DISCLAIMER

I have read and understand the information regarding this event(s) and understand that I participate in this event at my own risk.I understand that the event transfer and refund policies are, as stated on the website at the time I entered, and are not negotiable.
I hereby attest and verify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for this event.
I acknowledge that I am (or will be) 18 years of age or over for the event. IF NOT I will need parental/guardian consent to be able to enter.
I understand that competing in this event may involve running and walking on wilderness trails with rocks, roots, stream crossings, and up and down steep terrain. The hazards may include but are not limited to; challenging terrain, rocks, roots, adjacent streams, rivers, motor vehicle traffic, slippery surfaces, loose rocks, soft sand, weather conditions, heat exhaustion, hypothermia, actions of spectators, other competitors, general public and the event organisers personnel.
I agree to comply with the rules and directions of event officials and their personnel.
I hereby allow the use of my name and image to be used in the media and for marketing purposes.
I hereby agree that in the case of event cancellation due to extreme inclement weather (at the discretion of event officials), my entry fee shall be non-refundable.
I hereby acknowledge this waiver, release and indemnity discharge all persons, corporations, associations and bodies involved or otherwise engaged in promoting or staging the event and their servants, agents, representatives, officers and employees. This includes but is not limited to the various committees, members, and employees of all independent contracted suppliers to the event, local councils, cities and districts and their respective officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, representatives, agents, volunteers, event organisers and sponsors whether or not the loss, injury or damage is attributed to the act or neglect of any or more of them.

Refund policy: Please visit the info page for details relating to event refunds.

Medical Risks
The Wellington Urban Ultra Marathon (WUU2K), and WAI2K events are all physically challenging events and participation in it presents medical risks, many of which can be extremely serious or fatal.
Participation in this event is at the runner’s own risk. Although we will have medical personnel at various points along the course, the inaccessibility of some areas of the course will make it difficult for medical assistance to reach the runner immediately.
Participants are encouraged to see their own medical doctor prior to the Run. Runners should be knowledgeable about the stress effects attendant to participation in ultra events.
It is important for each entrant to recognize the potential physical and mental stresses, which may evolve from participation in this Run. Runners may be subject to extremes of heat and cold, hypothermia, hyperthermia, dehydration, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, disorientation and mental and physical exhaustion. Event staff and the medical staff strive to work with runners. They will do all they reasonably can to ensure “safe passage” to the finish-line, but ultimately runners must understand their own limitations. This is one event where it is better to follow the dictates of your body — not your ambitions! Adequate physical and mental conditioning prior to the Run is mandatory. If you have not been able to prepare properly, do not attempt to run!

Runners should appreciate the risks associated with participation in this event. Actions may have to be taken on your behalf under extreme time constraints and adverse circumstances. We will make reasonable efforts to give assistance whenever possible. Ultimately and primarily you are in charge, and you are likely to be solely responsible for creating your own crisis that we must then respond to. Be careful, be responsible, and do not exceed your own abilities and limitations. IN THE EVENT THAT A RUNNER REQUIRES EMERGENCY EVACUATION BY GROUND or HELICOPTER-AMBULANCE, THE RUNNER ASSUMES ALL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS CONNECTED WITH THIS SERVICE. RUN MANAGEMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEBTS INCURRED.

Some of the main risks of the event, but certainly not all of them, are listed. These should be understood and remembered by all runners, before and during the event. Please note that death can result from several of the risk conditions discussed below or from other aspects of participation in the WUU2K/WAI2K.
Renal Shutdown: Cases of renal shutdown (acute renal failure) have been reported in other ultramarathons.  Renal shutdown occurs from muscle tissue injury which causes the release of myoglobin, a protein material, into the blood plasma. Myoglobin is cleared from the blood stream by the kidneys and will look brownish-colored in the urine. Adequate hydration will help flush myoglobin through the kidneys. Overwhelming amounts of myoglobin may clog the filtering system of the kidneys either partially or totally. If not treated, renal shutdown can cause permanent impairment of kidney function. IT IS CRUCIAL TO CONTINUE HYDRATING USING ELECTROLYTE FLUIDS DURING THE FINAL HOURS OF THE RUN AND FOR SEVERAL DAYS FOLLOWING THE RUN OR UNTIL THE URINE IS LIGHT YELLOW AND OF NORMAL FREQUENCY.

In addition to drinking at checkpoints, runners will be encouraged to carry fluids between checkpoints. To accurately measure fluid intake and output balance, weigh yourself before and after your training runs. This will help you establish your personal fluid requirements (especially during the heat of the day). Remember to replace lost electrolytes lost from sweat along with lost fluids. Every runner has different needs that should be determined during training.

