Canicross Challenger: Salcey Forest 3

Canicross Challenger Series Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Canicross Challenger events! These Terms and Conditions outline the guidelines to ensure a safe, enjoyable and fair event for everyone (both humans and dogs!).

1. Registration and Entry

By registering, you agree to the following:

1.1 We want everyone to have the best experience possible, so please note that:

• All entries are non-refundable and non-deferrable to events outside our policies (see section 4).
• Participants must be 18 years or older on the day of the event.
• Dogs must be at least 12 months old and in good health to participate.
• Participants may run with only one dog, unless prior approval has been granted by the Race Director.
• If any dogs show signs of infectious disease, you will be disqualified and asked to leave the site immediately (see section 6).

1.2 By signing up, you confirm that you’re aware of the challenges and risks of canicross, and you take full responsibility for yourself and the welfare of your dog throughout the event.

2. Equipment and Kit Requirements

2.1 To make the race safe and enjoyable, all participants must use appropriate Canicross equipment, including:

• A Canicross hip belt for hands-free running.
• A bungee line to connect you to your dog.
• A Canicross-specific harness for your dog.

2.2 All equipment will be checked at either registration or near the start line. Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the correct kit required to participate.

• If you’re unable to comply with the requirements, you may unfortunately be unable to participate.

2.3 Safety first: we reserve the right to deny entry to participants using unsafe or unsuitable equipment.

• No head collars/haltis, shock collars, choke chains or flexi leads are permitted in the race.
• Muzzled dogs are very welcome, but all muzzles must be open, basket style that allow the dog to easily drink and pant freely.

3. Event Day Information

3.1 Please arrive with plenty of time to register at your allocated time, meet the team and get ready to race. The event is all about teamwork and enjoying the day, so we appreciate your cooperation with schedules.

3.2 To keep the event running smoothly and safely, we ask that everyone follows the rules, listens to marshals and respects fellow participants.

3.3 Dogs must stay on a lead at all times during the event. This helps us maintain a safe, fun environment for everyone - humans and dogs alike!

3.4 Cleaning up after your dog is part of being a responsible canicrosser. Please bring plenty of waste bags, pick up after your dog, and take your waste home with you, as bins are no longer provided by Forestry England. Let’s keep the trails beautiful for everyone.

3.5 Salcey Forest is a public space and we will be sharing it on the day with other forest users. The public will be made as aware as possible of the event happening, but please be aware that there will always be the risk of potential off lead dogs while on the trails. All participants are asked to respect other forest users/members of the public and take responsibility of their dog at all times.

4. Cancellation or Postponement by Canicross Challenger

4.1 While we’ll do everything we can to make the event happen, sometimes unforeseen circumstances like extreme weather or trail closures may require us to cancel or postpone.

4.2 If the event is postponed:

• Your entry will automatically transfer to the new date.
• If you can’t attend the rescheduled date, you can transfer your entry to another event in the series (subject to availability).

4.3 If the event is cancelled and can’t be rescheduled, you’ll have the option to transfer to another event in the series. We’re unable to offer refunds, but we’ll always try to find a solution that works for you.

5. Participant Withdrawals and Selling Your Entry

5.1 We understand that circumstances can change. If you are unable to attend, entries are non-refundable. You may sell your entry to another participant through your account. This option is available up to 10 days before the event start date. After this time, the option to sell your entry will no longer be available.

5.2 We strongly recommend that all participants take out appropriate canicross insurance before the event. This should provide cover for circumstances such as personal accident, injury or illness, as well as cancellation or other costs you may incur if you are unable to attend. Canicross Challenger does not provide this insurance and will not be responsible for costs that may be covered by an appropriate insurance policy.

6. Safety and Responsibility

6.1 Safety is a top priority - for you, your dog, and other participants. Please take care and follow all instructions from marshals and event staff.

6.2 To keep things fair and fun, all participants must stick to the marked course. Straying from the route may result in penalty points or, in extreme cases, disqualification. This will be at the Race Director’s discretion.

6.3 Dogs must be kept under control at all times. If your dog becomes a safety concern, we’ll handle it calmly and fairly, but you may be asked to step out of the event.

6.4 No dog, equipment, or clothing may be brought to a race if it has been exposed to an environment where an infectious disease is present or has been present within the past three weeks of the race date. Any violation of this rule will result in disqualification and immediate removal from the race site.

7. Liability

7.1 While we’ll do everything we can to keep the event safe, participants take part at their own risk. Canicross Challenger is not responsible for injuries, illnesses, or losses sustained during the event unless caused by our negligence.

7.2 By participating, you agree to take full responsibility for your own safety and your dog’s behaviour and to indemnify Canicross Challenger against any claims arising from your participation.

8. Force Majeure

8.1 Some situations are beyond our control, such as extreme weather, trail closures, or government restrictions. If these affect the event, we’ll do our best to provide alternative options, like rescheduling the event or transferring entries to another in the series.

8.2 While we’re unable to offer refunds in these circumstances, we’ll always strive to find a solution that works for you to ensure you still have a fantastic Canicross experience.

9. Photography and Media

9.1 Say cheese! By joining the event, you consent to being photographed or filmed for promotional purposes.

9.2 If you’d prefer not to be included in photos, please let us know in writing before the event.

10. Data Protection

10.1 Your data is safe with us. We’ll only use your information to manage the event and communicate with you about it.

10.2 By registering, you consent to receiving event-related emails.

11. Complaints and Disputes

11.1 We’re here to make this a great experience, so if you have concerns, please let us know! Complaints must be submitted in writing within 14 days of the event.

11.2 Canicross Challenger reserves the right to make changes to these terms at any time.

By registering, you confirm that you’ve read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions. Thank you for taking the time to read them. We look forward to welcoming you and your dog to the Canicross Challenger Series.