Race categories, entry qualification & cut-off

PLEASE READ THE REGISTRATION RULES CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING YOUR REGISTRATION FOR THE EVENT

Event Rules, Terms, and Conditions

Qualification & Cut-off

Bison Ultra is an exclusive trail ultramarathon event with a few village road sections and follows Gun Time, which means the race time starts from the official start of your registered category.

• All runners found to be on the course after the cut-off will be declared Did Not Finish (DNF) and may be escorted off course by race officials in a sweeper vehicle.
• All the runners reaching the finish line after the cut-off timing or reaching the finish line in an ambulance, a sweeper vehicle or any other means of transportation will not be eligible to get the finisher medal.
• All the DNF runners are not eligible to receive the finisher medal and timing certificate.

You must participate only in your registered category to earn your custom finisher medal.

• All runners must cross all the checkpoints and finish and complete this within the specified cut-off time.

Qualification Window (QW) & TTCW (Ticket Transfer and Change Window)

• The Qualification Window (QW) is a period within which all runners must submit their qualification race records. The QW for the Bison Ultra will be between 1-Oct-2025 & 10-May-2026.
• For qualification-based categories, if you do not submit a valid qualification record within the Qualification Window ending on 10-May-2026, your entry will be cancelled on 11-May-2026. From the 2026 edition onward, the automatic downgrade-to-18K policy used in previous editions no longer applies, and the runner will be eligible for a refund equivalent to 50% of the entry fee, subject to the refund processing, deduction, and cancellation terms.
• The TTCW (Ticket Transfer and Change Window) is a period during which you can transfer your entry to another qualified runner identified by you in any category (subject to meeting the qualification requirements) for a transfer fee of Rs. 300+18% GST.
• Waitlisted runners will be given preference if anyone is unable to run Bison Ultra, and all transfer requests from such runners will be allowed only if there are available slots within the event capacity, subject to a transfer fee.
• Please write to info@bisonultra.com to learn more.
• In addition, you can make corrections to your personal information and change your distance category.
• Transfers and corrections of your entry will be allowed only if the registration was completed before 10-May-2026. TTCW ends on 10-May-2026.
• The custom finisher medal will be sent to the person receiving the transfer only after one month of completing the event.

Manual verification of qualification run

If you have not participated in any official races, we may consider your entry based on your running history and a self-supported qualification run recorded on a valid GPS device with your heart rate captured.

• Email info@bisonultra.com with links to your Strava or Garmin online profile and the following qualification run history.
• Your qualification run must have been completed after 1-Oct-2025
• Manual qualification review is entirely at the discretion of the organisers and does not guarantee acceptance into any category.
• If we agree to review your records, you must pay an additional fee of Rs. 300 + 18% GST. The manual review fee is non-refundable once the review process has commenced.
• We recommend that you submit the manual review application and receive our confirmation before you complete your registration.

If your qualification for a qualification-based category is not submitted and accepted within the Qualification Window ending on 10-May-2026, your entry will be cancelled on 11-May-2026 and you will be eligible for a refund equivalent to 50% of the entry fee, subject to the refund processing, deduction, and cancellation terms. This is different from the older automatic downgrade practice used in previous editions.

Rules for runners staying at the Gowri Estates, non-runner friends, family members & estate visitors

• Please note: Your registration fee is strictly for race entry only and DOES NOT INCLUDE accommodation.
• Applicable to those staying at The Last Shola Cottages & Heaven’s Ledge Tents
• The Last Shola property and Heaven’s Ledge are highly rated by past Bison Ultra runners. You are encouraged to visit their respective websites to learn more about these accommodations.
• Bison Ultra runners may choose to stay at Heaven’s Ledge Tented Accommodation or The Last Shola Cottages (part of Gowri Estates) (see the Accommodation page).
• Bison Ultra / KaysFIT Academy is not responsible for any issues related to accommodation or stay. All such matters must be addressed directly with The Last Shola or Heaven’s Ledge campsite management.
• By completing registration, you agree to all stay and safety rules and regulations laid down by the Bison Ultra organisers (KaysFIT Academy), Heaven’s Ledge Campsite, and The Last Shola management.
• Any booking, stay, food, hospitality, transport, safety, service, cancellation, refund, damage, or dispute relating to accommodation providers or estate stay facilities shall be solely between the participant and the respective provider.

Please write to info@bisonultra.com to clarify any doubts before completing your registration.

Your entry, distance category, upgrade, downgrade, transfers, cancellation

Choose the distance category carefully; we encourage you to read the event registration, participation and accommodation rules before completing your registration.

