Salt Pans Ultra Marathon Logo
Volunteer SPU

Liability Waiver

Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

Participant Risk Acknowledgement, Indemnity and Liability Waiver

Organiser: Outdoor Adventures BW (Pty) Ltd, trading as the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon (“SPU” or “the Organiser”)
Website: www.saltpansultra.run
Contact: info@saltpansultra.run
Last updated: January 2026


1. Purpose and Application

This Participant Risk Acknowledgement, Indemnity and Liability Waiver (“Waiver”) applies to every person registered to participate in any Salt Pans Ultra Marathon race distance or associated participant activity.

It forms part of the agreement between the participant and the Organiser and must be read together with the:

  • Salt Pans Ultra Marathon Terms and Conditions;

  • Refund and Cancellation Policy;

  • official Race Rules;

  • mandatory equipment requirements;

  • medical and insurance requirements; and

  • safety instructions issued before or during the event.

By registering, accepting this Waiver electronically or signing the arrival confirmation at the event, the participant confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these documents.

The hard-copy arrival confirmation signed at the event supplements and reconfirms this Waiver. It does not replace the agreement accepted during registration.


2. Voluntary Participation

Participation in the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon is voluntary.

The participant understands that SPU is an extreme endurance event conducted in a remote, exposed and potentially hazardous environment. Completing the required registration, qualification, medical, insurance or equipment checks does not guarantee that the participant can safely complete the event.

Each participant is responsible for deciding whether they are physically and mentally capable of participating.


3. Remote Event Environment

The event takes place in and around the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana. Parts of the route are remote, isolated and difficult to access.

The participant acknowledges that:

  • access by medical and support vehicles may be restricted or impossible in some areas;

  • mobile telephone and radio communication may be limited or unavailable;

  • GPS, tracking and communication equipment may fail or experience delays;

  • the participant may be far from the nearest medical facility;

  • medical assistance, rescue, evacuation or transport may be delayed;

  • evacuation may require road transport, off-road transport or aircraft;

  • weather and surface conditions may change without warning; and

  • immediate rescue or medical treatment cannot be guaranteed.

The participant understands that a delay in receiving assistance or treatment could worsen an injury or medical condition and may result in permanent disability or death.


4. Acknowledgement of Physical and Medical Risks

The participant understands that ultra-distance running places significant stress on the body and may cause serious illness, injury or death.

Risks include, but are not limited to:

  • dehydration;

  • overhydration and hyponatraemia;

  • heat exhaustion and heatstroke;

  • hypothermia;

  • sunburn and prolonged sun exposure;

  • exhaustion, collapse and loss of consciousness;

  • muscle, tendon, ligament, joint and bone injuries;

  • blisters, cuts, abrasions and infections;

  • rhabdomyolysis and kidney injury;

  • breathing difficulties;

  • allergic reactions;

  • cardiac events, including cardiac arrest;

  • disorientation, confusion and impaired decision-making;

  • complications arising from existing or previously unknown medical conditions;

  • adverse reactions to food, medication, supplements or environmental conditions;

  • permanent disability; and

  • death.

The participant understands that these conditions may develop rapidly and may not always be identified before becoming serious.


5. Environmental and Course Risks

The participant accepts that the route and event environment may expose them to:

  • extreme heat, cold, wind, rain or storms;

  • salt, sand, mud, water and slippery surfaces;

  • uneven terrain, holes, cracks, rocks and vegetation;

  • darkness, poor visibility and night running;

  • navigation errors or becoming lost;

  • wildlife, snakes, insects and other animals;

  • vehicles, machinery and temporary event infrastructure;

  • fire, smoke, fuel and cooking equipment;

  • other participants, spectators, volunteers, contractors and members of the public;

  • falling objects or damaged equipment;

  • contamination of food or water despite reasonable precautions;

  • natural hazards and conditions beyond the Organiser’s control; and

  • other risks that may not be reasonably foreseeable.

Course markings, route files, GPS devices and trackers are safety aids only. They do not replace the participant’s responsibility to remain alert, follow the official route and make reasonable safety decisions.


6. Acceptance of Inherent Risk

The participant knowingly and voluntarily accepts the ordinary and inherent risks associated with:

  • participating in an extreme endurance event;

  • travelling through the remote event environment;

  • using the race village, campsite and event facilities;

  • using transport or equipment provided or arranged for the event; and

  • taking part in associated event activities.