Risks Associated With Low Sodium and Chloride Counts: Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) in ultramarathon runners have been associated with severe illness requiring hospitalization. It is important for long-distance athletes to use fluids containing electrolytes to replace the water and salts lost during exercise. WATER INTAKE ALONE IS NOT SUFFICIENT, as water intoxication and possibly death may result. This problem may in fact worsen after the Race, as the non-electrolyte-containing fluid which has been accumulating in the stomach is absorbed. Potassium and calcium replacement may also be important, although these levels change less with fluid loss and replenishment.
Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include; weight gain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, incoordination, dizziness, muscle twitching/cramping and fatigue. If left untreated, it may progress to seizures, pulmonary and cerebral edema, coma and death.
There are two ways to put oneself at risk of hyponatremia: 1) over-hydration (with water or even electrolyte-containing sports drinks) and 2) replacing sweat with hypotonic fluids. Weight gain of greater than 3% should alert a runner to stop drinking, slow down and allow the body to readjust its fluid status through urination of excess fluids, after which electrolyte fluids or high sodium containing foods such as bouillon cubes can be consumed. Risks of hyponatremia include weight gain (though this is not necessary for the condition to develop), female runners, smaller body size, slower runners, and low sweat rate. Risks of hyponatremia can be minimized by acclimatizing to the heat, training the endocrine system, salting foods a few days prior to the Run, matching fluid and electrolyte intake to sweat losses and monitoring weight.
The best way to achieve proper electrolyte and fluid balance is to hydrate with fluids containing proper amounts of electrolytes and to replace with sodium-containing foods or supplements, if required, and as determined during your training.

Potassium, while present in many electrolyte-replacement solutions, may also be replaced with fruit, such as bananas or oranges. Beer or other alcoholic beverages should not be taken at any time during the Race.
Electrolyte-containing fluids should be continued after the Race until the gastrointestinal tract is fully functional, which may take several hours. Once the gut is working and adequate hydration has occurred, the normal balance of thirst, hunger, digestion and kidney filtration will maintain the proper balance of fluids and electrolytes.

Effects of Cold/Hypothermia: Be prepared for changeable cold/wet weather, especially taking into account this is a Winter event, and temperatures can get to below zero with the wind chill factor. Hypothermia is a potentially serious risk, and taken seriously while running the Wellington hills in the middle of Winter! Hypothermia can strike very quickly, particularly when pace slows from exhaustion or injury. The initial warning signs of hypothermia often include lethargy, disorientation and confusion. The runner will feel very cold with uncontrolled shivering and may become confused, unaware of the surroundings, and may possibly be an immediate danger to himself. Staying well-nourished, adequately hydrated and appropriately clothed will help avoid hypothermia. It is important that runners have access to warm clothing through their support crews, drop bags, or both. This is also the reason why we have a compulsory gear list!

Use of Drugs: No drugs of any kind should be taken before, during or immediately after the Run! Many drugs can increase the risk of heat stroke. A partial list of problem drugs include amphetamines, tranquilizers, and diuretics.

Injuries From Falling: Falling is an ever-present danger, with potentially serious consequences.

Muscle Necrosis: It has been found that some degree of muscle cell death in the legs occurs from participation in the Run. The recovery can take several months. This seems to be a bigger problem in runners who become dehydrated or have overexerted themselves. Medical analysis of blood samples taken from ultrarunners shows that this occurs to some degree in all runners.

Overuse Injuries: Obviously, innumerable overuse injuries can occur, especially in the knee and the ankle. Sprains and fractures can easily occur on these rough trails. Blisters may cause you to have a sore day or in severe circumstances may prevent you from finishing.

Common Fatigue: One of the dangers you will encounter is fatigue. Fatigue, combined with the effects of dehydration, hypothermia, hyperthermia, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia and other debilitating conditions can produce disorientation and irrationality.

Getting Lost: Although the WUU2k team endeavors to mark our events well, it is definitely possible to lose the trail at times. If you believe at any time that you may not be on the correct trail, do not panic. If you are unsure of your route, backtrack to where you last saw a trail marker and try to find other markers showing the direction of the trail. If you do become injured, exhausted or ill, STAY ON THE TRAIL. You will be found there either by another runner, or a marshal. If you feel dizzy, disoriented or confused, do not risk falling. Sit or lie down on the trail until you recover or are found. An unconscious runner even a few feet off the trail could be impossible to find until it is too late. If you are assisted by individuals who are not associated with Run Management and you elect to leave the trail, you MUST notify the official at the nearest checkpoint of your decision to withdraw.

Although medical and other personnel will assist you when possible, remember that you are ultimately responsible for your own well-being on the trail. Only you will know how your body and mind feel at any given time. Monitor yourself during the entire Run, and prepare yourself to drop out at the nearest check-point if you find it just isn’t your day. As you continue past each medical checkpoint, be aware of the number of miles to the next one, realizing that getting rescue vehicles into these areas can be difficult, if not impossible.

 

USE OF THE WUU2K
(Wellington Urban Ultra Marathon)
NAME AND LOGO

The WUU2K (and it's affiliated events) is a trademarked name and can not be used by anyone without permission from the WUU2K.
Any businesses wishing to use the WUU2K name for specific business purposes must first contact the WUU2K.
This includes affiliates of the WUU2K including but not limited to The WAI2K and WAI running Festival