• You are not allowed to transfer or sell your BIB to another runner. If you wish to transfer your entry to another runner, write to info@bisonultra.com

Downgrade/Upgrade

• You can downgrade your distance category without additional fees within the TTCW (Ticket Transfer and Change Window).
• You can upgrade by paying the difference in the entry price if you meet the qualification conditions for your desired distance category.
• You can change distance categories without additional fees if the changes are made before the TTCW ends. After this date, an upgrade fee will apply.

Write to info@bisonultra.com from your registered email address to request a change of race category.

About refunds: All refunds, including refunds arising from cancellation for non-submission or non-acceptance of qualification within the Qualification Window, will be processed only on or before 30-Jun-2026. Any applicable GST, payment gateway charges, platform charges, or statutory deductions already remitted or incurred may not be refundable, subject to applicable law, payment platform constraints, and accounting treatment.

Unless expressly announced by the organisers, cancelled entries shall not be eligible for race credit, deferred entry to a future edition, or transfer outside the officially notified Ticket Transfer and Change Window.

Reinstatement Policy:
Once a runner has cancelled their registration, they will need to re-register if they wish to participate in the race again. If registrations have already closed, reinstatement is not guaranteed and will be considered strictly on a case-by-case basis. Any reinstatement, if permitted, may be subject to category availability, updated pricing, qualification eligibility, and applicable administrative charges. Please write to info@bisonultra.com for any reinstatement requests.

Registration & entry qualification

• Fill out the registration form fields accurately to help us identify and contact you if necessary.
• If you fail to submit a valid qualification record within the Qualification Window ending on 10-May-2026 for a qualification-based category, your entry will be cancelled on 11-May-2026 and you will be eligible for a refund equivalent to 50% of the entry fee, subject to the refund processing, deduction, and cancellation terms.
• If we find that you have submitted incorrect, altered, fabricated, falsified, or otherwise misleading qualification records, your entry may be rejected or cancelled at any stage. In such cases, no refund will be provided, and you will not receive the custom finisher medal. The organisers reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to approve, reject, or cancel an entry at any stage if qualification or eligibility requirements are not satisfactorily met.
• Please provide us with a secure email ID/mobile number that you can regularly access since this will be our primary means of communication during the run-up to the event.

Users of email services that offer filtering/blocking of messages from an unknown email address should add this email id info@bisonultra.com

Race BIB & Race Kit Collection and Identification Requirements

• Photo identification card: Non-Indian citizens must provide a photocopy of their passport front and back pages showing their photo identity and passport details, along with a valid visa, before receiving their BIB.
• You cannot transfer or sell your BIB to another runner. If you wish to request an approved transfer, write to info@bisonultra.com.
• All runners must submit the required signed waiver or indemnity documents, if requested by the organisers, before collecting their BIB.
• All Indian citizens must show a copy of their government-issued ID card for verification before collecting their BIB/race kit.
• No exceptions will be made at the BIB collection counter if the required identification documents are not produced.
• Please do not negotiate with organisers or BIB counter volunteers if the required identification is not produced.
• A participant may authorise another person to collect only the non-BIB race kit items, subject to prior email approval from the organisers.
• The race BIB with timing chip will be issued only to the registered participant appearing in person with valid identification, unless expressly approved otherwise by the organisers.

Your identification on the race day

• You must wear only the BIB assigned to you. You must not transfer, exchange, sell, lend, or allow another person to use your BIB. The Race Director or run managers may stop any runner found wearing a proxy or unauthorised BIB.
• You must wear your BIB on the front/chest side during the race and be visible until you complete your run.

Course Measurement and Marking

The course is measured using multiple GPS devices, and all published distances should be treated as approximate. There may be variation in the actual course distance, and runners are advised to read the individual distance category pages to understand the route and category-specific details.

The Bison Ultra course will be clearly marked, and all runners are expected to follow the official marked route at all times. No additional time will be awarded for any variation recorded on your GPS device or for any difference in actual course distance, and a runner must complete the marked course to receive a legal finish status.

• Paint marks will be placed along the route.
• The outbound loop will have distance markers every 2 km where applicable.
• The return loop will display distance-to-go markers where applicable.
• All junctions and crossroads will have X markings for routes not to be taken.
• Arrows will indicate the correct direction of travel.
• Runners are responsible for following the route markings and must not rely on volunteers for directions, as volunteers may not know the full course profile for every category.

Race start and grace time, valid finish.

• Electronic Timing Mats

  Timing mats will be placed at the following locations:

  • Start/Finish – Mandatory for all runners

  • 23.8 km (Archdale Estate) – For 36K, 45K, and 60K runners (U-turn point for 36K and 45K)

  • 40.3 km – For 60k runners only (return loop)

  You must cross all designated timing mats for your race category. Skipping any timing mat will result in a DNF (Did Not Finish) status, and you will not be eligible for a finisher medal.

