HPRS POLICIES

The following policies are subject to change at any time, for any reason, under the discretion of the Race Director, HPRS Advisory Board, or Human Potential LLC. They have been implemented to maximize enjoyment for all; for your safety, our safety, and the safety of all volunteers, spectators, crews, pacers, or other; and for the future preservation of events. They are non-negotiable and we thank you in advance for your cooperation. In the event a policy is changed, the previous iteration of the policy will apply to all registrations purchased prior to the change, while all registrations purchased after the change will be subject to the new/amended policy.

If you are unable to abide by our policies or don’t agree with them, we respectfully invite you to run with an organization who more closely aligns with your own personal values and ethos. If after reading this page your question(s) is not answered, we invite you to also check out our FAQ Page, or by emailing your question to info@HumanPotentialRunning.com.

By completing registration for any HPRS event, you acknowledge acceptance of, and to abide by, all HPRS policies and all other logistics and arrangements that you must adhere to for successful participation in our events.

To read a policy, please click on the policy titled below and the policy will be revealed. 

(The following policies apply to all HPRS Races)

• NO WHINING - PERIOD. 

• Our Races Are Designed To Be Tough– From vertical gain to technical footing, we have a little of everything. Embrace the challenge. 

• We Do Not Tolerate Littering– Anyone caught doing so risks immediate disqualification and a lifetime ban from HPRS events. 

• We View DNF’S as “Did Nothing Fatal”– Only you can decide the right level of challenge for yourself. Anyone dropping from the race must notify the closest aid station captain, and/or the race director immediately. We do not post DNF information in our results.

• We Allow Crews/Spectators/Pacers on a very limited basis– Many of our races take place in remote locations that cannot support additional vehicles and this is often specified in our event permit. If you select a race that prohibits crews, spectators, or pacers; please respect this rule as the future of that race may depend on it.  

• We need to see your Bib– Runner bib numbers must be worn on the outside of your race kit and be visible from the front. Without this, we will not be able to track and time you properly.

• Checking In and Out of Aid Stations– It is the responsibility of the individual runner to make sure your number has been noted at all manned aid stations.

• All runners must abide by the directions of Medical Personnel and the RD. Their direction is for your own safety and the preservation of our events, and failure to do so may result in disqualification.

• Runners are responsible for knowing the course– All HPRS events will be clearly marked from start to finish, but it is up to the individual to familiarize themselves with the course. If you get lost, it is your responsibility to get back on track, and by returning to the last place known “on course” before continuing. 

• Runners may not receive assistance from a vehicle– This includes accepting rides or motorized pacing. 

• No unofficial runners or pacers will be allowed on the course– All pacers need to check-in with race staff at events where pacers are permitted. All pacers must complete and sign a participation waiver, and obtain a pacer bib. Bandits will be charged and prosecuted for theft of services under state laws.

• Runners must abide by race policies– This includes all race rules and regulations and extends to any/all spectators, crews, and/or pacers that a runner may bring. Failure to do so, by a runner or crew member, could result in disqualification. 

• Runners must use designated drop bag areas only– Cacheing is not allowed at HPRS events. 

• No pets of any kind are allowed– HPRS believes that all runners have a right to a safe racing environment and as such, we do not allow pets of any kind at our events. Failure to abide by this policy, on the part of a runner or their crew, will result in immediate disqualification.

• We discourage the use of headphones– We have seen firsthand the distraction that headphones can cause during a race and we encourage you to run without them. If you need to run with headphones, utilizing only one earbud at a time is permitted. Using both earbuds at a time is strictly prohibited.

• Our registrations are first come, first served – We do not use lotteries for any of our races. Should a race fill to capacity, we will utilize a waitlist. Runners selected from the waitlist will have 24 hours to secure/accept the spot before we move on to the next runner on the wait list.

• The Race Director has final decision making authority on any question or concern that may arise during a Human Potential event. 

• Aid Station Captains have the authority to act on behalf of the Race Director- providing such action does no harm to a participant, spectator, volunteer, or other. 

