***Please note, waiver to be signed at the start of the event.   Below is for your review.  

PARTICIPANT WAIVER, RELEASE, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Event Date: July 4, 2026
Event Location: City of Granite Falls, Washington

IMPORTANT - READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING
This is a legally binding document that affects your legal rights. By signing this waiver, you are giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue. Read this document carefully and in its entirety before signing. If you do not understand any part of this waiver, consult with an attorney before signing.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS
I acknowledge that participating in the 5-K Falls & Footprints Run 2026 (the "Event") is a potentially hazardous activity that involves inherent and other risks of property damage, serious bodily injury, permanent disability, and death. I understand and acknowledge that the risks include, but are not limited to:
•    Falls, slips, trips, and contact with other participants, spectators, volunteers, or animals
•    Uneven terrain, potholes, debris, obstacles, curbs, and other surface hazards
•    Weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, lightning, and other adverse conditions
•    Dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and other weather-related injuries
•    Traffic hazards from motor vehicles, bicycles, and other vehicles on or near the course
•    Course conditions, including steep grades, narrow passages, and limited visibility areas
•    Inadequate or defective equipment, facilities, or safety measures
•    Physical and mental stress and exertion beyond my normal capacity
•    Acts or omissions of other participants, volunteers, event staff, or third parties
•    Contact with communicable diseases, including but not limited to COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases spread through airborne transmission or physical contact
•    Negligence of the Released Parties (as defined below), except for gross negligence or willful misconduct
•    Equipment failure, including timing systems, medical equipment, or safety devices
•    Inadequate medical assistance or delayed emergency response
•    Course marking errors, misdirection, or incorrect distance measurements

I certify that I am physically fit, have sufficiently trained for participation in this Event, and have not been advised by a qualified medical professional not to participate in this Event. I understand that it is my responsibility to assess whether I am physically and mentally capable of participating in this Event and to withdraw if I feel unable to continue safely.

I voluntarily assume full and complete responsibility for all risks of property damage, bodily injury, disability, or death that may occur because of my participation in the Event, whether caused by the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by Washington State law.

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Event, I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, personal representatives, executors, administrators, assigns, family members, and next of kin (collectively, the "Releasors"), hereby voluntarily and irrevocably waive, release, discharge, and covenant not to sue the City of Granite Falls, Washington; its elected officials, officers, employees, agents, representatives, volunteers, and contractors; event sponsors, organizers, promoters, and directors; property owners; medical personnel; course monitors; all other persons or entities involved in the Event; and each of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives, successors, and assigns (collectively, the "Released Parties") from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, and causes of action of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether now known or unknown, arising out of or in any way related to my participation in the Event, including but not limited to claims based on:
•    The ordinary negligence of any of the Released Parties
•    Defective equipment, facilities, or course conditions
•    Failure to warn of dangerous conditions
•    Inadequate supervision, instruction, or safety measures
•    Improper maintenance of the course or facilities
•    Failure to provide adequate medical assistance
•    Any other acts or omissions of the Released Parties, except for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional acts

I understand that this waiver and release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by Washington State law. If any portion of this waiver is held invalid, I agree that the remaining portions shall continue in full legal force and effect.

INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities, including attorney's fees, arising out of, connected with, or resulting from my participation in the Event, including but not limited to any claims made by my family members, estate, heirs, or assigns. This indemnification includes claims arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties but does not extend to gross negligence or willful misconduct.

I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims brought against them as a result of my own negligence, recklessness, or misconduct while participating in the Event.

MEDICAL TREATMENT AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the Event Director, event medical staff, emergency medical personnel, and any physician or healthcare provider to provide or arrange for any medical treatment deemed necessary or advisable for my immediate care in the event of injury, illness, or medical emergency arising during or related to my participation in the Event. I understand that I will be solely responsible for all costs associated with such medical treatment, including but not limited to emergency medical transport, ambulance services, emergency room treatment, hospitalization, physician services, medications, diagnostic tests, and any other medical expenses incurred.

I consent to the release of my medical information to event medical personnel and emergency responders as necessary to facilitate appropriate medical treatment. I understand that the Released Parties assume no responsibility for any injury or damage that might result from such medical treatment or lack thereof.

PARTICIPANT CERTIFICATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS
I certify and represent the following:
•    I am at least 18 years of age, or if under 18, my parent or legal guardian has signed this waiver on my behalf
•    I have read this entire waiver and release carefully and understand its contents and legal effect
•    I am voluntarily participating in the Event with full knowledge of the risks involved
•    I am in good physical and mental health and have no medical conditions that would prevent safe participation
•    I have consulted with a physician if I have any concerns about my ability to safely participate
•    I will immediately notify event staff and withdraw from the Event if I experience any injury, illness, or unsafe conditions
•    I will abide by all Event rules, regulations, and instructions from event officials
•    I will follow the designated course and will not create hazards for other participants
•    I understand that event officials have the absolute right to disqualify or remove me from the Event if they determine I am unable to safely continue or am violating event rules

I acknowledge that submission of fraudulent medical information or participation against medical advice may void this waiver and subject me to liability for any damages resulting therefrom.

