GRAND UNION CANAL 145 MILE RACE (GUCR) 2025
London - Birmingham
"The Long Run - Uphill"
Saturday 24th May 2025 06:00 at Delamere Terrace, Little Venice, London, UK
GUCR 2025 Terms & Conditions
Please read the following before submitting your entry on SiEntries to indicate your understanding and acceptance of the following terms and conditions, waiver and rules and regulations associated with this event.
COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL LAW
You and your support crew must comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the United Kingdom, including without limitation, all speed regulations, laws of the road, laws relating to the safety of vehicles and laws relating to the possession or use of alcohol, drugs or other prohibited substances.
IMAGE RIGHTS
By participating in the Event you consent to be photographed and, should there be any, to be included in the filming of footage documenting the Event. You hereby waive any and all rights of publicity or privacy and grant the Organiser full and complete permission to utilise and exploit your appearance in the Event in any and all manner, and media, throughout the world in perpetuity. You further agree that the Organiser has the sole discretion to use or refuse to use any photographs or footage in which you appear, and that if the Organiser does use such photographs or footage, it may be edited at the Organiser’s sole discretion. You consent to the use of your name, image, likeness, voice and biographical material about you in connection with any and all footage, publicity and related promotional material and for any and all publicity and promotional purposes. You expressly release the Organiser and The British Canal & River Trust, their directors, officers, agents, employees, consultants and licensees from and against any and all claims which you have or may have for invasion of privacy, defamation or any other cause of action arising out of the production, distribution, broadcast or exhibition of photographs, footage or any promotional materials.
PERSONAL FILM
You are only entitled to take photographs and film footage of your participation in the Event for non-commercial purposes (that is for personal and private use only). Specifically, you are not entitled to reproduce or use photographs or footage of the Event on any website, in any printed media or matter or in any television programme without first obtaining the prior consent of the Organiser. You hereby agree to assign (by way of present assignment of future copyright) all your right, title and interest in the world-wide copyright and all intellectual property rights in such photographs or footage in perpetuity, together with exclusive world-wide rights of exploitation thereof, to the Organiser.
HAZARD
You understand that ultra-distance trail racing is a potentially hazardous sport.
You acknowledge the need to provide your own insurance cover for your sporting endeavours if required. By signature of the declaration, you are accepting that the Organiser has made this clear to you in advance of this event. You acknowledge and realise that participation in an event such as the Grand Union Canal Race (the “Event”) is potentially dangerous and that there are numerous risks associated with your participation. Such risks and dangers include, but are not limited to, traffic accidents, collisions with pedestrians, vehicles, other drivers, and/or fixed or moving objects, and the negligence of other road users. Further, you fully understand and realise that your participation in the Event may result in serious bodily injury and/or death to yourself or others. You further realise and understand that the route of the Event will require running on public roadways upon which the hazards of travelling are to be expected. Further, you realise that participation in the Event will require strenuous physical exertion as participants are required to be active for very long periods of time over two days, including the risk of being active during darkness, inclement weather and in the close proximity of deep water.
RULES, REGULATIONS & ADVICE FOR RUNNERS AND CREWS
For reasons of fairness, safety and responsibility you are expected to abide by the following rules. Ignorance is not an excuse and failure to comply may lead to disqualification.
RACE NUMBERS
You must wear the supplied race number on your front at all times and over all clothing at all times during the race. You may not deface or alter your race number in any way whatsoever, before or during the race.
Always follow the Highway and Countryside Codes.
Show respect for the environment, landowners, local communities and other recreational users (e.g. anglers). Be courteous and patient with members of the public. The fact that you are taking part in an event does not give you priority. Pass walkers, cyclists and anglers courteously; make sure they know you are there.
Do not climb over walls, hedges or fences, use stiles or gateways instead. Re-close closed gates after you and leave open gates open.
Ensure you are wearing or carrying the appropriate kit. Weather conditions can vary widely over two days and nights. Bring adequate clothing and illumination for night time. You could be running on public roads in darkness.
