1. Participants must have signed the waiver when registering for the St. Maarten Marathon. Participants must be in good health and adequately trained.
   
   
2. Bib Numbers & Timing Chips

• All participants must wear their official bib number visibly on the front of their bodies.
• The MyLaps timing chip must be worn on your ankle using the provided strap. Wearing it elsewhere (e.g., arm, shoe) may result in your time not being recorded.
• Timing chips must be returned at the finish line. Lost or unreturned chips will incur a $50 replacement fee.
  
  

3. Course Integrity & Cheating

• Runners must follow the official, marked race route at all times.
• Cutting the course or using unauthorized transportation (car, scooter, bicycle, etc.) will be considered cheating.

          Penalties may include: Disqualification, removal from official results, and a ban from future
          editions of the St. Maarten Marathon. 

          Big parts of the route may have limited visibility due to
          the nature of the course crossing the island. We trust in your sportsmanship and honesty.
          Timing data and spot checks may be used to verify fair participation.

4. Changing Race Distance
   Participants may change their race distance under the following conditions:

• No refunds – Registration fees already paid will not be refunded when changing distances.
• How to request a change – Email stmaartenmarathon@gmail.com before Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025, or in person during the race packet pick-up on December 5th and 6th.
• Fees for changing distance – Switching to a shorter distance: $5 administration fee. Switching to a longer distance: Pay the difference in registration fees.
• During the race – Changing your race distance is not allowed and may result in disqualification.  stmaartenmarathon@gmail.com.
  
  

5. Cut-Off Times & Support

• Time limits apply for safety and road management. These will be communicated in advance.
• You may receive personal support (e.g., nutrition, water), but mobile assistance by car, scooter, or bicycle is not allowed.
  
  

6. Traffic Awareness

• Parts of the course are open to traffic.
• Always stay alert and follow instructions from volunteers and police.
• Use sidewalks where available. Safety comes first.
  
  

7. Headlamps Required for Marathon Start

• Due to the early, pre-dawn start of the full marathon, all marathon participants are required to wear a headlamp at the start.
• This is for your safety, especially in low-light areas of the course.
  • Please test your headlamp before race day to ensure it has sufficient battery life for at least the first hour of running.
• Once daylight arrives, you may leave your headlamp at the halfway aid station, where our team will collect and transport it to the finish area for you to pick up after the race.
  • Be sure to label your headlamp if you plan to drop it at the aid station, to ensure safe return at the finish.
    
    

8. Headphones & Audio Devices

• Headphones are allowed, but we ask that you keep the volume low so you can hear surroundings, traffic, and race instructions.
  
  

9. Environmental Respect

• Please help keep our island clean!
• Littering is strictly prohibited! Dispose of trash only at aid stations or designated areas.
• Respect local communities, properties, and volunteers throughout the course.
  
  

10. Aid Stations

• There will be eight aid stations positioned along the course (full marathon).
• These will provide water, sports drinks, and basic nutrition to keep you fueled and hydrated.
• Please dispose of cups and wrappers in the bins provided at each station to help us keep the island clean.