This includes risks that remain despite reasonable planning, medical support, tracking, mandatory equipment, water points, safety procedures and other measures implemented by the Organiser.

The participant agrees not to hold the Organiser or the Protected Parties responsible merely because an inherent risk materialises where the loss, injury or damage was not caused by a breach of a legal duty owed by them.

Nothing in this Waiver excludes or limits any right or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under Botswana law.


7. Participant Health and Fitness

The participant confirms that:

  • they meet the minimum age and qualification requirements stated in the Terms and Conditions;

  • they have trained adequately for the selected distance;

  • they are physically and mentally capable of participating;

  • they are not aware of any condition that would make participation unreasonably dangerous to themselves or another person;

  • all medical information supplied to the Organiser is accurate and complete;

  • they will inform the Organiser of any material change in their health before the event;

  • they will not participate while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs or any other substance that may make participation unsafe; and

  • they remain responsible for monitoring their condition throughout the event.

The participant must stop and request assistance if they experience serious pain, chest pain, breathing difficulty, confusion, unusual weakness, severe dehydration, loss of coordination or other signs of medical distress.

Any medical check performed by event personnel is a race-safety screening only. It is not a medical diagnosis, medical clearance or substitute for advice from the participant’s own doctor.


8. Mandatory Pre-Race Requirements

The participant understands that the Organiser may require completion or verification of:

  • qualifying race requirements;

  • medical information or medical screening;

  • mandatory equipment;

  • official route files on an approved navigation device;

  • medical aid, travel insurance or another approved form of medical coverage;

  • emergency contact information;

  • GPS tracking equipment;

  • this Waiver and the arrival confirmation; and

  • any additional reasonable safety requirement communicated by the Organiser.

The Organiser may refuse to issue a race bib or allow a participant to start if these requirements are not satisfied.

Any refund or credit resulting from a refusal to start is governed exclusively by the applicable Refund and Cancellation Policy and Botswana law.


9. Medical Authority and Withdrawal

The participant authorises the Race Directors, medical personnel and authorised event officials to:

  • assess the participant’s condition;

  • require the participant to rest, rehydrate or receive treatment;

  • prevent the participant from starting;

  • temporarily stop or permanently withdraw the participant;

  • remove the participant from the route;

  • arrange emergency treatment, transport or evacuation; and

  • determine treatment and evacuation priorities according to the circumstances and resources available.

The participant agrees to comply immediately with medical and safety instructions.

A decision by authorised medical personnel or the Race Directors regarding the participant’s continued participation is final and will be made with safety as the primary consideration.

Withdrawal by the participant or removal on medical or safety grounds does not automatically create a right to a refund. The Refund and Cancellation Policy applies.


10. Emergency Medical Treatment and Evacuation

If the participant is injured, unconscious, confused or otherwise unable to provide consent, the participant authorises the Organiser and its medical providers to arrange treatment, transport or evacuation reasonably considered necessary to protect the participant’s health or life.

The participant understands that:

  • the Organiser cannot guarantee the availability or response time of any particular medical resource;

  • evacuation may be delayed by distance, terrain, weather, darkness or vehicle access;

  • the nearest appropriate medical facility may be a considerable distance from the course;

  • the participant may be transported to a facility selected according to the circumstances; and

  • treatment or evacuation may be undertaken without first contacting the participant’s family or insurer.

Subject to applicable law and insurance coverage, the participant remains responsible for medical, ambulance, evacuation, hospital, accommodation, repatriation and associated expenses incurred on their behalf.


11. Medical Aid and Insurance

The participant must hold the medical aid, travel insurance or other coverage required by the Organiser and valid for treatment and emergency evacuation in Botswana, unless the Organiser has approved another arrangement.

The participant is responsible for confirming:

  • the validity and territorial scope of the coverage;

  • whether ultra-distance running is covered;

  • applicable exclusions, limits and excess payments;

  • whether ground and air evacuation are covered;

  • hospital and emergency treatment benefits; and

  • repatriation arrangements where applicable.

Acceptance of insurance information by the Organiser does not guarantee that an insurer will approve or settle a claim.

The participant remains responsible for any uninsured or rejected expense, subject to applicable law.


