HCTR Waiver

HAPPY CAMPER ULTRA RUN - PARTICIPANT WAIVER, ASSUMPTION OF RISK & RELEASE

PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING. THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT.

THIS EVENT INVOLVES REAL AND SIGNIFICANT RISKS OF SERIOUS INJURY, ILLNESS, DISABILITY, AND DEATH.

By registering for and participating in the Happy Camper Ultra Run (the “Event”), I acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I understand that trail running and ultramarathon running are inherently hazardous activities, particularly in remote and rugged outdoor environments. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation in the Event, including risks that are known or unknown, foreseeable or unforeseeable.

These risks include, without limitation:

Falls, trips, slips, and collisions;
Uneven, rocky, muddy, steep, loose, slippery, or otherwise hazardous terrain;
Roots, rocks, branches, fallen trees, and other natural obstacles;
Cliffs, drop-offs, stream crossings, water crossings, and other terrain hazards;
Heat, cold, rain, wind, lightning, darkness, and rapidly changing weather;
Dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, electrolyte imbalance, exhaustion, and overexertion;
Cuts, abrasions, bruises, sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, bleeding, concussion, and other injuries;
Allergic reactions, insect bites and stings, poisonous plants, and encounters with wildlife;
Encounters with other runners, hikers, cyclists, vehicles, or members of the public;
Becoming lost, separated from the course, or unable to locate an aid station or other designated location;
Limited or unavailable cellular service or other communication difficulties;
Equipment failure or inadequate clothing, footwear, lighting, hydration, nutrition, navigation equipment, or other personal equipment;
Delayed, limited, or unavailable emergency medical assistance or evacuation;
Hazards created by other participants, volunteers, spectators, land users, or third parties;
Conditions that change during the Event or hazards that cannot reasonably be anticipated or controlled; and
Any other risks inherent in trail running, ultramarathon participation, and recreation in a remote natural environment.

I understand that these risks can result in serious injury, illness, permanent disability, or death.

2. REMOTE COURSE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

I understand that the Event takes place on trails and in areas where emergency medical assistance may be difficult or time-consuming to access.

Happy Camper Equipment Company does not provide dedicated on-course medical care or medical personnel for this Event. There may be no physicians, nurses, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, athletic trainers, or other medically trained personnel stationed along the course or at aid stations.

Happy Camper Equipment Company does not provide routine medical treatment, medical supplies, medications, or other medical services to participants. I am responsible for determining whether I am physically and medically capable of participating and for bringing appropriate clothing, footwear, lighting, hydration, nutrition, medications, and other equipment necessary for my participation.

I understand that emergency assistance may be delayed because of distance, terrain, weather, darkness, limited cellular service, road or trail access, competing emergencies, or other circumstances.

If an emergency occurs, Happy Camper Equipment Company, its volunteers, and event personnel will make reasonable efforts to contact appropriate emergency services and facilitate access to an injured or incapacitated participant when reasonably possible. I understand that emergency assistance and evacuation cannot be guaranteed to be immediate or readily available.

I understand that an injured or incapacitated participant may need to wait for assistance, move to an accessible location, or be assisted by other participants or event personnel before emergency responders can reach them.

3. LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES

Sperryville Rescue Squad and other local emergency services may be operating in the surrounding area during the Event.

These agencies are independent emergency responders and are not dedicated medical or evacuation support for this Event. Their availability, response time, and ability to reach a participant may be affected by other emergencies, weather, terrain, road conditions, darkness, distance, or other circumstances.

I will not rely on the Sperryville Rescue Squad or any other emergency service as a means of planned evacuation or extraction from the course.

I understand that if I become injured, ill, exhausted, or otherwise unable to continue, assistance may take significant time to reach me and that I may need to take reasonable steps to protect my own safety while awaiting assistance.

4. PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY

I am responsible for determining whether I am adequately prepared to participate in the Event.

I agree to arrive with appropriate equipment and supplies for the expected conditions, including appropriate footwear, clothing, lighting, hydration, nutrition, navigation equipment, and any required or recommended gear.

I am responsible for monitoring my own physical condition throughout the Event. I agree to slow down, stop, seek assistance, or withdraw from the Event when I reasonably believe that continuing would be unsafe.

I understand that the Event organizer cannot continuously monitor my physical condition and that I am ultimately responsible for making decisions regarding my own participation.

I certify that I have independently determined that I am physically capable of participating in this Event and prepared for its physical and environmental demands.

5. MEDICAL EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION

If I become injured, ill, unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to make decisions regarding my own care, I authorize Happy Camper Equipment Company, its volunteers, and event personnel to contact emergency medical services and to provide reasonable assistance in obtaining emergency medical evaluation or treatment.

I understand that event personnel are not medical professionals and that any assistance they provide does not constitute medical care.

I understand that I am responsible for medical, ambulance, evacuation, hospital, medication, and other expenses incurred as a result of an injury or illness occurring during or in connection with my participation in the Event.

6. RELEASE OF CLAIMS

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Virginia law, I release and discharge Happy Camper Equipment Company and its owners, officers, employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, representatives, and event personnel (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from claims, demands, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising out of or relating to my participation in the Event to the extent such claims arise from the inherent risks of trail running, the risks expressly identified in this Agreement, or my own acts or omissions.

This release applies to claims arising from personal injury, illness, disability, death, property damage, or property loss occurring in connection with my participation in the Event, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

Nothing in this Agreement is intended to waive, release, or limit any claim or right that cannot legally be waived or released under applicable Virginia law.

7. COURSE CHANGES, WITHDRAWAL, AND SAFETY

I understand that Happy Camper Equipment Company may modify, delay, shorten, reroute, suspend, or cancel the Event or remove a participant from the Event when reasonably necessary because of weather, trail conditions, safety concerns, emergencies, land-management requirements, or other circumstances.

I agree to follow reasonable instructions from race directors, volunteers, and other authorized Event personnel concerning my participation and safety.

I understand that being removed from the Event, directed to stop, or instructed to alter my route does not create any entitlement to continued participation or guarantee of transportation or evacuation.

8. SEVERABILITY AND GOVERNING LAW

If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be limited or severed to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in effect to the fullest extent permitted by law.

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

9. ELECTRONIC AGREEMENT AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT. I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM GIVING UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS BY AGREEING TO IT. I UNDERSTAND THE RISKS OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT, INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF SERIOUS INJURY, ILLNESS, DISABILITY, OR DEATH. I VOLUNTARILY CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE.

BY SUBMITTING MY NAME AS PART OF EVENT REGISTRATION, I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND INTEND MY SUBMITTED NAME TO SERVE AS MY ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE.

I understand that I may decline to participate in the Event if I do not agree to these terms.