk/competitions/rules/;
  7. they must comply with the reasonable instructions of the Organiser and all Event staff, stewards, marshals and medical/safety personnel.
2. Should Participants breach the Participant Obligations, the Organiser reserves the right to
  1. disqualify Participants from the Event, and
  2. exclude the Participant from participation in future events organised by the Organiser.
RACE EJECTION
1. We reserve the right, in our absolute discretion, to refuse to allow you to participate in the event either at the start or to continue participation at any point along the route of the event, should you be deemed to behave inappropriately or give cause for concern that your continued participation may cause offence or injury to yourself, any spectators or other competitors.
2. This includes the wearing of any clothing or visual messages that may cause offence. Failure to comply with any instruction from race officials and marshals will result in ejection from the race and may also result in you being reported to the police.
FINISHER ITEMS
1. Only those who finish one of the Event races will be entitled to a Finisher’s Medal and/or Finisher Items.
USE OF IMAGE
1. By taking part in the event you grant full and irrevocable permission to us, as organisers of the Events, and any third parties authorised by us to use any photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, website images, recordings or any other record of this event that may include your image.
COLLECTION AND USE OF INFORMATION
1. Your personal information will only be used by us and any appointed third parties for purposes in connection with the event and any subsequent events that we may organise or administer.
2. You will only be emailed as per the permissions that you have given within the registration form.
3. By entering the event you grant full and irrevocable permission for us to pass any medical details you have given us to the medical teams operating on the day of the event.
4. You agree that we may publish your Personal Information as part of the results of the Event and may pass such information to the governing body or any affiliated organisation for the purpose of insurance, licences or for publishing results either for the event alone or combined with or compared to other events. Results may include (but not be limited to) name, any club affiliation, race times and age category
RACE INFORMATION
1. All necessary race information pertaining to the Event is published on www.northstowehalf.co.uk It will not be posted to you in hard copy format. However, we will provide regular newsletters about the Event and inform Participants when new race information is available via email or on www.northstowehalf.co.uk
2. Please note that details of the Event as published on the Online Entry Form, race information or FAQ’s are subject to change. Details of any alterations to the race information will be made available on www.northstowehalf.co.uk no later than 5 days prior to the Event date.
3. It is the responsibility of the Participant to ensure they have accessed the relevant information relating to the Event.
4. It is the Participant’s responsibility to make sure that their contact details, entered in the Registration Form, are correct. The Organiser cannot be held responsible for being unable to send information if the details are incorrect.
CHANGE OF POSTAL ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER(S)
1. If your postal address, email address or telephone number details change, then you must inform us as soon as possible by emailing: info@northstowehalf.co.uk. If this is not done, we cannot guarantee that you will receive all event communications.
LIABILITY
1. Participation in the Event is at the Participant’s own risk. The Participant irrevocably agrees to hold harmless, indemnify and reimburse the Organiser and its affiliates from and for any liability, sum, costs, damages or expenses (including legal and professional fees) incurred by the Organiser and its affiliates in connection with any accident, loss, damage or injury (including death) arising out of the Participant’s attendance at and participation in the Event or any part thereof (except where any such injury or death is caused by the negligence of the Organiser or any of its employees).
2. Under no circumstances shall the Organiser and its affiliates be liable to the Participant in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise for any loss of business, revenue or profits, charity funds, anticipated savings or wasted expenditure, or any indirect or consequential loss or damage whatsoever (notwithstanding that such loss was within the contemplation of the parties at the date of submitting the Online Entry Form) arising out of the Participant taking part in the Event or any other matter arising under these terms and conditions nor for an aggregate amount greater than the entry fee (excluding Registration Platform processing fees) paid by the Participant.
3. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude or limit the liability of the Organiser:
  1. for death or personal injury caused by the Organiser’s negligence;
  2. for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
  3. for any matter which it would be illegal for the Organiser to exclude or attempt to exclude liability.
4. The Organiser will not be liable for any actions of any spectators or other third parties.
5. Some of the food products given out on Event day may contain or have traces of nuts and nut oils or may have been made alongside other products containing nuts. It is the Participant’s responsibility to check ingredients in such products and the Organiser shall not be held liable for any damage or injury caused by this (unless caused by the Organiser’s negligence).
6. The Organiser will endeavour to provide an Event finish time for the Participant however it cannot be held responsible for any computer result anomalies or any technical malfunctions.
ADVERTISING
1. Only the official sponsors and event partners have the right to advertise their brand, product or service at the event at the level previously agreed with the Event Organiser.
2. No such form of advertisement can take place at the event without prior deemed consent from the Event Organiser and the Landowner.
3. All advertisements must comply with the current government guidelines and regulations.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. These terms and conditions (and the documents referred to in them) constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and supersede any previous agreement between the parties relating to the Event. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that in submitting the Online Entry Form (and the documents referred to in it) they do not rely on, and shall have no remedy in respect of, any statement, representation, warranty, understanding, promise or assurance (whether negligently or innocently made) of any person) other than as expressly set out herein.
2. If any provision of these terms and conditions is declared by any judicial or other competent authority to be void, voidable, illegal or otherwise unenforceable the provision shall be amended in such a reasonable manner or it may be severed from the terms and in either event, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
3. These terms and conditions are governed by English Law and the English Courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation hereto.

