Event participation terms

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Your attention is drawn to clauses rendered in bold capitals in these Event Participation Terms and Conditions. What follows is a summary for convenience only. Participants remain bound by the full Event Participation Terms and Conditions, the General Terms, applicable Event Rules, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and official Event communications issued by the Organisers.

By entering and participating in the Nelson Mandela Marathon and/or any Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series Event, participants acknowledge and agree that:

participation in the Event is entirely at the participant’s own risk (clauses 6 and 12);
endurance running events may involve inherent risks including injury, illness and death (clauses 6 and 12);
participants are required to comply with all Event Rules, federation rules and official instructions (clauses 5);
the Organisers may remove, disqualify or sanction participants who fail to comply with Event Rules or whose conduct undermines the safety, integrity or values of the Event (clauses 4 and 5);
photographs, video footage and related media content may be captured and used by the Organisers (clauses 9);
participants may be subject to anti-doping rules and testing requirements (clauses 7);
the Event may be amended, postponed, rerouted, suspended or cancelled due to operational, safety or force majeure circumstances (clauses 11);
participation is additionally subject to the General Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy available on the official Website (clauses 1 and 10).

INTRODUCTION

The Nelson Mandela Marathon is more than a sporting event. It is a global movement inspired by the enduring values associated with Nelson Mandela, including dignity, unity, courage, justice and shared humanity.
These Event Participation Terms and Conditions govern participation in the Nelson Mandela Marathon and any associated Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series events, races and related Event activities.
By entering, attending or participating in the Event, each participant agrees to be bound by:

- these Event Participation Terms and Conditions;

- the applicable Event Rules;

- the General Terms;

- the Privacy Policy;

- the Cookie Policy;

- and any official instructions issued by the Organisers.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of these Terms and Conditions:

“Event” means the Nelson Mandela Marathon and any associated Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series race, activation, programme or Event activity.
“Organisers” means Golazo South Africa (Pty) Ltd and/or any affiliated Golazo entity, authorised event organiser, partner or service provider involved in the organisation and delivery of the Event.
“Participant” means any individual who enters, attends or participates in the Event.
“Event Rules” means all race rules, technical instructions, athlete guides, participation requirements and operational protocols applicable to the Event.
“Website” means the official Nelson Mandela Marathon and/or the Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series website located at www.nelsonmandelamarathon.com, including any associated subdomains, mobile platforms, registration systems, digital platforms or such other URL as may be designated by the Organisers from time to time.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Participants must comply with the minimum age requirements applicable to each race category.
Participants under the age of 18 years may only participate with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. By registering for the Event, participants declare to have their parent’s or legal guardian’s consent to register for the Event.
The parent or legal guardian providing consent confirms that they are legally authorised to do so.
The parent or legal guardian are deemed to accept the risks associated with participation on behalf of the minor participant.
The parent or legal guardian agrees to indemnify the Organisers against claims arising from the minor’s participation to the maximum extent permitted by law.
The parent or legal guardian are deemed to have confirmed, by registration of their minor participating in the Event, that the minor participant is medically fit and capable of participating in the Event.
The Organisers reserve the right to verify the age and identity of participants.
Participants are responsible for ensuring that all information submitted during registration is accurate and up to date.
Participants may only participate using an officially approved entry obtained through authorised registration channels.
Communication regarding the Event may be conducted via email, SMS, WhatsApp, telephone or official social media platforms.

EVENT ETHOS, ACCESSIBILITY AND PARTICIPANT CONDUCT

Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the values and spirit of the Nelson Mandela Marathon.
The Event promotes dignity, inclusion, unity and respect for all participants, officials, volunteers, spectators and communities.
The Organisers are committed to promoting accessibility, inclusion and participation for all participants.
Reasonable accommodation measures may be implemented where operationally feasible.
Participants requiring accessibility support or special assistance are encouraged to engage with the Organisers in advance of the Event.
The following conduct is strictly prohibited:
- discrimination;
- hate speech;
- harassment;
- violence or intimidation;
- offensive or abusive behaviour;
- conduct that may bring the Event or the Nelson Mandela legacy into disrepute.
The Organisers reserve the right to remove, disqualify or ban any participant whose conduct violates these principles.