Any violation could be grounds for disqualification. All potential rule violations are to be reported to the Race Director. Race management reserves the right to bar any runner from participating in any future HPRS Event.

Each of our races may come with their own set of policies which reflect the conditions of our permits, facility hosts, towns, counties, etc. Some of our events also have volunteer/trail work requirements. These policies and requirements are either mentioned on race pages, or in race runner manuals. These policies do not substitute or void the policies listed above. They are in addition to the above policies.

To view our FAQ page and answers to other questions please CLICK HERE.

The two biggest rules we have: Don't be a jerk, and no whining. Additionally, You agree to abide by the following code of conduct before, during, and after our event:

You will be respectful to all other athletes at all times. You will be respectful, kind, and thankful to all volunteers. You will be respectful to HPRS Staff and Directors. You will follow all HPRS Anti-Discrimination Policies. You acknowledge that should you for any reason treat ANYONE poorly before, during, or after this event you will be removed from the results and banned from all future HPRS events. If you feel the need to be heard about your experience, if you have valuable feedback that you wish to share, we respectfully request you engage with us in an adult one-on-one conversation or via email Feedback@HumanPotentialRunning.com. This does not come with the right to be mean, nasty, slanderous on social media, or disrespectful in any way. Hearing about your sub-par experience “through the grapevine” is not usually productive or constructive towards an opportunity for us to grow. So please let us know first hand. Like you, we’re human. It’s even in the name...

The number one job of any race organizer is Risk Management. To this effect, HPRS reserves the right to deny entry to any individual for legitimate reasons; particularly for reasons related to a runner being undertrained, underprepared or ill-prepared, or behaving in any way that signifies to race organizers that the individual in question is a risk and/or liability to the future preservation of HPRS races, and/or the health and safety of themself, HPRS staff, volunteers, crews, pacers, spectators, and/or other participants.

HPRS also reserves the right to implement a mandatory gear list for any race they may host, and it is considered a reasonable expectation that all runners who wish to participate have the mandatory gear on their person at all times the gear be required. If a runner is caught on course without mandatory gear, the runner will be immediately disqualified and removed from the course. Should you be removed from an event, or denied entry, for any of the specified reasons mentioned here-in, a refund will not be offered. Our race, our permits, our insurance, our assuming of all risk and liability for all individuals involved = OUR RULES.

As a condition of entry and participation in all HPRS events, all registrants agree to the following Refund, Deferral, Transfer and Credit policies. Completion of registration for our events signifies the registrant's agreement to complete adherence of these policies in their entirety. HPRS reserves the right to alter these policies at any time.

REGISTRATION INSURANCE:

All registrants will be offered an opportunity to purchase race registration insurance at check out on RunSignUp.com. The Insurance offer is made below the checkout total. When clicked, the “Confirmation” button at the bottom is updated to show the cost. Our events offer a Registration Protector with Required to Work policy - The insurance premium is 8.1% of the registration cost (including processing fee), with a minimum insurance premium of $2.99 per registrant. The details of the plan with RegShield is here. The link is also on the registration path. RegShield also has an FAQ page HERE. Event registration insurance protects participants for 100% of their registration and processing fees for races that they are unable to attend for covered reasons. See the RegShield website/FAQ for more information.

Purchasing the insurance is a separate charge from the race registration and the purchase is made directly with RegShield.  The registrant only enters their credit card information once for both purchases (race registration and insurance). Once purchased the race registrant receives an email and plan directly from RegShield. Race organizers don’t take on any financial liability and don’t have to get involved with claims. RegShield handles all of the claims directly with insured registrants. Runners who request refunds, deferrals, or credits when dropping out of an event, will be asked if they purchased the event insurance (we can see it on our end as well). It is up to the runner/registrant to insure their registration if they so choose. The purchased insurance policy will supersede HPRS Refund and Credit policies as outlined below. Should you choose to not insure your registration, you will be subject to our Refund, Deferral, Bib Transfer and Withdrawal policies as outlined below.