12. Race Rules, Equipment and Tracking

The participant agrees to:

  • comply with the official Race Rules;

  • attend required briefings and checks;

  • follow instructions from Race Directors, medical staff, officials, marshals and safety personnel;

  • carry all mandatory equipment and minimum water requirements;

  • correctly use and protect tracking and safety equipment;

  • not damage, disable, remove, cover, exchange or tamper with a tracker;

  • remain on the approved route unless directed otherwise;

  • use only assistance permitted under the Race Rules;

  • report emergencies, missing participants or serious hazards as soon as reasonably possible; and

  • provide reasonable assistance to another participant in a genuine emergency where it is safe to do so.

Tracking equipment and emergency buttons do not guarantee that the participant’s location will be continuously monitored or that assistance will arrive immediately.

A breach of the Race Rules or safety requirements may result in a warning, time penalty, withdrawal, disqualification or removal from the event.


13. Personal Decisions and Participant Conduct

The participant remains responsible for their personal decisions and conduct during the event.

The participant accepts responsibility for loss, injury or damage caused directly by:

  • knowingly providing false or incomplete information;

  • ignoring medical or safety instructions;

  • failing to carry or use mandatory equipment;

  • deliberately leaving the approved route;

  • using unauthorised assistance;

  • reckless, unlawful or deliberately unsafe conduct;

  • interfering with another participant or event operation; or

  • deliberately damaging event, community or third-party property.

The participant must not continue solely to protect a finishing result where continuing would create an unreasonable risk to themselves or others.


14. Environmental and Community Responsibility

The event takes place in an environmentally sensitive area and near local communities.

The participant agrees not to:

  • litter;

  • leave equipment, clothing, packaging or waste on the course;

  • disturb, approach or feed wildlife;

  • damage vegetation or natural features;

  • enter restricted community, private or environmentally sensitive areas;

  • light unauthorised fires; or

  • behave disrespectfully toward residents, officials, staff, volunteers or other participants.

Waste must be retained and disposed of at an authorised location.

A serious environmental or community-related breach may result in immediate disqualification and removal from the event.


15. Transport, Camping and Personal Property

The participant acknowledges that transport, off-road travel, camping and the use of temporary facilities involve additional risks.

Where the participant arranges their own travel or accommodation, they remain responsible for those arrangements.

Where the Organiser provides or arranges transport, camping or other services, the participant must comply with all safety instructions and use the services only for their intended purpose.

Participants are responsible for their money, vehicles, clothing, equipment, electronic devices and other personal property.

To the extent permitted by law, the Organiser is not responsible for ordinary loss, theft or damage to personal property where the loss was not caused by a breach of a legal duty owed by the Organiser.

Nothing in this section excludes liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.


16. Event Changes, Suspension or Cancellation

The Organiser may delay, reroute, shorten, suspend, postpone or cancel all or part of the event where reasonably necessary because of:

  • weather or environmental conditions;

  • safety or medical concerns;

  • route conditions;

  • fire or natural disaster;

  • government restrictions;

  • security concerns;

  • loss of access permission;

  • failure of essential infrastructure;

  • public health emergencies;

  • force majeure; or

  • another circumstance beyond the Organiser’s reasonable control.

The participant understands that safety decisions may need to be made immediately and without prior notice.

Refunds, credits and transfers resulting from an event change, postponement or cancellation are governed by the Refund and Cancellation Policy and applicable Botswana law.


17. Mandatory Photography and Media Consent

The participant understands that photography, filming, audio recording, interviews, live coverage and media production are integral parts of the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon.

Recording may occur throughout:

  • the race village and campsite;

  • registration and race briefings;

  • the start and finish areas;

  • the course and water points;

  • transport operations;

  • ceremonies and presentations;

  • community activities; and

  • associated event functions.

As a mandatory condition of registration, participation and entry into the race village, the participant consents to the Organiser and its authorised photographers, production teams, media organisations, sponsors and event partners capturing and using the participant’s:

  • name;

  • image and likeness;

  • voice;

  • race number;

  • race participation and results;

  • interview comments; and

  • photographs, audio and video recordings.

