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Dr. J. on Running

Waiver

Race Entry Interpreted

Published Feb 05, 2001 in The Post-Standard.

By Dr Kamal Jabbour, Contributing Writer

RELEASE [a.k.a. waiver form]: In consideration of the acceptance of my entry into this event, I [the runner] hereby make the following agreements:

I know that running [or walking] in a road race is a potentially hazardous activity [otherwise, everyone would do it]. I should not participate unless I am medically able [except for those warts that won't go away and that silly stress fracture may heal by the time I reach the starting line, but who knows?]. I will be properly trained [I will not do my weekly long run that morning]. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official [as long as I am not in oxygen debt] relative to my ability to safely complete the run [or hobble to the finish line].

I assume all physical and psychological risks associated with running [or walking] in this event, including, but not limited to: falls; contact with other participants [except the pre-event carbo-loading], vehicles, or other objects [such as the baby jogger that hit me during the last race]; the effects of the weather, including high heat or humidity [blinding snow and ice, or torrential rainfall]; traffic and the condition of the roads [potholes filled with water]; and negligent acts of other participants or spectators, [dogs, rabid raccoons, or frightened deer] all such risks being known and appreciated [or caused] by me.

Having read this waiver [in English only] and knowing these facts and in consideration of your accepting my entry [two minutes before the start of the race], I fully release and forever discharge the Organizing Club, the financial sponsors, the local radio station, [the public television station, the group depending on the entry fees for next year's budget, the mayor, the county executive, all law enforcement agencies, youth groups, ham radio operators, non-profit organizations and their members who will be up at 6am and work until 8pm to ensure a good race] and all sponsoring organizations and institutions from any and all claims, demands, damages, causes of action, liabilities or expenses of any kind whatsoever, which occur either directly or indirectly, as a result of or in connection with my participation in the event, even if such consequences result from the negligence, fault, or carelessness of the organizers or sponsoring organizations [I will not sue you].

This release shall be binding on my heirs [or parents], administrators, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the organizers and sponsoring entities [this means I will be happy with my finishing time, regardless of how slow I run]. By this release I fully intend to discharge the said organizations [individuals and spiritual entities] from any and all injuries [humiliation] or losses suffered by me while participating in and traveling to [walking in the middle of the road] or from [staggering down the middle of the road] this event.

Kamal Jabbour runs and writes on the hills of Pompey, New York. His RUNNING Column appears in The Post-Standard on Mondays. Dr.J. created TrackMeets.com, webcasting live Every Lap of Every Race. He receives email at jabbour@syr.edu.


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