REFUND, DEFERRAL, AND BIB TRANSFER POLICIES

HPRS DOES NOT ISSUE REFUNDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Deferrals are allowed 91 or more days from the start date and time of the originally registered event. During this time period you may defer 100% of your race entry fee (minus RunSignUp.com taxes and fees) to any other HPRS event up to one year from the original date of the entry involved, including the next year's event. A deferral of your original registration will only be allowed ONE TIME. Meaning, you cannot defer the registration a second time; should you defer to a future event and then be unable to attend the event deferred to, you will forfeit the entry fees associated with these transactions. Should you defer to an event where the registration fee is higher than fees paid for the original registration, the registrant will be required to pay the difference in fees. Should you defer to an event that is cheaper or of lesser value, you will not receive any refunds or credits (in full or partial) for the lower difference in price.

The only exceptions to the above outlined deferral policy are those explained in our Pregnancy Deferral Policies, and for those who purchase registration insurance through RegShield (See above). 

Bib/Registration transfer to any individual other than yourself is not allowed at any time, no exceptions. A valid and unexpired government issued photo ID will be required for every runner to receive their bib and/or swag at race check-in. No one may pick-up the bib and/or swag for any registrant other than themselves. 


WITHDRAWAL CREDIT POLICY:

The following withdrawal credit policy will only apply to those registrants who do not purchase the offered registration insurance during registration. Registration insurance is detailed above. Should you purchase the registration insurance, your purchased insurance will replace our deferral and withdrawal policies.

Credits will exclude any taxes and/or RunSignup.com fees paid, and will be issued via RunSignup.com for use towards a future HPRS race when notified of your withdrawal in writing via email to info@HumanPotentialRunning.com (not Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or text message). Runners may withdraw from a race for any reason during the following time periods and receive the appropriate credits, providing they follow this procedure. Credits will expire one year from the date of issuance.

90+ days from the start of the registered event - Please see our deferral policy as outlined above.

30-90 days from the start of the registered event - We will gladly provide runners with a 50% credit toward a future HPRS event.

Less than 30 days from the start of the registered event  HPRS will NOT offer any credits (full or partial) less than 30 days out from a race. We encourage runners to instead volunteer in the event an injury prevents you from running. You will earn HPRS race credits for time served in your volunteer role, plus 50% of your original entry fee paid (minus RunSignUp.com taxes and fees) as a credit.. The volunteer program allows you an opportunity to not only give back, but recoup lost entry fees to use towards a future race.

There are no exceptions to the above refund, deferral, transfer, and credit policies. PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR AN EXCEPTION OR ATTEMPT TO BE DECEPTIVE IN YOUR REQUEST FOR REFUNDS OR CREDITS. Those who behave in any disrespectful, entitled, dishonest, or unacceptable behavior with regards to our refund and credit policies will be banned from all future HPRS events. You have the opportunity to purchase registration insurance, which is detailed above. 

HPRS reserves the right to cancel, alter, postpone or reschedule any race distance or entire event for any reason and at any time if conditions are deemed unsafe or dangerous to staff, volunteers and/or participants, including in response to a force majeure event occurring during a race or in advance of a race. Force majeure includes but is not limited to extreme/severe weather, fire danger, earthquake, landslide, avalanche, volcanic eruption, flooding, storm damage, communicable or infectious illness outbreak, act of war or terrorism, security threat or any other extreme condition or unforeseen circumstance that makes a race impossible to conduct safely, in violation of event insurance policy or event permitting conditions.

If we are forced to act due to a force majeure event we cannot offer refunds or credits. ANY race can be cancelled, postponed, altered, or ended early by the race director, emergency medical personnel, or any of our associated land managers. Those decisions will be made based on an in depth risk management assessment conducted by the race director, emergency medical personnel, and/or land managers, and with the overall health and safety of all involved (runners, pacers, crews, spectators, volunteers, staff, etc) and land resource management in mind. We understand these difficult decisions may not be the most popular, but the decision will be made with the proper risk management considerations in mind. Please understand that this is a risk we all assume in hosting, and/or participating in, these types of events.