Stop and assist any competitors in need of medical attention and alert Race HQ. Try to ensure that any injured competitor is adequately provided for.
Stick to the designated route. No shortcuts will be allowed and if you do get lost you should return the way you came to get back onto the route.
Public nudity will not be condoned. When changing running kit, please stay covered to spare blushes.
Take your litter with you or put it in a public waste bin. Do not pollute rivers, canals, reservoirs.
At night and on Sunday morning please try to keep noise to a minimum, many citizens will be asleep.
Co-operate with Event Officials.
The Event Referee’s decision is final.
MEDICAL ADVICE
You are expected to be able to look after yourself. There may be first aiders in attendance throughout the event, but we do not have full First Aid cover. In addition, competitors are expected to assist anyone in need of medical attention and alert a marshal and Race HQ / Race Organiser. The Race HQ and Race Organiser phone numbers are printed on race numbers.
CELLULITIS
In recent years many runners have contracted cellulitis during, or immediately after, the canal race. This is a potentially serious condition. Cellulitis is usually caused by bacteria, most commonly of the streptococci or staphylococci groups, which normally live on the skin’s surface. Damage to the skin allows bacteria to enter the deeper tissues and establish an infection. The initial damage to the skin may be so minor as to go unnoticed. Some people are more vulnerable to cellulitis, or more likely to get complications, especially those with diabetes, or those whose immune system isn’t working well.
Symptoms of cellulitis include: Hot, red, swollen and painful area of the skin and deeper tissues; Fever; Shivers and chills, caused by release of toxins from the bacteria
Sometimes a cellulitis infection can be trapped by certain ‘compartments’ in the tissues, for example, around a muscle or ligament, or in the ‘pulp’ at the tip of a finger or toe. The pressure in that compartment increases, cutting off the blood supply (which may cause gangrene) and damaging nerves. This needs urgent treatment and decompression. A further complication is blood poisoning or septicaemia, when bacteria get into the blood stream. This can be rapidly fatal and needs very urgent treatment.
Advise other members of your family of the symptoms of Cellulitis.
LEPTOSPIROSIS (WEIL’S DISEASE)
If you have contact with canal water, you should be aware of the risk of Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease). It is very rare, but people can become infected and awareness of the disease could save your life. Leptospires can survive on moist conditions outside for many days, even weeks. However, they are readily killed by drying and exposure to detergents. The bacteria enter the human body through skin abrasions, or through the eyes, nose and mouth.
Leptospirosis usually starts with an influenza-like illness. Common features are a sudden onset of fever, intense headache, and severe pains in calf and back muscles, red eyes and prostration (feeling of complete exhaustion). Some cases develop abdominal pains with diarrhoea and vomiting or meningitis. Only a few cases develop severe Leptospirosis with jaundice and kidney failure. Early diagnosis is very important and treatment with antibiotics in the first few days may be helpful in limiting the course of the infection. Many sufferers recover without specific treatment but 5-10% of patients die.
Cover all cuts and abrasions with plasters before the start of the race and wash exposed skin after contact with canal/river water.
If you are concerned about your health, inform your doctor about your recent contact with canal/river water and seek advice.
Advise other members of your family of the symptoms of Leptospirosis.
GIANT HOGWEED
Giant hogweed is a common weed which grows by many canals and rivers.
The plant produces a phytotoxic sap from stem hairs of the weed and can increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, often leading to burns and severe blistering which can take months to heal. After contact with the plant, the burns can last for several months and the skin can remain sensitive to light for many years.
Anyone who touches giant hogweed should wash the affected area with soap and water, and keep it covered.
Giant Hogweed is a large weed with a white or pinkish umbrella-shaped flower head. It resembles cow parsley but has reddish-purple stem that are up to 5m in height and 5-10cm in diameter with sharp bristles and spotted leaf stalks. It can grow about 13ft (4m) high and has leaves up to 5ft (1.5m) wide.
If you are concerned about your health, inform your doctor about your recent contact with Giant Hogweed and seek advice.
Advise other members of your family of the symptoms of touching Giant Hogweed.
