Winter Edition
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Code of ethics

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Equity, respect for others and the environment, mutual aid and solidarity are the fundamental principles of the organization and functioning of the GTLC. These principles are directly inspired by the core values put forward by the l’International Trail Running Association (ITRA) among which are authenticity, respect, humbleness and fair-play.

We wish to share these fundamental principles with those who join the GTLC adventure: runners, partners, volunteers, spectators, locals and the organizers of other events. Aware that our events take place in a magnificent but at the same time fragile environment, this code aims to clearly point out the references that will serve as a common thread for our behavior and actions.

Trail running is currently undergoing major changes. The most visible of them are a growing number of participants from different countries, a great diversity of motivations and profiles, increasingly sensitive economic issues and the significant rise of environmental impact.

In this context, we consider that it is our responsibility to continue to promote our sport through values which go beyond the sporting aspect itself, making Trail a real human adventure.

Equity

Equity is the search for a fair balance, based on fairness, equal opportunities for the benefit of all runners and recognition of the rights and duties of each of the participants in the event (runners, volunteers, spectators, private and territorial partners, press and local population). Our races are organized for all the participants without benefiting some in a way that may disadvantage others.

Our races are open to everyone. Our rules are made for everyone and apply equally to everyone. All athletes have the same terms and conditions, and they all have the same rights and the same duties.

It is our responsibility to guarantee the principle of equity, to carry out all the necessary measures of control and to offer the best possible racing conditions to all participants.

We limit the areas where assistance is authorized so as not to penalize runners who cannot benefit from it. We ask the race officials to make sure that the rules are respected throughout the race.

The selection that we are bound to make during registration is based on criteria accessible to all.

We are constantly working on a quality of our organization, we listen to everyone and we always strive to find and provide answers for everyone.

We limit the number of participants in order to avoid blocking along the route which could affect the quality of the races.

Each participant undertakes to show respect and friendliness towards the local population.

Each participant (runner, volunteer, partner, journalist, guide etc.) undertakes to respect the applied regulations.

We ask everyone to respect our regulations and to be an example of fair-play.

The GTLC brings together enthusiasts from a wide variety of cultures, personalities or motivations. Respecting others means understanding and accepting other participants as they are without bothering or disturbing them.

Respect the environment

Our races take place in the valleys of our Belgian Ardennes. It is a fragile natural environment, in which it is necessary to preserve the balance of both biodiversity and human activity.

Our event should contribute to the general awareness of the fragility of the natural environment.

We are doing everything possible in order to reduce our environmental impact. We also recognize that this impact is inevitable and commit to do all we can in order to fix it.

We try to minimize as much as possible the impact related to the functioning of our organization.

We encourage you to minimize your own impact on the environment.

An attitude that is as environmentally friendly as possible:

  • do not drop anything on the ground in any area along the route (including populated areas),
  • do not shorten the paths as this causes harmful erosion of the site,
  • preserve the flora, respect the fauna and avoid making inappropriate noises,
  • strictly respect the rules of nature reserves,
  • limit carbon emissions by promoting the use of carpooling.