HPRS does not offer or authorize refunds for any reason or circumstance. Still, we are aware that some of you may try to circumnavigate this policy by initiating a chargeback through your financial institution. By completing registration for any of our events you signify acceptance of all HPRS Terms and Conditions. We view the initiation of a chargeback as a violation of the terms and conditions you agreed to in registering for an event. Any runner initiating a chargeback will be immediately banned from all future HPRS events permanently. Human Potential LLC will also provide your financial institution a copy of this page, and the question during registration where you signify acceptance of these terms, as evidence to defend against your chargeback request. 

Should you register for a HPRS race and then become pregnant (naturally or via surrogacy) or adopt a child following your registration; you are welcome to defer your entry to a future edition of the same race if you wish. To obtain the deferral, please send a Pregnancy Deferral Request to us at info@HumanPotentialRunning.com up to 30 days prior to the race, and include written confirmation of your pregnancy signed by a physician, registered midwife, or other medical professional; or proof of adoption.

We reserve the right to require additional proof of pregnancy and may reject a deferral request if the documentation verifying pregnancy is deemed insufficient. We reserve the right to require additional proof of adoption. Persons who obtain a Pregnancy/New Child Entry Deferral will be granted automatic entry into any one of the next two editions of the same race after the initial year deferred.

If a person becomes pregnant again during a Pregnancy Entry Deferral period, they may request another Pregnancy Entry Deferral. This would permit them to defer their race entry for the two-year period allowed by the most recent Pregnancy Entry Deferral request. Pregnancy/New Child deferral is only allowed 2x for the same entry.

Should for some unforeseen circumstance the race deferred from is cancelled or no longer exists, the deferral will then be good (and only then) for any other HPRS race of equal distance or of equal and/or lesser value. No refund of entry fees will be administered under any circumstance.

We also welcome deferrals for the significant others of those who may become pregnant (naturally or via surrogacy) or adopt a child following your registration. The same rules apply as our Pregnancy & New Child Deferral Policy as stated in the tab above.

Furthermore, we also welcome Pregnancy Complications Deferral requests from significant others (male, female, or other) of pregnant individuals who experience pregnancy complications regardless of if the pregnancy was known prior to or after registration. The same rules as above will apply to the significant other with regards to a deferral request with written confirmation of complications signed by a physician, registered midwife, or other medical professional; with the exception that this type of deferral may be requested no less than 7 days out from the registered race.

All registrants are welcome to move up or down in race distance at any event, up until the start time of the event registered for. No refunds or credits, in full or partial, will be provided for dropping DOWN in race distance. Those who move UP in race distance, are required to pay the difference in fees before doing so.

Select HPRS events allow a mid-race drop down in distance where you will still receive a finisher's award and have your finish time in the results in the event that you bit off more than you can chew. Those events are: Franklin Mountains Trail Runs 30k & 10k; Endure Half Marathon; Sheep Mountain 50-Mile & 55k; Silverheels 100-Mile, 50-Mile, and 18-Mile; and the Indian Creek 50-Mile and 55k. Information about dropping down will be provided in the participant manual for each event. We strongly discourage moving up in distance mid-race for a variety of risk management reasons.

HPRS welcomes and encourages participation in our events by all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, biological sex, gender identity, or gender expression. Any event that is permitted by the United States Forest Service/US Government (USDA) is required to comply with the USDA Non-Discrimination Statement as a condition of their permit. 

At HPRS, all individuals will be welcomed as the gender they register as during the registration process, which is typically the gender they personally identify with. There is a big difference between biological sex, and gender identity and expression. We recognize that difference. We encourage you to educate yourself on non-binary genders and gender identities at a site like Mind and Body Works. At HPRS, runners will choose from the following gender identities during registration: Male, Female, Gender-Expansive, Genderfluid, Non-binary, Trans, and Agender. We affirm transgender women as women and transgender men as men.  All runners are welcome to compete in the category that best fits their gender identity. Trans runners will not be discriminated against at our races. See our Anti-Discrimination Policies for more info.

Furthermore, all participants will be allowed to decide if their gender identity is visible in our race results or not. Those who select 'YES' to having their gender identity listed will see either Male, Female, or NB in the results next to their name. Those who select 'NO" will see the gender column left blank within race results. 