COVID-19 AND COMMUNICABLE DISEASE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I acknowledge and understand that participation in the Event may expose me to communicable diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases. I acknowledge that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health authorities have issued guidance regarding protective measures against COVID-19 and other diseases.
I certify that:
•    I have reviewed current CDC guidance available at https://www.cdc.gov/ and Washington State Department of Health guidance regarding communicable disease prevention
•    I will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local health orders and guidelines in effect at the time of the Event
•    I will follow all Event-specific health and safety protocols established by event organizers
•    I will not participate if I am experiencing symptoms of illness, have been exposed to a communicable disease, or have been directed by a healthcare provider or public health official to isolate or quarantine
•    I assume all risks associated with potential exposure to communicable diseases through my voluntary participation in the Event

I understand that the Released Parties cannot guarantee that I will not be exposed to communicable diseases and that compliance with safety protocols does not eliminate all risk of exposure.

IMAGE AND LIKENESS RELEASE
I grant permission to the City of Granite Falls, event organizers, sponsors, and the Released Parties, and their respective designees, the irrevocable, royalty-free right and permission to use, publish, and distribute my name, voice, image, photograph, video recording, likeness, and biographical information in any media format now known or hereafter developed, including but not limited to print publications, websites, social media, television, film, and promotional materials, for any legitimate purpose related to the Event or promotion of future events. I understand that I will not receive any compensation for such use and waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or materials in which my image or information appears.

RULES AND REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE
I agree to abide by all Event rules, regulations, and policies established by event organizers and the City of Granite Falls. I understand and agree that event officials have the sole and absolute right to:
•    Disqualify me from participation for any rule violation
•    Require me to stop participation if they determine I am unable to safely continue
•    Modify the Event course, distance, or schedule due to weather, safety concerns, or other circumstances
•    Cancel or postpone the Event for any reason related to participant safety or circumstances beyond their control

I agree to abide by all traffic laws and pedestrian safety ordinances. I understand that portions of the course may be open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic and that I am responsible for my own safety regarding traffic hazards. I agree to follow all instructions from course marshals, law enforcement officers, and event officials.

ENTRY FEE AND REFUND POLICY
I understand and acknowledge that:
•    All entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances
•    Race bibs and registration entries are non-transferable to another person
•    No refunds will be issued if the Event is postponed, rescheduled, canceled, or modified due to weather, natural disaster, public health emergency, government order, or any other circumstances beyond the control of event organizers
•    No refunds will be issued if I am unable to participate due to injury, illness, travel issues, or personal circumstances
•    No refunds will be issued if I voluntarily withdraw from the Event or am disqualified by event officials

This no-refund policy is standard in the running event industry and is a material condition of my registration.

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE POLICY
I certify that I will not participate in the Event while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that impairs my physical or mental capabilities. I understand that participation while intoxicated or impaired is prohibited and constitutes grounds for immediate disqualification and may void this waiver and expose me to liability for damages caused by my conduct.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Emergency Contact Name: ______________________________________
Relationship: ______________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________________________
Known Medical Conditions/Allergies: ______________________________________
 ______________________________________

12. WASHINGTON STATE SPECIFIC PROVISIONS
This waiver and release are governed by the laws of the State of Washington. I understand that Washington State law allows me to waive liability for ordinary negligence but does not permit waivers for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or intentional acts. This waiver is not intended to and does not waive liability for such conduct.
I acknowledge that I have had sufficient time to read this waiver carefully, ask questions, and seek legal advice if desired. I understand that this is a legally binding contract that affects my legal rights.

13. SEVERABILITY
If any term or provision of this waiver is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable for any reason, that term or provision shall be severed from this waiver and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any remaining provisions.

14. VOLUNTARY SIGNATURE AND BINDING AGREEMENT
I have read this entire waiver and release, fully understand its contents and legal significance, and voluntarily sign below with the intent to be legally bound by its terms. I understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights, including the right to sue the Released Parties for ordinary negligence. I acknowledge that no oral representations, statements, or inducements have been made apart from what is contained in this written agreement.
________________________________________

PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE (Age 18 and Over)
I certify that I am 18 years of age or older and have read, understood, and voluntarily signed this waiver.

Participant Name (Print): ______________________________________
Participant Signature: ______________________________________
Date: ______________________________________
Date of Birth: ______________________________________
Address: ______________________________________

City, State, ZIP:    ______________________________________
Email Address:    ______________________________________
Phone Number:    ______________________________________

________________________________________
PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (For Participants Under Age 18)
I certify that I am the parent or legal guardian of the above-named minor participant. I have read, understood, and voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions of this waiver on behalf of the minor participant. I understand that I am giving up substantial legal rights on behalf of the minor, including the right to sue for ordinary negligence. I certify that the minor is physically and mentally capable of participating in the Event.

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims brought by or on behalf of the minor arising from the minor's participation in the Event, including claims brought by me, the minor upon reaching the age of majority, or any other person or entity.

Minor Participant Name (Print):    ______________________________________
Minor's Date of Birth:    ______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Print):    ______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:    ______________________________________
Date:    ______________________________________
Relationship to Minor:    ______________________________________
Address:    ______________________________________
City, State, ZIP:    ______________________________________
Email Address:    ______________________________________
Phone Number:    ______________________________________

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Waiver Received By:    ______________________________________
Date Received:    ______________________________________
Bib Number Assigned:    ______________________________________
Registration Confirmed:       Yes                           No

For questions regarding this waiver, please contact:
City of Granite Falls
Phone: (360) 691-6441
Email: jeff.balentine@ci.granite-falls.wa.us