The participant grants the Organiser a worldwide, royalty-free right to reproduce, crop, edit, publish, broadcast, display, archive and distribute this material in any format for:

  • event reporting and live coverage;

  • documentary and archival purposes;

  • promotion of SPU and related activities;

  • advertising and marketing;

  • media relations;

  • sponsor and partner acknowledgement; and

  • future event communications.

The participant understands that:

  • the material may be published on websites, social media, advertisements, printed publications, broadcasts, news platforms and future promotional materials;

  • the participant will not receive payment or compensation;

  • the participant will not have the right to inspect or approve material before publication; and

  • material already lawfully published, distributed or incorporated into completed productions may remain in use or in archives, subject to applicable law.

The Organiser will not knowingly use the material in a defamatory, deliberately misleading or unlawfully discriminatory manner.

Media consent is not optional. A person who does not accept this provision may not register, participate or enter the race village.


18. Personal and Medical Information

The participant authorises the Organiser to collect, store, process and use information reasonably required for:

  • registration and participant administration;

  • verifying qualifications and eligibility;

  • event communications;

  • race timing and results;

  • GPS tracking and participant safety;

  • medical assessment and emergency response;

  • insurance and evacuation coordination;

  • incident investigation;

  • legal and insurance reporting; and

  • compliance with applicable laws.

Where reasonably necessary, relevant information may be shared with medical providers, emergency services, insurers, timing providers, tracking providers, government authorities and other contractors involved in safely delivering the event.

Medical information will be handled as confidential information and shared only where reasonably required for health, safety, insurance, legal or operational purposes.

Questions concerning personal information may be directed to info@saltpansultra.run.


19. Liability and Lawful Limitation

The Organiser will take reasonable measures to plan and operate the event safely. However, the Organiser cannot eliminate every risk or guarantee the participant’s safety.

To the fullest extent permitted by Botswana law, the Organiser and the Protected Parties will not be responsible for loss, injury, damage or expense caused solely by:

  • an ordinary or inherent risk of the event;

  • the participant’s medical condition;

  • the participant’s own act, omission or decision;

  • a breach of Race Rules or safety instructions by the participant;

  • the independent conduct of another participant or third party outside the Organiser’s reasonable control;

  • natural or environmental conditions; or

  • circumstances beyond the Organiser’s reasonable control.

For this Waiver, the “Protected Parties” include Outdoor Adventures BW (Pty) Ltd and its directors, officers, employees, Race Directors, officials, volunteers, contractors, sponsors, partners, medical providers, timing and tracking providers, landowners and property occupiers involved in the event.

Nothing in this Waiver:

  • excludes or limits liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited;

  • waives a participant right protected by Botswana law;

  • excuses gross negligence or wilful misconduct where liability cannot lawfully be excluded; or

  • removes any legal duty that the Organiser is required to perform.


20. Limited Indemnity for Participant Conduct

To the fullest extent permitted by Botswana law, the participant agrees to indemnify the Organiser and the Protected Parties against a third-party claim, loss, damage or reasonable legal expense arising directly from:

  • the participant’s deliberate, reckless or unlawful conduct;

  • a deliberate or serious breach of Race Rules or safety instructions;

  • unauthorised use of a vehicle, equipment or restricted area;

  • deliberate or negligent damage caused by the participant to third-party property; or

  • false or materially misleading information knowingly supplied by the participant.

This indemnity does not apply to the extent that the claim, loss, damage or expense was caused or contributed to by a breach of legal duty, gross negligence or wilful misconduct by the party seeking protection.


21. Guests, Supporters and Volunteers

Guests, supporters and volunteers may be required to sign a separate Arrival Confirmation and Risk Acknowledgement before entering the race village or undertaking event duties.

Participants may not accept a waiver on behalf of another adult.

A parent or legal guardian must complete the required acknowledgement for any minor permitted to enter the race village.

Photography and media consent is a mandatory condition of entry into the race village for participants, guests, supporters and volunteers.


22. No Guarantee or Representation

Statements concerning course conditions, temperatures, distances, water points, weather forecasts, travel times, medical response or other operational matters are based on the best information reasonably available at the time.

Conditions may change before or during the event.

The participant remains responsible for reviewing final race communications, attending briefings and following updated instructions from authorised event personnel.


23. Severability

If any provision of this Waiver is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision shall be interpreted or limited only to the minimum extent necessary.

