Race Rules

  1. GFNY Marathon (“GFNY”) is a marathon and/or half marathon run race where runners are individually timed.

  2. Entry

2.1. The entry to GFNY is open to runners aged 16 or older. Minors need written approval by a parent or guardian. GFNY has the sole discretion over entry numbers and cut off dates.

2.2. Runners who are serving a ban by a federation for a doping violation will be refused. Runners who have served their ban are allowed to run in the event, but will neither be timed nor be in the results and will start at the back.

2.3. Each runner has to ensure that his/her health condition is sufficient for the event.

2.4. Each runner is responsible for having sufficient insurance coverage. GFNY may offer additional insurance at its sole discretion.

2.5. Entries are not refundable, transferrable or deferrable. No runner shall be entitled to an entry fee refund in case of disqualification.

2.6. GFNY reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to deny entry, to revoke the entry application of any applicant at any time, and/or to disqualify any individual from the Event.

  1. Equipment

3.1. Running top: the official GFNY Marathon running top is provided by the organization and mandatory attire. Failure to wear it will lead to refusal to the start corrals and disqualification from the race.

3.2. Bib number: the bib number must be worn on the front of the running top, attached by safety pins. Any wrong positioning or alteration of the number can lead to a time penalty or disqualification.

3.3. Wrist band: the wrist band must be worn at all times during the event.

3.4. The use of headphones is not recommended.

  1. Start

4.1. Runners without their GFNY running top, bib number and wristband at the checkpoint will be refused access to the start area.

4.2 Runners may move back to a slower corral but may not move forward to a faster corral. Any participant who climbs over a barricade or otherwise enters improperly may be disqualified. 

4.3. The starting corrals close at xx:xx am.

4.4. Start order:

(1) VIP: Returning champions from the previous year (overall, age groups), guests

(2) Competitive corrals

(2.1) Top 10% of each age group of all GFNY Marathon events of the previous season. Top 20% of each age group of the GFNY Marathon Championships.

(2.2) Runners who can show proof to have run the official qualification times which can be found on the race website.

Race corral requests may not be honored after xx.

(3.) General runners according to their age group (younger to older)

  1. Competition

5.1. All runners are timed by chip timing from start to finish. Overall rankings are determined by gun time. Age group rankings are determined by net (chip) time.

5.2. Categories:

Category is determined by rider’s age on December 31.

  1. overall m/f
  2. 18-34 m/f
  3. 35-39 m/f
  4. 40-44 m/f
  5. 45-49 m/f
  6. 50-54 m/f
  7. 55-59 m/f
  8. 60-64 m/f
  9. 65-69 m/f
  10. 70-74 m/f
  11. 75-79 m/f
  12. 80+ m/f
  13. Team of four (any gender): times of the fastest four runners of a team added.

5.3. Prizes will be awarded to the top three in each category. Distribution of the prizes is at the sole discretion of GFNY. Prizes not picked up at the awards will be distributed to other riders. Prizes will not be shipped or handed to anyone but the winner.

5.4. All protests concerning the order of finish shall be examined and resolved by the chief judge, whose decision is final and without appeal. It is the runner’s responsibility to familiarize himself/herself with the rules of the event and the course before the start. Taking alternate routes or cutting the course short leads to disqualification from the current competition and to a ban at future GFNY.

  1. Abuse

6.1. No runner may be disrespectful toward race directors, officials, staff, riders, volunteers or spectators.

6.2. No runner may use foul or abusive language during GFNY.

6.3. No runner may assault (an unlawful attempt, coupled with the present ability, to commit a violent injury on the person of another) or do battery (any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another) to anyone connected with GFNY (including but not limited to riders, spectators, public officials, volunteers, staff, etc.).

6.4. Any of the above will lead to disqualification or a lifelong ban for Gran Fondo New York Inc. events (including but not limited to GFNY World events).

  1. Conduct

7.1 No runner may make an abrupt motion so as to interfere with the forward progress of another runner, either intentionally or by accident.

7.2. Pushing or pulling or any other physical assistance among runners is prohibited.

7.3. No outside assistance is allowed (incl. but not limited to personal support runners, cyclists etc. or handing in supplies from roadside).

7.4. If a runner is laying on the ground and is visibly in difficulty, any following runner has to stop and help unless there are already at least three people helping. You may continue if a) the victim is fine or b) medical personnel has arrived. Help others, you may need help one day.

7.5. Any misconduct with respect to the above will lead to disqualification and a lifelong ban at Gran Fondo New York Inc. events (including but not limited to GFNY World events).

  1. Environment

GFNY is committed to protecting the environment. Any discarding of trash or food outside the designated trash receptacles at the aid stations or “eco zones” is prohibited and can lead to a time penalty or disqualification and a lifelong ban at GFNY events.

Any urinating in public is prohibited and can lead to disqualification, ticketing by local law enforcement and a lifelong ban at Gran Fondo New York Inc. events (including but not limited to GFNY World events).

  1. Performance Enhancing Drugs

9.1 GFNY is committed to a drug free sport. Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED) are prohibited in preparation for and during GFNY. GFNY reserves the right to enforce doping controls before, during and after the event.

9.2 Any violation of World Anti Doping Association (WADA) rules will lead to disqualification, reclaim of prizes and a lifelong ban at Gran Fondo New York, Inc. events (including but not limited to GFNY World events). GFNY shares positive doping controls with other event organizations as well as the public at large a rule violation has been determined.

9.3 If a runner declines to be tested, he/she will be banned.

9.4 A runner who tests positive at GFNY will have to reimburse the cost of the doping control. Furthermore, such rider has to reimburse GFNY for any damages to its reputation that are a consequence of his/her positive doping control. If the rider is part of a team participating at GFNY, the team can be held liable for this damage.

  1. Acceptance of Risk

All those who run and compete under these rules do so at their own risk. No liability shall attach to GFNY or any of its officials with respect to any loss or injury sustained or caused by anyone competing or riding in GFNY.

  1. Rule Changes

Rules can be altered if deemed necessary at sole discretion of GFNY.

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