GENERAL PARTICIPANTS REGULATIONS

Version season 2025

The Helpshop Running Criterium consists of the V&B Dakwerken Cup for the shortest distance and the Helpshop Cup for races over 9 km.

The official results of the Helpshop Running Criterium races are available on the website: www.hslc.be.
15 minutes after each race. On this website, you can view the latest and previous results of the various races within the criterium.

The participant agrees to be photographed or filmed before, during, and after the race and consents to the publication of this media on social media and/or the websites of HSLC and the organizer. If the participant expressly does not wish for their images to be published, they can inform us by sending an email to info@hslc.be, stating that they do not grant permission for the publication of their image.

Any form of irregularity, fraud, or doping use will result in the immediate exclusion of the participant for the entire duration of the criterium.

In both the long and short distance categories of the criterium, cash prizes are awarded to the top three participants in each age category of the final standings. The age categories for both men and women are: seniors, 35+, 45+, 55+, and 65+. The age category is determined by the year in which the criterium takes place, minus the participant's birth year.

The winner in each category of the final standings receives 500 points. For each following participant in the same category, the score decreases by 10 points for each lower position. Participants who place outside the top 50 in their category still receive at least 10 points. For the total number of races in 2024, the points from all races minus the 4 lowest scores are counted in full. The 4 lowest scores are replaced by bonus points: 20 points for the first additional race, 40 for the second, 60 for the third, and 80 for the fourth. Participants who attend all races receive a total of 200 bonus points. In case of a tie, the number of victories is considered, followed by second places, etc., to determine the winner.
To be eligible for the final standings, a minimum of 10 participations is required!

The Helpshop Running Criterium is open to all runners, whether or not they are affiliated with a club or federation. This means that both individual runners and those who are club or federation members can participate.

Registrations for the race are possible until 15 minutes before the start of the race. This ensures that participants can register online or on-site registration until just before the start.

All participants must attach their bib number to the front of their torso for efficient time registration. The number, barcode, and sponsor logos must remain visible throughout the race. Participants whose bib number is illegible, covered, damaged, or lost will not be eligible for ranking. This is important to ensure that all participants are identified and timed fairly and consistently.

Any dispute within the Helpshop Running Criterium will be investigated and decided by the criterium board, ensuring that all issues are handled fairly and professionally, in accordance with criterium rules and guidelines.

Minors participating in the criterium do so under the responsibility of their parents or adult supervisors. This means that supervisors or parents are responsible for the safety and welfare of minor participants throughout the race.

Pacing a participant by means of an (electric) bike, (electric) scooter, inline skates, or other vehicle is strictly prohibited. Each participant must also have a valid bib number during the race. Any form of violation or interference with a participant will result in disqualification and immediate removal from the race. Repeated offenses will result in exclusion from the final standings.

The Helpshop Running Criterium has a data processing agreement under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with WSPhone.be (Gunther Stassen) for the processing of personal data. These data are used for time registration, results, and final standings. For questions about or requests to delete your personal data, please contact us via email: hslc@wsphone.be. Remarks about the standings can also be sent to this address.

The final standings of each race in the Helpshop Running Criterium will always be updated within 15 minutes after the end of the race. Participants have 7 days to report any errors or comments via info@hslc.be. After this period, the final standings will be established.

With a minimum of 10 participations, the participant will be included in the final standings and is eligible for a podium prize. Additionally, by meeting the minimum of 10 participations, you, together with your partner if applicable, will receive a personal invitation to the closing event.

The Helpshop Running Criterium is not responsible for any accidents or thefts that may occur during the races. The role of HSLC is limited to bringing together various races and providing a final ranking. HSLC does not act as the organizer of individual races.

Companions of G-athletes can participate free of charge as support during the competition.
To make use of this offer, the companion must contact the Helpshop Loop Criterium in advance via email at info@hslc.be.
The right to free participation applies exclusively to the official support of G-athletes and may be revoked or adjusted without prior notice.

Explicit permission from the organizer is required to participate with a dog. Participants must request approval prior to the race. If approved, participants with dogs must always start at the back. If necessary, the dog must be fitted with a muzzle to ensure the safety and comfort of other participants. During the race, dogs may not interfere with other runners when overtaking. The participant must always maintain sufficient distance between the dog and other participants. This policy is in place to prevent any potential fear or discomfort among other participants.