Terms of Service

Please read these terms carefully before registering for the Black Mountain Ultra. By participating, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

Last updated: 2025-07-15

1. Acceptance of Terms

By registering for, participating in, or attending the Black Mountain Ultra (the "Event"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Traverse the Earth (the "Event Organisers").

If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not register for or participate in the Event.

2. Event Registration

Medical Waiver

I declare, as a condition of entry to the Event, that I will be sufficiently trained for this Event and that I am not aware of any illness, injury or any other physical disability which may cause me injury or death whilst participating in the Event. I acknowledge and understand that whilst participating in the Event.

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 18 years or older on race day for the 73km and 43km distances, 16 years old for the 19km distance.
  • All participants must register and collect their own race pack at the designated registration points on the times provided. This will include compulsory gear check.
  • All participants must be in good physical condition and medically fit to participate
  • Participants must have appropriate trail running experience for their chosen distance

Registration Requirements

  • Complete and accurate registration information
  • Payment of all applicable fees
  • Acceptance of these Terms and conditions
  • Completion of medical and emergency contact information
  • Compliance with mandatory gear requirements (73km, 43km and 19km)

3. Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver

Assumption of Risk

I acknowledge that participating in the Event is a dangerous activity and that by such participation I am exposed to certain risks. I acknowledge that the enjoyment of trail running is derived in part from the inherent risks and exertion beyond the accepted safety of life at home or at work and that these inherent risks contribute to such enjoyment and is a reason for my participation in the Event. I have read and understood the rules and regulations relating to the Event:

Release and Waiver

I voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation and release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Traverse the Earth, sponsors, volunteers, officials, and all associated parties from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action arising from my participation in the Event.

Indemnification

I also agree to indemnify and hold harmless all parties from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur arising from my participation in the Event.

This is an ULTRA TRAIL RUN where participants are covering a long distance over challenging terrain. It is the participant’s responsibility to make sure that he/she is medically fit to participate, as well as that he/she has sufficient medical insurance, including medevac and hospitalisation, should the need arise. Any costs incurred should hospitalisation be necessary are for the participant’s account.

4. Race Rules and Regulations

Disqualification

We reserve the right to disqualify participants who violate race rules, endanger themselves or others, or engage in unsportsmanlike conduct.

Mandatory Requirements

  • Compliance with all race rules and safety regulations
  • Carrying mandatory gear as specified for each distance. Any participant found without compulsory gear during the race or at the finish line may be subjected to time penalties or disqualification.
  • Attending mandatory gear checks (73km and 43km participants)
  • Following designated course routes and checkpoints
  • Respecting cutoff times and aid station protocols
  • Trekking poles are allowed for the 73km and 43km distances.
  • This event is a foot race and the entire route must be traversed by foot.
  • Any participant with a disability of any kind that would require a form of mechanical device is to bring this to the attention of the race organisers for approval.
  • This is a ‘carry your own’ event. Therefore, water will not be handed out in sachets/cups. Own water bottles and bladders can be refilled at the aid stations as well as at any natural water found on the route.
  • Race numbers must be worn on the front and must be clearly visible at all times. Only official participants displaying their race numbers are allowed on the route.
  • Should you need to drop out of the race (DNF) for any reason, it is your responsibility to inform a race official so that it can be communicated to the finish line officials.

Prohibited Conduct

  • Use of unauthorised assistance or support
  • Littering or environmental damage. You must carry your waste to the next aid station and discard it there in the bins provided.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct or harassment
  • Use of performance-enhancing drugs
  • Failure to follow race official instructions
  • Smoking is not permitted. This is a serious fire hazard and will lead to disqualification as well as fines.
  • Listening to music will not be tolerated.

5. Event Modifications and Cancellation

Right to Modify

While every effort is made to keep to all published itineraries, Traverse The Earth organisers reserve the right to modify, postpone, or cancel the Event due to circumstances including but not limited to: extreme weather, natural disasters, government restrictions, safety concerns, or other force majeure events, and this does not constitute a reason for a refund.

No refund for unused services will be considered. the organisers reserve the right to correct printing errors or omissions at any time; unaffected portions will continue to remain valid.

Entry cancellation and refunds

If a runner wishes to cancel their entry, Traverse The Earth requires written confirmation on or before the following dates to info@traversetheearth.co.za

  • 60% - Before 31 December 2025
  • 50% - From 1 January - 31 January 2026
  • 30% - From 1 February - 24 March 2026
  • 0% - From 25 March 2026

Substitutions will be allowed until 28 Feb 2026. Please follow the substitution process detailed below:

The runner wishing to give up their entry is responsible for finding a replacement runner and submitting the new runner’s details to info@traversetheearth.co.za.

Follow the substitution procedure and pay the admin fee of R200.

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Medical certificate required from qualified medical practitioner

  • 80% refund if before 28 February 2026
  • 50% refund if after 28 February 2026
  • Must be submitted within 30 days of incident

ENTRY AMENDMENTS:

​​You may downgrade (e.g. 73km to 43km) at any time before 24 March 2026, provided that the respective race is not sold out. No partial refunds for downgrading.

You may upgrade your event e.g. from 43km to 73km at any time before 24 March 2026, provided that the respective race is not sold out. You will need to cover the difference in the entry fee.


6. Medical and Emergency Procedures

Medical Fitness

Participants must be medically fit to participate and should consult with a physician before the Event. You are responsible for disclosing any medical conditions that may affect your participation or require emergency treatment.

Emergency Treatment

You consent to receive emergency medical treatment if deemed necessary by race officials or medical personnel. You are responsible for all medical expenses incurred.

Insurance

Participants are strongly advised to have appropriate medical and travel insurance. The Event organizers do not provide insurance coverage for participants.

7. Intellectual Property and Media Rights

Use of Likeness

I grant permission for the use of my name, voice, image, and likeness in any photographs, videos, recordings, or other media to be used for any legitimate purpose by Traverse the Earth, the sponsors, or assigns without payment or compensation.

Race Results

Race results, including my name and finishing time, may be published publicly.

8. Privacy and Data Protection

I agree to Traverse the Earth that by entering my personal details in the entry form I acknowledge that it is entered into a database that will be used for the administration of the Event and which may be used for future marketing and promotion of Traverse the Earth and Black Mountain Ultra event.

We may share necessary information with emergency services, medical personnel, accommodation partners, and other service providers as required for Event operations and participant safety.

9. Governing Law and Disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your participation in the Event will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of South African courts.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Enquiries

Organiser: Traverse the Earth

Event: Black Mountain Ultra

Terms Updates

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to registered participants via email. Continued participation in the Event after changes indicates acceptance of the updated Terms.