WAIVER
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
In consideration of my participation in the Grand Union Canal Race (the Event), I hereby waive, release, and forever discharge, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and legal representatives, any and all rights and/or claims which I have, may have, or may hereafter accrue to me against the Organiser, The Canal and River Trust, their officers, directors, employees, consultants and agents for any and all damages, injuries (including death), and/or claims which may be sustained by me directly or indirectly arising out of my participation in the Event (including the application of emergency or medical services at the Event), except in the case that the organiser has been proved to be negligent in his duty of care towards me. Further, I covenant not to sue the Organiser, the Canal and River Trust, their officers, directors, employees, consultants and agents for any and all damages, injuries (including death), and/or claims which may be sustained by me directly or indirectly arising out of my participation in the Event, except in the case that the Organiser has been proved to be negligent in his duty of care towards me. This release and discharge includes, but is not limited to, claims for personal injury, death, property damage, economic loss, breach of contract, lost wages, contribution indemnity, indemnity, punitive damages, or any other legally recognisable claim arising out of my participation in the Event (including all legal costs associated with such claims).
ASSUMPTION OF THE RISKS
With full knowledge and understanding of the risks associated with my participation in the Event, I enter it voluntarily and fully accept and assume every such risk for loss, damage, or injury (including death).
INDEMNITY
I hereby agree to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Organiser, the Canal and River Trust, their officers, directors, employees, consultants and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, suits, liabilities or actions arising directly or indirectly out of my actions or otherwise from my participation in the Event whether made or claimed during or after the Event, including all associated costs and expenses and any amounts which the Organiser may pay as a settlement or compromise of any such claims or liabilities. I will indemnify the Organiser, the Canal and River Trust, their directors, officers, employees, agents and consultants against any and all claims, lawsuits and causes of action whatsoever or howsoever arising and brought against them by any third party as a result of my actions during the Event, including without limitation, my violation of any laws or regulations or breach of these Terms and Conditions of Entry.
SECURITY
I accept all responsibility for the security of my kit and all other equipment left in the competitor bag transport.
LITTER
I will not drop litter on any part of the course or in the properties, parks and car parks nearby. I will also endeavour to ensure that my crew, should I have one, does likewise.
ACCEPTANCE
I have read these terms and conditions, this waiver and the rules and regulations that constitute the Conditions of Entry. I fully understand the conditions and understand that I will give up substantial rights by adding my signature to the “Acceptance of the Conditions of Entry” document. I have done so freely and without inducement, coercion, or duress. I intend the waiver contained therein to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law. I agree that, if any portion of this waiver is held to be invalid, the balance of the waiver shall continue in full force and effect.
COMPLIANCE WITH TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
I understand that failure to comply with the terms and conditions listed above could result in disqualification from the race.
I agree to comply with all the Event’s terms and conditions of entry. I acknowledge and understand that the Organiser of the Event will use reasonable efforts to ensure that all other participants abide by the terms and conditions of entry, but cannot guarantee that those participants will abide by them. My signature on the provided document indicates that I have read, understood and accept all terms and conditions, and that I agree to abide by the rules and regulations and accept the waiver.
GENERAL
I will pay my entry fee to cover my individual entry into the Grand Union Canal Race. If unable to participate, I understand that cancellations before 29th February 2025 will receive a 95% refund, a 75% refund will be paid if the organiser is notified between 1st and 31st March 2025, and that a 50% refund will be paid if the organiser is notified between 1st and 30th April 2025. I understand no refunds of the entry fee will be made from that date onward.
CONTACT NUMBERS
EMERGENCIES
1st Contact: 999 or 112
2nd Contact: Race HQ (to be confirmed, printed on race numbers)
3rd Contact: Race Organiser (to be confirmed, printed on race numbers)
EVENT RELATED
1st Contact: Race HQ (to be confirmed, printed on race numbers)
2nd Contact: Race Organiser: (to be confirmed, printed on race numbers)
Entry Information
Find out more about entering the 2025 Grand Union Canal Race