APPLICABLE FEDERATION, ATHLETICS AND EVENT RULES

The Event shall be organised and conducted, where applicable, under the rules, regulations, directives and technical requirements of:
- World Athletics;
- Athletics South Africa (ASA);
- Western Province Athletics (WPA);
- any applicable provincial athletics body;
- the relevant city and relevant local authorities;
- the Organisers’ Event Rules;
- and any other applicable law, permit condition, safety requirement or governing body directive.
In the event of any conflict between these Terms and Conditions and any mandatory rule, regulation or directive issued by World Athletics, ASA, WPA or any competent authority, the mandatory rule, regulation or directive shall prevail to the extent of the conflict.
Participants must comply with all applicable race rules, technical rules, age requirements, licensing requirements, category rules, anti-doping rules, safety rules, cut-off times and official instructions issued before, during or after the Event.
Participants must obey all race officials, referees, technical officials, marshals, medical personnel, security officers, traffic officers and other authorised representatives of the Organisers or relevant authorities at all times. Failure to comply may result in disqualification or removal from the Event.
Participants may only participate using their officially allocated race number, licence number, timing device and/or any other official identifier issued or approved for the Event.
Participants may not transfer, sell, exchange, copy or use another participant’s race number, licence number, timing device or entry except through an official substitution process approved by the Organisers.
Licensed athletes must comply with all applicable ASA, WPA and club licensing requirements, including the correct wearing of licence numbers, race numbers, club colours and age category tags where required.
Temporary licensed athletes must comply with all temporary licence requirements and may be required to wear the temporary licence and race number in the manner prescribed by the Organisers, ASA, WPA or relevant athletics body.
Participants competing for prizes, podium positions, team prizes, age category prizes or official results must comply with all applicable eligibility rules, including age category rules, licensing requirements, nationality or citizenship requirements where applicable, club colours requirements and anti-doping rules.
The Organisers reserve the right to request proof of age, identity, licensing status, club membership, category eligibility or any other information required to verify compliance with the Event Rules.
Participants must complete the race route within the official cut-off times. Participants who fail to reach designated points within the prescribed cut-off times may be removed from the route or prevented from continuing in the interests of safety and operational management.
The use of headphones, music players or audio devices may be restricted or prohibited in accordance with applicable race rules, safety requirements or instructions from the Organisers or technical officials.
Participants may not receive personal assistance, refreshments, pacing, equipment or support from non-authorised persons along the race route except where expressly permitted by the Event Rules or at official refreshment, medical or support stations.
Participants may not litter on the race route except within designated disposal areas.
Participants must comply with all anti-litter, recycling and environmental requirements communicated by the Organisers.
Participants must respect the communities, heritage sites, public spaces and environments through which the Event passes.
The Organisers may publish detailed Event Rules, athlete information guides, technical instructions, route information and race-day protocols on the Website or through official Event communication channels. Such rules and instructions shall form part of these Terms and Conditions.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Participants acknowledge that endurance running events involve inherent physical risks.
Participants acknowledge that the Event:
- involves large numbers of participants and spectators;
- takes place across public roads, heritage locations, urban environments and varied terrain;
- may involve changing environmental, weather, traffic and operational conditions; and
- includes inherent physical and operational risks.
Participants acknowledge that not all risks associated with an event of this nature can reasonably be eliminated.
PARTICIPANTS THEREFORE UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THAT THE POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATION MAY RANGE FROM MINOR INJURY TO SEVERE INJURY, PERMANENT DISABILITY, ILLNESS, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR DEATH.
Participants confirm that they are medically fit and sufficiently trained to participate.
Participants must immediately withdraw from participation should they feel unwell or unsafe.
Participants agree to comply with all health, safety and emergency protocols communicated by the Organisers.
The Organisers may refuse participation where a participant appears medically unfit or poses a risk to themselves or others.
Participants consent to receiving emergency medical treatment where necessary.
Participants authorise the Organisers, medical providers, paramedics, emergency personnel and hospitals to share relevant medical and emergency information where reasonably necessary for participant treatment, evacuation, safety or emergency response.
Participants consent to the Organisers contacting emergency contacts provided during registration where reasonably necessary.
Any medical or emergency evacuation costs incurred on behalf of a participant may be for the participant’s account unless otherwise covered by applicable insurance or medical schemes.

