8. Guest runners (art. 36-40)

Art. 36 Invitations and Prerequisites

Invitations are granted by the Organizer, at its sole discretion, to runners, teams or elite athletes (regardless of gender, the “Invited Runner”, collectively the “Invited Runners”).

When granting invitations, the Organizer shall take into account, in particular, the following elements:

• A potential finishing time under [2h50] for Men and under [3h20] for Women;
• Proven experience in mountain running and/or trail running;
• Track performance references ([5 km], [10 km], half marathon and marathon).

A registration form for runners and elite athletes wishing to participate in the Sierre-Zinal Race is available on the official website at:
https://www.sierre-zinal.com/en/registration-form-172.html

Runners, teams or athletes who are not invited shall have no right to contest the absence of an invitation.

Art. 37 Types of invitations

Several types of invitations exist and may be combined:

• Transport Contribution: The Organizer may, at its sole discretion, contribute to the transportation costs of the Invited Runner from their place of residence to Zinal. The Organizer shall not, however, bear any accommodation or meal expenses of the Invited Runner in Zinal.
• Accommodation – [4 nights in Zinal]: The Organizer shall cover up to four [4 nights] of accommodation in Zinal during the week of the Sierre-Zinal Race for the Invited Runner. Meals are included and borne by the Organizer.
• Conditional Accommodation – [4 nights in Zinal]: This invitation corresponds to the “Accommodation – [4 nights] in Zinal” invitation. However, upon arrival in Zinal, the Invited Runner or their representative shall pay to the Organizer an amount of CHF [90].– per day. This amount shall be reimbursed:
• if the Invited Runner completes the unmodified adult course of the Sierre-Zinal Race in less than [2h50] (Men) or [3h20] (Women); or
• at the sole discretion of the Organizer, taking into account the circumstances that led the Invited Runner to exceed the above-mentioned performance times or to withdraw from the Sierre-Zinal Race.
• Free Bib: The Organizer shall provide the Invited Runner with a race bib free of charge.

• Paid Bib: The Organizer guarantees that the Invited Runner will receive a race bib for the Sierre-Zinal Race upon payment of CHF [110].–.

Art. 38 Additional charge for failure to comply with the cut-off times

In addition, and depending on the circumstances, the Organizer may, at its sole discretion, require the Invited Runner who has failed to comply with the performance times to pay, jointly and severally with his or her representative or team, a supplementary amount of up to CHF [500].–.

This supplement may cover administrative costs, reimbursement of the race bib granted to the Invited Runner, and compensation for reputational damage (e.g., communication expenses).

In deciding whether to impose the above-mentioned supplement, the Organizer shall in particular consider: the lack of genuine sporting commitment of the Invited Runner, his or her representative or team toward the Sierre-Zinal Race; the fact that the race was treated merely as a preparatory event rather than as a competitive objective; or the absence of demonstrable intent to achieve a competitive performance.

Art. 39 Additional obligations of the Guest Runners

In addition to the obligations set out above (see Section Rights and obligations of participants of the regulations), the Invited Runners undertake to:

• Attend press conferences, activities organized by the Organizer and official ceremonies to which they are invited. In this context, the ten [10] best invited male and female runners shall travel to Sierre on the day preceding their race for a public presentation;
• Attend the prize-giving ceremony if concerned;
• Be present at the starting line no later than [20 minutes] prior to the start of the race. The start time shall be communicated at least one week in advance, subject to weather conditions;
• Attend the official brunch if invited by the Organizer. The exact date and time shall be communicated at least three [3] weeks in advance.

Art. 40 Honouring the invitation

The Invited Runner shall honour his or her invitation to the Sierre-Zinal Race, irrespective of its type, and shall participate in the race in an adequately prepared condition.

If the Invited Runner fails to appear at the start of the Sierre-Zinal Race without having previously submitted a medical certificate attesting to his or her inability to participate for medical reasons, the Invited Runner shall not be invited to future editions of the Sierre-Zinal Race, unless he or she pays to the Organizer a lump sum of CHF [500].–.

This lump sum includes the registration fee as well as compensation for administrative costs incurred by the Organizer and for reputational damage caused to the Sierre-Zinal Race.

Furthermore, should the Invited Runner have benefited from accommodation paid for by the Organizer for the days preceding or following the race, as well as complimentary meals, and fail to honour the invitation without valid justification, the Invited Runner shall reimburse the Organizer, in addition to the aforementioned amount of CHF [500].–, a lump sum of CHF [90].– per night in order to be eligible for invitation to future editions of the Sierre-Zinal Race.