VIRTUAL RUNNING CHALLENGES

The Terms and Conditions detailed below apply to all entrants participating in all Virtual Challenge versions of these Events. Completion of an entry form or purchase of an entry by every participant acknowledges acceptance of these Terms and Conditions by the participant.

By entering the event the participant automatically accepts our terms and conditions.
The participant accepts that the event they are entering is not a race in any format.
The participant is fully responsible for their actions whilst completing the Virtual Running Challenge. Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd does not accept responsibility for the actions of the participant nor the consequences of such actions.
The events involve a level of sustained physical activity. Each participant, upon signing the registration form or purchasing a ticket, agrees that they are physically and mentally capable of completing the event.
Participants make the decision to take part and must be satisfied that this activity is suitable for them as individuals. Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd can not be held accountable for aggravation to illness or injury/illness sustained due to participation in this activity. Participants are recommended to seek advice from their medical practitioner prior to taking part in this event and make provisions to ensure their safe participation.
Participants specifically agree to obey all civil and criminal laws, including traffic laws and regulations.
The Event Registration Form or purchase of a ticket must be completed by a person aged 18 years or over. Evidence of age may be requested. Unless otherwise stated, participants under the age of 18 years will be allowed to participate in the event if they are 11 years old or over and have the consent of their parent or legal guardian who must sign the Event Registration Form or purchase a ticket on behalf of the underage participant. Signing or purchasing a ticket is also an acceptance for the actions and consequences of the underage runner. Under 16’s need to be accompanied at all times by an adult who is responsible for them.
Registering for an event indicates your consent for Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd to contact you with pre-event information and about relevant products or services and research via email, post, phone & SMS. You can opt-out at any time via the unsubscribe links within the emails sent.
Each participant will be fully responsible for any fees or costs incurred or arising from an accident either involving or caused by them. This includes, but is not exclusive to, fees from Police, Air Ambulance, Fire and Rescue and Ambulance services in and outside the United Kingdom.
Dogs must be physically fit and able to complete the distance entered. Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd advises that all dogs entered are checked by a veterinary professional prior to taking part in the event. It is the owner’s responsibility to monitor the welfare of their dog during the event.
Each participant agrees to assign and grant the right and permission for Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd to use and publish any photographs/film/video/electronic representations and/or sound recordings of the participant on any Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd activity. The participant hereby releases Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd from any and all liability from such use and promotion. The participant hereby authorises the reproduction, sale, copyright, exhibit, broadcast, electronic storage and/or distribution of said photographs/film/video tapes/electronic representations and/or sound recordings without limitation at the discretion of Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd. The participant specifically waives any right to any compensation they may have for appearing in any of the photographs/film/video/electronic representations and/or sound recordings of the participant at a Northstowe Festival of Running Event.
Event entry fees/deposits cannot be refunded or transferred under any circumstances.
Participation in the Virtual Running Challenge is at your own risk. Insurance cover is not provided by Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd, but Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd strongly recommends each participant organises their own personal insurance cover.
Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd reserves the right to update its terms and conditions at any time.
Entrants acknowledge that they will only receive a medal if they provide evidence of the completion of their challenge.
Medals are mailed to the address provided on registration via Royal mail 2nd class deliveries.
Entrants acknowledge that this is a virtual run and that Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd will not provide volunteers, marshals or medical personnel assistance to any entrant.
Entrants acknowledge that this is a virtual run and that they have sole choice of the route chosen whilst completing the Challenge. The organizer accepts no responsibility for the route or any dangers on it.
By agreeing to these terms and conditions, entrants indemnify Northstowe Running Festival Events Ltd from all claims connected with their participation. Entrants indemnify the event organiser, sponsors, volunteers, and employees involved in this event directly or indirectly against all liability for any and all injury, loss or damage connected with the entrant’s participation.
Entrants accept that participation in this event is at their own risk and they accept that participating in this event may involve a real risk of injury or death.
Entrants acknowledge that the entry fee is for Entry in the virtual Challenge and not to ‘purchase’ the associated medal/goodies. The medal/goodies will only be awarded to participants completing the challenge and who submit their evidence.

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