The remaining provisions shall continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.


24. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Waiver is governed by the laws of Botswana.

Any dispute arising from or connected with this Waiver or participation in the event shall be dealt with by the courts of Botswana, subject to any rights or procedures that cannot lawfully be excluded.


25. Electronic Acceptance and Arrival Confirmation

The participant acknowledges that ticking an acceptance box, submitting an electronic registration or signing electronically may constitute acceptance of this Waiver.

The Organiser may also require the participant to sign a printed Arrival Confirmation and Risk Acknowledgement before receiving a race bib or entering the event.

The participant confirms that:

  • they have read and understood this Waiver;

  • the material risks and practical implications have been clearly disclosed;

  • they have had an opportunity to ask questions;

  • they understand that serious injury, permanent disability or death may occur;

  • they voluntarily accept the inherent risks of participation;

  • they accept the mandatory photography and media provisions;

  • the information supplied to the Organiser is accurate; and

  • they agree to comply with all applicable race, medical and safety requirements.

A participant who does not accept this Waiver may not participate in the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon.

No Tears in the Salt Pans

Read the article from Carla Farina. 

She’s a Hoka ONE ONE runner, our Salt Pans Ultra Race Ambassador and also writes a monthly column in the South African running magazine “Trail MisAdventures”.

You can read the article here:

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Racecheck Gold Award 2024 for Salt Pans Ultra Marathon

We’re incredibly proud to announce that the Salt Pans Ultra 2024 has again been awarded the Racecheck Gold Award, with an impressive 4.93-star average rating from over 50 reviews! This milestone brings us closer to earning a spot among the Top Rated Races on Racecheck, a platform dedicated to helping athletes find, review, and choose the best endurance events worldwide.

Ranked 13th out of 1,750 off-road running races in 2024 we are high in the Top 1% of races.

Racecheck connects a global community of runners, cyclists, and triathletes, allowing them to share race experiences and recognize events that truly stand out. Achieving this award reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved—from participants to volunteers, to our dedicated team behind the scenes.

Thank you to each and every one of you who voted and helped make this possible. We look forward to creating even more memorable moments together at future events!

Jodie Russell's Remarkable Victory at the 2024 Salt Pans Ultra 50km

In a stunning display of endurance and speed, Jodie Russell claimed first place in the 2024 Salt Pans Ultra 50km, finishing with an impressive time of 5 hours and 35 minutes—just 3 minutes shy of the course’s fastest record. Known for its demanding terrain across Botswana’s vast salt flats, the Salt Pans Ultra is a true test for any ultra-runner, and Russell rose to the challenge with grit and determination.

Russell’s near-record time is a testament to her relentless training and racing prowess, as she maneuvered through the rugged landscape with an impressive pace and strategic precision. The Salt Pans’ harsh environment, with its expansive, barren flats and ever-changing weather conditions, tested every runner, but Russell stayed focused, drawing strength from the raw beauty and challenge of the terrain.

After the race, Russell shared her excitement about her win and the unforgettable experience. “Running on the salt pans is unlike anything else—it’s challenging, yet incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It was just me and the elements out there, and that pushed me to dig deeper.”

Congratulations to Jodie Russell on her outstanding performance in the Salt Pans Ultra 50km! Her remarkable achievement brings her within reach of the course’s fastest time, setting the stage for future challenges and inspiring the ultra-running community.

Tyler Rocha Shatters Record to Win 2024 Salt Pans Ultra 100km

Tyler Rocha shattered the Salt Pans Ultra 100km record with an impressive 11:37 finish in 2024. The grueling course, softened by the absence of mud this year, allowed Rocha to push limits and set a new benchmark. Battling winds and the vast salt flats, the ultra runner effort’s are all the more impressive as he is new to the sport.

In his post-race interview, Rocha expressed gratitude for the support from fans, fellow runners, and his team. He also credited the unique beauty and challenging terrain of the Salt Pans for pushing him to reach new levels in his performance. “There’s something about the salt pans that pulls you in,” he shared. “It’s humbling, but it’s also inspiring. It makes you give everything.”
Congratulations to Tyler Rocha on this incredible achievement! His record-breaking time is sure to be celebrated by the ultra-running community and will serve as a high benchmark for future competitors aiming to tackle the Salt Pans Ultra.