Criteria for AWD Entry

AWDs must be able to run the course

Tethers may be used for athletes with a visual impairment

Leg prosthetics may be used for amputees.

Crutches, braces, or poles may be used if indicated/necessary, with approval from the race director. Contact our RD for more info.

Since most of our courses take place on a trail through the mountains, it is not suitable for athletes in wheelchairs.

Service dogs (only) are allowed on our courses.

AWDs must be able to finish within the specified cutoffs. Extra time may be given at the race director's discretion. Contact the RD for more info. 

HPRS will do everything within our power to ensure that race results are posted within 72-hours of completion of a race. Once results are posted, runners have one week (7 days or 168 Hours) to submit an email to HPRS at info@HumanPotentialRunning.com to have their results corrected in the event of an error. We will only consider incorrect finish times (more than 5 minutes off), misspelling of your name, or distance run; as “an error.”

Furthermore, HPRS is a LGBTQ+ safe space and we do welcome and encourage participation in our events by all athletes regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Starting in July 2021, HPRS asks runners (during the registration process) if they would like their gender identity listed in the results... it is the participant's prerogative. Should a runner select "No" to having their gender listed, the gender will remain blank next to the runner's name in the race results. Should the runner select "Yes," their gender will be listed as Male, Female, or Non-Binary in the event that they identify differently than Male or Female.

HPRS does not keep track of "course record" information, nor do we publish such information on our results pages. While we very much appreciate that some performances are truly other-worldly and may be deserving of special recognition; we maintain our vision to celebrate all participants, for the effort they are able to bring on race day, equally. 

"But I'm a good dog." Unfortunately, even good dogs can cause problems in our parks and at our races. They can harass wildlife, disturb sensitive nesting and breeding areas, and spread diseases to other animals. Dogs, especially those not on a leash, can intimidate other visitors; and not everyone is comfortable around dogs. They can also be injured in fights with other animals or by falls off cliffs or down steep hillsides.
 
To prevent these problems and more, DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT ANY HPRS RACE. Unfortunately the behaviors of a few dog owners in the past have highlighted that allowing dogs at our events is a liability we cannot shoulder. Should your family or friends bring a dog to the event, you will be immediately disqualified from the event. It is your responsibility to ensure they know to leave poochie at home.
 
**NOTE: Service dogs are allowed; in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, including titles II and III of the law.

VOLUNTEER'S DOGS: If you are considering volunteering for one of our events please see our Volunteer Page for our Volunteer's Dogs policy. 

HPRS Race shirts are made to order and not ordered in bulk. Race shirts and all associated race swag may only be picked up in person at packet pickup, or on race day, by the registered runner. We will not mail out shirts to participants that do not attend the event. Shirts of those not in attendance will be given out to other runners looking for a different size, those who registered after the t-shirt deadline for an event, or a volunteer. We also will NOT mail any forgotten or unclaimed finishers awards, race swag, or drop bags (see below).

We will not ship any drop bags abandoned at our races. Drop bags must be picked up by the end of the race or the runner forfeits their bag and its contents. As soon as each race concludes, the contents of abandoned drop bags are either donated to local charities or non-profits, or will be rummaged through to provide gear for needy runners (think college students and high schoolers looking to get into ultra, or runners who lost items in a house fire, etc). In some cases, what we retrieve will end up at future aid stations for runners to use. We will do our very best to return drop bags to the finish line in a timely manner. We highly suggest you keep nothing of personal value or importance in your drop bags. If you do not intend to retrieve your drop bag at the finish line late in the day, it is best to not have a drop bag, or at least one with items you’re not ok with losing. You may travel to an aid station location where your drop bag may still be sitting to retrieve it if it is still present.

We will NOT ship any awards not picked up on race day. In most cases, awards are handed to you at the finish line. In other cases (Silverheels 100 & Sangre de Cristo 100 and 200) there is a short awards ceremony. HPRS is dedicated to bettering our ultra community by hosting events that encourage mingling and hanging out before and after the run #Stay. If you are unable to engage in this process, by staying behind to obtain your award, please see us immediately on race day for other options.

