Terms and conditions
Download terms and conditions (pdf)
Article 1 :
The 6th year of Somme Marathon events is organised by the Association named A.M.P.C (Association du Marathon du Pays du Coquelicot) under the aegis of the town of Albert, together with the regional Athletics Club AMAAC and in accordance with the rules laid down by the French Athletics Federation.
Article 2 :
Licenced and non licenced runners may take part. A runner's age determines his/her category.
Checks will be carried out during the race to ensure that the event is running efficiently. Every runner who takes part does so by his/her own free will and responsibility lies with him/her. Please consult your own or clubs insurance policy concerning personal accident or injury insurance. You may register for the race and thereby take part if you have a French Sporting Licence or an official sports licence issued by your country's sporting body adapted to long distance running, otherwise you must print off our medical certificate and get it stamped by your local GP. This certificate must be issued less than a year before the event.
Article 3 : The Routes
These have been measured by an official from the French Athletics Federation. The routes (apart from the 5km race) rise and fall more or less gently through the Somme valleys. ( see 'the routes' page )
Article 4 : Schedule and Star/finish Locality.
The full marathon will start at 8h30 and the half marathon at 09.00 on the Avenue Robert Solente in front of the Lycée Lamarck (6th Form College) see map Albert. The 10km and 5km races will start from the same place at 09.15.and 09.20 The finish line is also here.
Article 5 : Runners' Numbers.
Number bibs will be handed out at the Marie Curie Gymnasium near the starting line and opposite the swimming pool from 07.30 onwards on the day of the race, or between 5pm and 7pm on Saturday. You are advised to come and collect them on tSaturday evening before the race to avoid queuing.
Article 6 : Amenities.
Changing rooms and showers are available in the Pierre et Marie Curie Gymnasium.Upon completing the race full marathon runners can proceed to the massage zone, (free of charge).There is also a crèche for children and a tent where you will be able to leave your belongings/ bags.Catering and bar facillities are also provided in the marathon village.
Article 7 : Time-keeping.
Official time-keepers plus electronic timing chips will be used for all four races.
Article 8 : Official Jury.
The jury is made up of a referee, finish line judges and commissioners on the entire route. The jury is within its rights to act accordingly if the marathon rules are not respected.
Article 9 : Refreshments.
Numerous stands will be set up offering drinking water, food and sponges along the routes in accordance with official guidelines.
Article 10 : Safety along the routes.
The police (Gendarmerie), the Red Cross,the C.V.A.R and over 100 signallers will take responsibility for the safety of runners and spectators. Runners must respect the race routes. On the full marathon route there is a level crossing. Any runner who crosses the track when the barriers are down will be disqualified.
Article 11 : Entertainment.
Commentary on the race will be provided by a commentator at the finish line.
In our marathon village there will be various forms of live entertainment.
Article 12 : Medals, Cash prizes Cups and Prize draw.
When electonic chips are handed in after races every runner will receive a beautiful medal as a lasting souvenir.Cups and cheques will be given during in the different distances to the first three runners in each age category/ sex ( see page cups and prizes) .
Pleas note, in order to receive a cup or cheque the runne must be present during the prizegiving ceremony
The drawing of number bibs from a hat for a selection of prizes will take place in the Marathon village from 2.30pm onwards.
Article 13 : Time Limit.
The full marathon does have a time limit. Runners have up to five and a half hours to complete the race. After this time has elapsed, any runner on the route will be made to stop except if he/she is really close to completing the race (we will use our discretion about this).
Article 14 : Finishing Positions.
These will be available as runners complete the race and will be updated by the finish line. They will also be available on our website (www.somme-marathon.com).
Article 15 :
We are not in a position to invite top athletes to this race at our expense. We will not cover transport or accommodation costs for those wishing to take part. This is a charity event.
Article 17 : Enrolment.
Runners with a French or other country's Sports Licence must write its number on their enrolment form in the appropriate place.
Other participants without an official club licence must conform to Law n° 99-223, relating to health and safety and the fight against the use of performance-enhancing drugs must provide a certificate from their local GP that declares them fit to run this type of race. The doctor's note must not be more than one year old on the day of the race. It can be downloaded from our website and then filled in by a doctor.
Article 18 : Litigation.
The Director of the Marathon will deal with any legal matter that arises.
Exceptional Article:
The Somme Marathon should be viewed as a charity race and runners are encouraged to use our sponsor form to collect money for our charity. This year we hope to buy and train a gude dog for the blind. They should get their friends, family, colleagues to sponsor them for the distance they are running....
In 2010 we will be collecting cash donations before the race during the enrolment procedure. See 'run for a good cause'.
It will also be possible to leave a donation in the marathon vilage during the day. All money collected will go directly to our charity.