  Published results only show the last official timing mat recorded by the event timing system; operational cut-off checkpoints or withdrawal decisions beyond those mats may not appear as a separate split.

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  Route and Permissions

  The organisers reserve the right to modify the start point, endpoint, or the race route based on permissions or directives from local authorities.

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  Dropping Out / DNF

  You can choose to quit the race at any point due to injury, sickness, fatigue, or any other reason. Your health and safety come first.

  If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to the race director, run managers, medical team, security personnel, or lead volunteers at any aid station. If you quit, you will be marked as DNF in the race records.

Recognition of even top finishers and course records

Runners achieving podium positions (1st place, 2nd place, or 3rd place) in each distance category or setting a course record must submit their GPS device statistics for the race technical team to review and accept them as course records. Only such records will be published in the “#ultramalaivasi Hall of Fame” and the results summary page.

Conduct & respecting other runners

• Respect other runners and the race volunteers, and do not enter into any quarrel or dispute with anyone on the course. If there are issues, you must report the matter to the run managers or the race director.
• Dress appropriately, and no nudity / partial nudity is allowed.
• Do not run under the influence of severe medications, drugs, narcotics, or other banned substances. Drinking alcohol is not allowed during the event.

Communication & updates from the organisers

• We will send regular updates to the registered email address you provided while completing your registration. If your email system inadvertently treats these updates as spam, you shall not act against the organisers or service providers.
• Any notice sent to the email address registered with the organisers shall be deemed received by the runners.
• You agree to abide by the instructions provided by the organisers from time to time in the best interest of your health and event safety.
• You also agree to stop running if instructed by the Race Director, run managers, and the Medical Staff for any reasons not described or announced before. Please note the race must abide by the rules set by the local administration, authorities, and police team.
• Considering the operational reasons, safety, and health of the runners, you will not be allowed to stay on the course beyond the cut-off time. You will be taken to the finish line in rescue vehicles and considered a DNF.
• Should you decide to quit during the race, you are encouraged to reach the nearest aid station and are expected to wait for the recovery vehicle to come and pick you up.

Medical warnings & risks

Understand the Physical Activities Readiness Questionnaire by following this link –> PAR-Q

Bison Ultra is an exclusive trail ultra conducted across estate roads, jeep tracks, ridge sections, uneven terrain, and a few village road sections where light vehicular movement may be present. Yercaud is in a forested area, and wild animals, including Wild Guars, may be present, and you may encounter stray dogs. Please do not attempt to provoke animals or go near them for photographs or selfies. You are expected to run in the company of other runners and follow the safety guidelines published by the Race Director. You are aware of these risks and take full responsibility for your safety.

You know that running/long-distance running is an extreme sport and can be dangerous to the body and health. You take full responsibility for participating in the Bison Ultra event and do not hold the organizing committee or its members or entities responsible for any injury or accident.

• You shall consult your physician and undergo a complete medical examination to assess your suitability to participate in the event.
• You also assume all risks associated with participating in this event, including, but not limited to, falls & fractures and colliding with other runners or pedestrians on the road. You may also get affected by cold/changing weather conditions, including high heat or humidity, traffic and the poor state of the streets, arson or terrorist threats, and all other risks associated with a public event. You may experience some of the most common conditions, like simple to severe muscle cramps, dehydration, and hypoglycemia.
• Severe medical conditions such as cardiac arrest (or Sudden Cardiac Arrest, SCD) or brain stroke are rare. Still, they are considered possible emergencies in an endurance event, and you are aware of its consequences.
• Our team of volunteers / first responders and the medical crew will provide you with first-aid and basic life support. Our team will take the victims to the nearest available hospital for advanced medical support in a medical emergency. The nearest hospital is in Yercaud, with basic facilities approximately 22 km away. Advanced life support & modern hospitals are available in Salem.
• You must never run alone on the Bison Ultra course after the race is officially closed.

Event Changes

The organisers reserve the right to modify the event format, route, start time, aid station plan, cut-off timings, checkpoint locations, venue, race distance, race rules, and any other operational aspect of the event at their sole discretion in the interest of safety, weather, permissions, logistics, land access, force majeure, or regulatory compliance. Such changes shall not entitle any participant to a refund, credit, or compensation.

Final Authority

All decisions of the organisers, Race Director, timing officials, qualification review team, medical team, and event management with respect to registration, qualification, participation, route compliance, race conduct, safety, cut-offs, timing, results, awards, disqualification, transfers, and event operations shall be final and binding.

