PŌHAKU X PENA Challenge — Participant Waiver & Release of Liability
Event & Parties Covered
This agreement concerns my participation in the PŌHAKU X PENA Challenge on November 28, 2026, including the run, swim, paddle, transitions, and related event activities.
For purposes of this agreement, the “Released Parties” are HOPENA Foundation, RunSignup.com, event sponsors, volunteers, employees, representatives, and agents assisting with the event, and HOPENA FOUNDATION.
Voluntary Participation & Assumption of Risk
I understand that the PŌHAKU X PENA Challenge includes running, open-water swimming, paddling, and transitions across roads, a driveway, private property, sand, and shoreline areas. I voluntarily choose to participate and acknowledge that these activities involve risks of serious injury, permanent disability, drowning, death, and damage to or loss of personal property.
Risks include, but are not limited to, falls; uneven or slippery surfaces; traffic; collisions with participants, vessels, or equipment; waves, shorebreak, currents, wind, and changing weather; submerged rocks and reef; marine life; fatigue, dehydration, and medical emergencies; capsizing; equipment failure; and separation from my watercraft. Assistance may not be immediately available.
I accept responsibility for assessing my fitness, swimming ability, paddling skills, and experience for the portions of the course I will complete. I will not start or continue a portion of the event that exceeds my abilities or that I believe I cannot complete safely. I agree to attend the safety briefing, follow course rules and instructions, and stop or withdraw when directed by event officials.
I knowingly and voluntarily assume the inherent risks of the activities in which I participate, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Nothing in this acknowledgment releases liability that cannot lawfully be waived.
Release of Liability
In consideration of being permitted to participate, I release the Released Parties from claims for injury, death, or property damage arising from the inherent risks of my participation, but only to the extent permitted by applicable law.
This release does not excuse negligent conduct where liability for that conduct cannot lawfully be waived, or otherwise waive rights that applicable law makes nonwaivable. To the extent permitted by law, this agreement binds me and my heirs, executors, administrators, and legal representatives.
Participant-Provided Watercraft & Equipment
I understand that participants must arrange for and provide their own watercraft, whether individually or as part of a team. The event does not provide watercraft.
Permitted craft may include OC-1, OC-2, OC-4, OC-5, OC-6, paddleboards, and other types approved by the event organizer. Acceptance is subject to event rules, craft capacity, course suitability, and conditions on race day.
I am responsible for ensuring that the craft and equipment I use are in safe working condition, suitable for the course, and appropriate for my abilities. I will comply with applicable safety-equipment requirements and any additional event requirements. I will not overload a craft or use equipment that I know or reasonably believe to be unsafe.
I agree to operate my watercraft with care, maintain appropriate distance from others, and follow launch, landing, transition, and course instructions. Event officials may restrict a craft’s use or stop participation for safety reasons. Any inspection or approval does not replace my responsibility to check my equipment and use it safely.
Course Conduct & Private Property
I agree to remain on the designated course and use only the areas of private property made available for the event. I will respect residents, other beach and ocean users, participants, and volunteers; follow applicable traffic rules; and keep access routes clear.
I am responsible for securing my personal belongings and equipment and for removing my rubbish from the course, beach, and transition areas.
Emergency Medical Care
If I experience an illness, injury, or medical emergency during the event and cannot provide consent at that time, I authorize event personnel to request emergency assistance and arrange transportation and care by qualified medical providers.
I understand that this authorization does not guarantee immediate rescue, transportation, or treatment. I accept responsibility for charges for medical services provided to me, including medical transport, medication, treatment, and hospitalization, subject to applicable law and insurance coverage.
Photography & Event Coverage
I grant the event organizer and its authorized representatives permission to use my name, voice, photographs, video, and likeness captured during the event in race results, event coverage, and materials promoting the event and its mission, without compensation.
Event Changes & Cancellation
I understand that weather, ocean conditions, emergencies, permit requirements, or other circumstances may require the organizer to modify the course, restrict watercraft, delay a start, shorten or stop a discipline, postpone the event, or cancel it.
I agree to follow these decisions and any related safety instructions. The organizer will communicate changes as reasonably practicable.
Registration is free. Any optional donation is separate from registration and is subject to the donation terms disclosed when the contribution is made.
Acknowledgment & Agreement
I have read this agreement, understand the activities and risks described, and have had an opportunity to ask the organizer questions before agreeing. I understand that this document includes a release of certain legal rights.
I voluntarily agree to these terms and accept responsibility for my preparation, equipment, conduct, and decision to participate, subject to the limits of applicable law.
If signing as the parent or legal guardian of a participant under 18, I confirm that I have authority to consent to the child’s participation. I have reviewed the activities and risks described, consent to the child’s participation and emergency medical care as stated above, and acknowledge that any release concerning the child is effective only to the extent permitted by applicable law.