ANTI-DOPING

Participants competing in categories subject to anti-doping regulations shall comply with all applicable anti-doping rules issued by:
- World Athletics;
- Athletics South Africa;
- South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) or its successor bodies;
- and any other relevant anti-doping authority.
Participants may be subject to testing in accordance with applicable anti-doping regulations.
Refusal to comply with anti-doping requirements may result in disqualification and further sanctions imposed by relevant authorities.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND COMMERCIAL RIGHTS

All intellectual property rights relating to the Event, including trademarks, logos, branding, artwork, media content, designs, graphics and Event-related content shall remain the property of the Organisers and/or applicable rights holders.
Participants may not use the Event name, Event branding or associated intellectual property for commercial purposes without prior written consent.
No participant or third party may conduct:
- ambush marketing;
- unauthorised promotions;
- unauthorised vending;
- political campaigning; or
- unauthorised commercial activity at the Event.

MEDIA, IMAGE AND STORYTELLING RIGHTS

Participants acknowledge that photographs, audio recordings, video footage and other media content may be captured during:
- participation in the Event;
- official Event activities;
- media engagements;
- community activations;
- and activities reasonably associated with the Event.
Participants grant the Organisers the irrevocable right to use, reproduce, distribute, publish and broadcast such content, without being entitled to any compensation, for:
- promotional purposes;
- documentary and storytelling purposes;
- media coverage;
- historical archiving;
- social impact campaigns;
- future Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series events and related Golazo Group events;
- sponsor and partner activations connected to the Event.
Such use may occur globally and across all media platforms.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Participants expressly agree that the Organisers may collect, process, store and share personal information in accordance with the Privacy Policy.
Personal information may be processed for:
- participant registration;
- race administration;
- timing and results;
- safety and medical support;
- communications;
- marketing where consent has been provided;
- operational management;
- participation in the Nelson Mandela Marathon Global Running Series activities.

EVENT MODIFICATIONS, POSTPONEMENT, CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

The Organisers reserve the right to postpone, amend, reroute, suspend or cancel the Event where reasonably necessary for:
- safety;
- operational;
- regulatory;
- environmental;
- medical;
- security;
- or force majeure reasons.
The Organisers reserve the right to modify:
- race routes;
- distances;
- start times;
- venues;
- participation limits;
- race formats;
- operational procedures;
- and safety measures.
Participants acknowledge that not all circumstances affecting the Event are within the reasonable control of the Organisers.
The Organisers shall not be liable for any postponement, cancellation, suspension, amendment or disruption of the Event arising from circumstances beyond their reasonable control.
Such circumstances shall not automatically entitle the Participants to a refund of the registration fee or any other form of compensation.
In cases of force majeure, the Organisers may, within a reasonable time and depending on the circumstances, consider alternative remedies for participants, including the transfer or deferral of entries to a future edition of the Event or other events of the Organisers.
Any other costs incurred in connection with the Event, such as service and administration costs and other Event-related add-ons such as merchandise, apparel, training programs, and charitable donations, are not eligible for reimbursement, subject to applicable law.
Refunds, where approved, shall be processed subject to applicable banking, payment gateway and administrative requirements.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY

PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT IS ENTIRELY AT THE PARTICIPANT’S OWN RISK.
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE ORGANISERS, HOST CITIES, PARTNERS, SPONSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES, RIGHTS HOLDERS, CONTRACTORS, OFFICIALS, VOLUNTEERS AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, INJURY, ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, EXPENSE, COST OR LIABILITY OF WHATSOEVER NATURE SUFFERED BY A PARTICIPANT, THEIR ESTATE OR DEPENDANTS ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM:
- PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT;
- ATTENDANCE AT THE EVENT;
- USE OF EVENT FACILITIES OR AMENITIES;
- DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS;
- HUMAN OR MECHANICAL ERROR;
- SAFETY FAILURES;
- MEDICAL TREATMENT;
- OR ANY OTHER CAUSE WHATSOEVER.
Participants indemnify the Organisers and associated entities against claims arising from their participation in the Event to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Nothing in this clause shall exclude or limit liability arising from gross negligence, willful misconduct, fraud, or any other liability which may not lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable law.
The contents of this Limitation of Liability and Indemnity clause shall be interpreted to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and applicable South African law. If any provision of this clause is found by a court or competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, such finding shall apply only to that provision, and the remainder of this clause shall remain valid and enforceable.

THIRD-PARTY INDEMNITY

Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless all Event service providers, suppliers, municipalities, venue operators, emergency personnel, medical providers, timing providers, volunteers and contractors involved in the Event against claims arising directly or indirectly from participation in or attendance at the Event.
Doctors, paramedics and medical personnel who assist participants during the Event do so independently and not as representatives of the Organisers.
Participants make use of such services entirely at their own risk.

INSURANCE

The Organisers may maintain public liability insurance policies subject to the terms, limitations and exclusions of such policies.
Participants are responsible for arranging their own medical, travel, personal accident and equipment insurance where required.

SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY

The Event promotes responsible environmental stewardship and community respect.
Participants are encouraged to minimise waste and support sustainability initiatives implemented by the Organisers.
Participants acknowledge the historical and cultural significance of locations connected to the Event.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Should any dispute of whatsoever nature arise between the parties concerning these Terms and Conditions or participation in the Event, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiations. This entails that one party shall invite the other party in writing to meet and attempt to resolve the dispute within ten (10) Business Days from the date of the written invitation.
If the dispute has not been resolved through such negotiations, either party may submit, by written notice to the other party, the dispute to the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (“AFSA”) for administered mediation upon the terms set by the AFSA Secretariat. The receipt by either party of such notice shall constitute submission of the dispute to arbitration for purposes of delaying the completion of prescription in terms of section 13 of the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, or any amendment thereto or replacement legislation.
Failing such a resolution, the dispute, if arbitrable in law, will be finally resolved in accordance with the Rules of the AFSA by an arbitrator or arbitrators appointed by AFSA.
This clause constitutes an irrevocable consent by the parties to any proceedings in terms hereof and neither of the parties will be entitled to withdraw from the provisions of this clause or claim at any such proceedings that it is not bound by this clause.
The foregoing will not restrict the right of the Parties to apply to a competent court for relief of an urgent nature or should its intellectual property rights be violated or threatened.

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

These Event Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.
Subject to clause 16 (Dispute Resolution), the parties submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of South Africa in relation to:
- urgent interim relief;
- enforcement of arbitration awards; or
- any matter which may not lawfully be resolved by arbitration.

SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

ANNEXURE A – EVENT RULES AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

This Annexure forms part of the Nelson Mandela Marathon Event Participation Terms and Conditions and must be read together with the General Terms and official Event communications issued by the Organisers.
The Organisers reserve the right to amend these Event Rules and Technical Information where reasonably necessary for operational, safety, regulatory or Event management purposes.

RACE CATEGORIES AND MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS

Participants must comply with the minimum age requirements applicable to each race category, including:
- Marathon: 20 years or older on race day;
- Half Marathon: 16 years or older on race day;
- 10km Run: 14 years or older on race day;
- 5km Fun Run / Walk and 10km Big Walk: children under the age of 10 years must be accompanied by an adult.
The Organisers reserve the right to amend race categories and minimum age requirements for future Event editions.
Proof of age may be requested by the Organisers at any time.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Licensed athletes must wear valid licence numbers and comply with all applicable ASA and provincial athletics regulations.
Temporary licensed athletes must comply with all temporary licence requirements prescribed by ASA, WPA or the relevant athletics authority.
Athletes competing for team prizes must wear full official club colours and comply with applicable federation and club participation requirements.
Temporary licensed athletes may be required to participate in clothing without commercial advertising in accordance with applicable federation rules.
Age category tags must be worn where applicable and in accordance with governing body requirements.
Participants competing for age category prizes must display the applicable age category tags as prescribed by the Organisers and applicable athletics authorities.
Age category tags must remain visible for the duration of the Event.
Proof of age may be requested for verification purposes.
Junior athletes competing for prizes or official results must comply with all applicable junior participation and identification requirements prescribed by the relevant athletics authorities.