Photography, Video & Media Consent

By registering for and participating in Bison Ultra, you consent to being photographed, filmed, recorded, timed, and otherwise captured in connection with the event. You grant the organisers, KaysFIT Academy, sponsors, partners, authorised agencies, and media representatives the right to use your name, likeness, voice, race data, race photographs, race footage, and race results for event administration, archival, editorial, publicity, promotional, and commercial communication purposes without further approval or compensation.

Medical Disclosure Limitation

Any medical information voluntarily disclosed by a participant is collected only for general awareness and emergency support planning. The organisers do not undertake or guarantee condition-specific monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, or medical supervision. The responsibility to assess fitness to participate remains solely with the participant.

Electronic Acceptance

By completing the registration process and making payment, the participant confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions, including all waiver, indemnity, refund, transfer, qualification, and liability-related provisions, and such acceptance shall be deemed valid and binding.

Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms & Conditions, the registration for Bison Ultra, and participation in the event shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any dispute, controversy, claim, or legal proceeding arising out of or in connection with the event, registration, participation, qualification, disqualification, cancellation, refund, race results, accommodation-related event policies, or interpretation of these Terms & Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts at Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Release of Liability, Waiver & Indemnity

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & WAIVER OF CLAIMS & INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

I understand that running/ultrarunning is a potentially dangerous activity which demands high physical and mental abilities from its athletes, and therefore, agree to participate under my own responsibility and of my own accord.

I acknowledge that my safety is my responsibility alone, and depends upon my alertness and use of good judgment. I agree that before I participate in any stage of the race, I will evaluate my physical condition, as well as all equipment, and will immediately advise race personnel of any doubts or questions that I have encountered. I will refuse to participate in the race until all my questions are answered to my complete satisfaction.

I hereby consent to receive first-aid and/or medical treatment, which may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, and/or illness during the event. If I should suffer injury or illness, I authorize the organisers, its officers, medical and safety team, agents, employees, interns, volunteers, representatives, sponsors, and all others associated with the Organisation, to use their discretion to administer first aid and transportation to a medical facility at my own responsibility and cost.

I agree to follow traffic rules and not wear any headphones or listen to mp3 players which may compromise my safety. I will not take provoke any wildlife and endanger myself or others.

I agree to assume all injury and life-threatening risks that may occur while I am en route to and from the activity locations, and while involved in the event, whether or not under the direct supervision of the organisers and its officers, agents, employees, interns, volunteers, representatives, sponsors, and all others associated with the organisation.

I acknowledge that the organisers do not carry any liability, accident, or health insurance responsibility of any kind for the runner.

I declare that I am free from any life-threatening or pre-existing illness esp. that is heart-related, that could be aggravated by running or participating in Bison Ultra. I am aware of the limited medical support facilities available in this region.

I hereby acknowledge that I have sole responsibility for my personal possessions and athletic equipment during the event, even when the organisers’ staff and associates transport those items.

I agree to release the organisers, its officers, agents, employees, interns, volunteers, representatives, sponsors, and all others associated with the organisers from any, and all liability and do not hold them accountable for any property damage or personal injury to any third party that may result from my activities and participation in the event.

I agree that this release shall be effective immediately, binding upon the undersigned, and extends to my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, personal representatives, and assigns.

I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the event, established by the organisers and obey the directions provided by the event organisers as advised by the Race Director.

1. I hereby grant a full commission to the organisers, including volunteers and all other parties involved in the event, to take photographs, videotapes, and any other records of the event for media coverage and other legitimate purposes.
2. I hereby approve the free use of my name, photographs, and any other event records, and, therefore, hereby waive my right to any compensation as a result of my name or likeness being used in any way.
3. Every term and provision in this Waiver is intended to be severable. If any one or more of them is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that shall not affect the other terms and provisions, which shall remain binding and enforceable. This Waiver is to be construed as broadly as possible in order to provide a release and waiver to the maximum extent permissible under Indian law.

By my signature below, I warrant that I:

1. Have read and understood the above statements and all their provisions.
2. Understand the risks associated with participation in the event. I will follow the safety protocol described by the race director.
3. Assume all risks and full responsibility for participating in the event.
4. Hereby knowingly and intentionally release the organisers, its officers, agents, employees, interns, volunteers, representatives, sponsors, and all other parties involved from any, and all claims, demands, injuries, actions (including third party claims), and damage of any kind, including from nature, that may arise out of, or in connection with, participating in the organisers, regardless of whether such claims are based upon negligence or other grounds.
5. I Am of the full age of 18 years old and I agree to accompany my minor child if participating in the event
6. Speak English, and understand the above written.

Signed by the runner (YOUR FIRST NAME, LAST NAME)