Welcome to the North of 89 Outdoors FAQ! Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our trail running events, policies, and community. We keep things fun, fair, and safe for everyone. For more details, visit our Contact page.
Please review our policies below:
1. Photography at Our Events
- Smile, you’re on camera! We love capturing the fun and excitement of our races. Event photos may be used for promotional purposes on our website, social media, and future event materials.
- By registering, you agree that your image may be captured and shared by our team or official photographers. If you have concerns about being photographed, please let us know at check-in so we can do our best to accommodate you.
2. Refund Policy
- All registrations are non-refundable. We know life happens, but due to the upfront costs of organizing events (permits, insurance, swag, etc.), we can’t offer refunds for any reason, including injury, illness, or scheduling conflicts.
- Please be sure you’re ready to commit before registering.
3. Deferral Policy
- No automatic deferrals. We do not offer automatic entry deferrals to future events. Your registration applies only to the event and year you signed up for.
- If you cannot attend, you may transfer your registration to another runner (see below), but please notify us in advance according to our transfer policy.
4. Personal Responsibility & Good Sportsmanship
- Trail safety is everyone’s job! All participants are responsible for knowing the course, following marked routes, and respecting nature and fellow runners.
- Carry your own hydration and nutrition. Aid stations are available, but come prepared.
- Listen to all course marshals and medical staff. If you see someone in need, stop and help or alert a volunteer.
- Participation is at your own risk. Trail running is inherently challenging—by registering, you accept all associated risks.
- Our volunteers are amazing – disrespectful behaviour to volunteers will be met with disqualification and a lifetime ban.
5. Registration Transfers
- Transfers to another runner are permitted up to 10 days before the event. Contact us with the new runner’s details.
- No last-minute, race-day transfers allowed.
6. Weather Policy
- The event will proceed rain or shine. In the case of extreme weather, unsafe conditions, or storms, we reserve the right to delay, modify, or cancel the event. No refunds or deferrals will be provided in these cases, but we’ll do our best to communicate updates promptly.
7. Lost & Found
- Lost and found items should be brought to the registration area. Items will be held for up to 30 days. We’re happy to negotiate shipping or facilitate a pickup. After 30 days, unclaimed items will be washed and donated to charity.
8. Pets & Strollers
- Pets and strollers are not allowed on course. They are welcome at the start/finish area to cheer on runners. All dogs must be on leash at all times and under supervision by their fur-parents.
9. Pacers & Crew
- Pacers and crew are generally not allowed without prior permission. For the Backyard Ultra, pacers and crew are specifically prohibited.
10. Earbuds & Headphones
- We allow headphones, but please keep volume low and remain aware of your surroundings, other runners, and course marshals. We encourage you to listen to nature!
11. Course & Start Time Changes
- We reserve the right to modify the course for safety or logistical reasons. Any changes will be communicated as soon as possible. Please pay attention to signage on race day as opposed to any GPS files you may have downloaded.
12. Age Restrictions
- Participants must be 18 years or older unless parental consent has been granted. Children under 15 should run with a parent/guardian.
13. Medical Support
- Qualified first aiders will be on-site. If you have a medical condition, please let us know at registration/check-in.
14. Sustainability & Littering
- We don’t supply cups at aid stations. Carry your own flask, bottle, flexible silicon cup, viking horn, whatever works for your training.
- Leave no trace! Anyone caught littering will be disqualified. Please respect nature and help us keep the trails beautiful.
Still have questions? Visit the Contact page. We’re here to keep things fun, fair, and safe for everyone.