When applicable, Aid Station and post-race food is for registered participating runners only. This policy is critical to helping us keep our events reasonably priced and accessible for our community. Please respect this policy and make sure that any spectators or crews who join you at the race understand as well.

No successful event can happen without the dedicated service of volunteers. Volunteers will earn credits towards HPRS events only. Credits accrued expire one year after they are earned.

Walk-up volunteers the day of the event are eligible for compensation on a case by case basis, typically tied to volunteer need by race staff, and the amount and type of work performed. Otherwise, compensation is only awarded to those who signed-up to volunteer prior to the event. You can learn more about volunteering and the compensation system on our Volunteer Page.

Compensation will be issued ONE TIME via Runsignup following a written (email) request from each volunteer looking to apply their earned credits. Compensation cannot be used at the event worked. These codes are transferable to a family member, friend, or stranger at your discretion provided HPRS is notified via email beforehand at info@HumanPotentialRunning.com.

All volunteers are expected to follow the HPRS Code of Conduct, and all other policies associated with HPRS events.

The Race Director reserves the right to move volunteers to different shifts and timeframes that better supports an event. No changes will be made without prior communication with the volunteer being moved. 

The Human Potential Running Series focuses on the community of trail and ultra running first, and competition second. Because we do not offer prize monies or special accommodations for elites/front runners, we feel that doping at our events should theoretically be a non-issue. We do recognize that doping in our sport has become a hot topic, and HPRS is dedicated to providing runners with an accurate representation of our stance.

Please be aware that your right to possess marijuana in any state does not apply when you are visiting national parks, national forests or monuments, or other federal properties. Possession of marijuana on federal land is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000 on the first offense, along with a 15-day mandatory sentence that can be extended to two years in prison for a second offense. After that, perpetrators can receive a 90-day to three-year prison term, and a $5,000 fine.

It is 100% illegal to possess any marijuana on federal lands. Colorado Amendment 64 does not permit the consumption of marijuana outside the comfort of your own home.

CBD is not derived from the same hemp plant as THC. It is a myth that you can get high from CBD, as CBD does not contain the psychoactive ingredient of THC (which is psychoactive). We do encourage the use of CBD as it has many health benefits, has recently been removed by the WADA as a banned substance, and there are even CBD products that are NSF International Certified for sport. Have at it!

In regards to alcohol, HPRS is not permitted to provide runners with alcohol before, during, or after any race (except Last Call 50). We have not obtained the required liquor license, and/or additional insurance policy, to do so. HPRS will abide by all state and federal alcohol regulations and work with duly licensed parties for any events that may involve the consumption of same. Starting in 2016, Prohibition of serving alcohol is a condition of our permits moving forward. Therefore HPRS, nor any associated volunteers/individuals, are permitted to distribute alcohol to participants for any reason. Runners wishing to bring their own alcohol to an event, are allowed to do so, but will be subject to all laws pertaining to open containers and alcohol consumption in public settings.

In both the circumstances of marijuana (THC) and alcohol neither will be encouraged, distributed, or even handled by HPRS or its representatives. Should you decide to provide these items for your own personal use, you do so at your own risk and are subject to all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Should it become a concern of HPRS that you are intoxicated, under the influence, or generally not of clear sound mind (enough to continue through the event safely) for any reason, we reserve the right to pull you from the course immediately. This is non-negotiable.

Volunteers at our events are allowed to bring their own alcohol for personal consumption. At no time, for any reason, is a volunteer to share, distribute, or so much as offer alcohol to one of our race patrons. Alcohol consumption at aid stations is only to be consumed during times in which an aid station is closed or “inactive.” While volunteers are allowed to drink, it is strictly prohibited for them to get intoxicated/drunk during the event at any time. If you would like to drink to access, we require that you only do so after your duties at the event have concluded in their entirety. All alcohol present at your aid station must be 100% out of view from runners. Alcoholic beverages must be consumed from red solo cups only. Volunteers and staff who ignore or violate this policy, will be immediately removed from the event and banned from ALL future HPRS events.