RACE NUMBERS AND TIMING

Participants must wear their official race number and timing device as instructed by the Organisers.
Participants may only participate using their officially allocated race number, licence number, timing device and/or any other official identifier issued or approved for the Event.
Race numbers may not be altered, duplicated, exchanged, transferred or sold except through an official substitution process approved by the Organisers.
Participants found using another participant’s race number or timing device may be disqualified and prohibited from future participation.
Participants may be issued with official timing devices or timing chips which must be worn and used in the manner prescribed by the Organisers.
Timing devices remain the property of the Organisers or official timing providers unless otherwise stated.

TEAM PRIZES AND CATEGORY ELIGIBILITY

Full official club colours must be worn to qualify for team prizes where applicable.
Participants competing for category prizes must comply with all applicable licensing, age category and eligibility requirements.
The Organisers reserve the right to verify participant eligibility for prizes and official results.

OFFICIALS, MARSHALS AND EVENT INSTRUCTIONS

Participants must obey all race officials, referees, technical officials, WPA and ASA officials, marshals, medical personnel, security officers, traffic officers and other authorised representatives of the Organisers or relevant authorities at all times.
Failure to comply with official instructions may result in disqualification or removal from the Event.
Participants may not receive personal assistance, refreshments, pacing, equipment or support from non-authorised persons along the race route except where expressly permitted by the Event Rules or at official refreshment, medical or support stations.

CUT-OFF TIMES

Participants are required to complete the race within the official cut-off times communicated by the Organisers.
Participants who fail to reach designated cut-off points within the prescribed times may be removed from the route.
Cut-off times may be amended by the Organisers in the interests of participant safety and operational management.
Official cut-off times shall be published through official Event communication channels and/or the Website.

AUDIO DEVICES

The use of music players, headphones or audio devices may be prohibited or restricted in accordance with applicable federation rules, Event Rules or safety requirements.
Failure to comply with applicable rules relating to audio devices may result in disqualification.

WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES AND SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

Wheelchair athletes and participants requiring accessibility support or special assistance are encouraged to engage with the Organisers timeously in advance of the Event to facilitate participation arrangements.

ANTI-LITTER AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

No littering shall be permitted on the race route except within designated disposal areas or official litter zones communicated by the Organisers.
Participants are encouraged to support recycling, sustainability and environmental stewardship initiatives implemented by the Organisers.

PARKING, BAGGAGE STORAGE AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Participants are responsible for securing their vehicles and personal belongings.
The Organisers shall not be liable for theft, loss or damage to vehicles or personal property.
Where bag drop or baggage storage facilities are provided, participants make use of such facilities entirely at their own risk.
The Organisers shall not be liable for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings stored in bag drop or baggage storage facilities.

REFRESHMENT STATIONS AND EVENT SERVICES

Official refreshment and hydration stations may be provided at intervals determined by the Organisers.
Event services, hydration points and support facilities may vary depending on the Event category, route and operational requirements.

PRIZES, RESULTS AND PRIZE-GIVING

Prize eligibility shall be subject to compliance with all Event Rules and governing body requirements.
Official race results shall be determined by the Organisers and official timing service providers.
Participants may be required to be present at official prize-giving ceremonies in order to claim certain prizes unless otherwise determined by the Organisers.

EVENT INFORMATION

Detailed Event information including:
- route maps;
- refreshment points;
- cut-off times;
- race pack collection information;
- transport information;
- medical support;
- and Event schedules

shall be communicated through official Event channels and/or the Website.

Participants are responsible for familiarising themselves with official Event communications and updates prior to participation.