COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
Sustain ATHLETICS
These guidelines outline the expectations and responsibilities for all participants of Sustain Athletics activities, including but not limited to Run Club, workshops, training sessions, online platforms and social events.
By participating in any Sustain Athletics activity, you agree to uphold these values and contribute positively to a safe, respectful, and inclusive community.
BEFORE PARTICIPATING, please read and agree to the Participant Waiver & Release Form.
If you have any questions, concerns, or accessibility needs, please Contact Us
Published: 2025-05-01
Last Update: 2026-05-31
Table of Contents
1. Purpose
2. Core Values
3. Code of Conduct
3.1 Respect & Inclusivity
3.2 Safety & Awareness
3.3 Online Conduct
3.4 Environmental Sustainability
4. Policies & Requirements
4.1 Age Requirement
4.1 Ability Requirements
4.1 Gear Requirements
4.1 Alcohol & Substance Use
4.1 Dogs
4.1 Conflict Resolution & Reporting Issues
5. Leadership Team
6. Contact
1. Purpose
Sustain Athletics is committed to creating a fun, welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment across all of our activities. We strive to foster a community that values both personal well-being and environmental sustainability.
Sustain Athletics activities include, but are not limited to:
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Run Club – free group trail runs that provide an opportunity to explore local trails and and connect with an incredible community!
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Workshops – educational and discussion-based events focused on endurance sport, health, sustainability, and related topics.
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Training Plans & Coaching Services – structured training programs, coaching support, group meetings, and participant communications.
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Community Events & Social Events – group adventures, volunteer initiatives, social events, and other activities organized or facilitated by Sustain Athletics.
These guidelines apply to all Sustain Athletics activities, whether held in person or online. By participating, you agree to uphold the values, conduct, and policies outlined below.
2. Core Values
Sustain Athletics aims to provide a positive, safe, and welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds can connect through movement, learning, and shared experiences. In all of our activities and offerings, we strive to foster meaningful relationships while encouraging personal and environmental sustainability.
We are dedicated to the following core values:
Community
Building meaningful connections through shared experiences, mutual support, and a common interest in trail endurance and sustainability.
Environmental Sustainability
Awareness of our environmental impact and conscious effort to reduce negative impact.
Personal Sustainability
Supporting long-term well-being through a healthy balance of movement, recovery, nutrition, and life. We prioritize health and happiness over performance
Respect & Safety
Creating an inclusive, positive, and safe environment where everyone is treated with respect. We remain aware of safety hazards, looking out for ourselves and each other.
3. Code of Conduct
By participating in Sustain Athletics activities, all participants agree to abide by the following standards of conduct:
3.1 Respect & Inclusivity
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Discrimination, harassment, exclusion, or any abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
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Be mindful of your words and actions, including unconscious biases that may negatively affect others.
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Remain open to feedback and willing to learn from different perspectives.
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Encourage others and and be inclusive.
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Be patient with others (and yourself!).
3.2 Safety & Awareness
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Follow applicable laws, posted rules, and organizer instructions.
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Respect other trail users, community members, and the spaces where activities take place.
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Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards, including traffic, uneven terrain, wildlife, weather, and other environmental conditions.
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If listening to music, keep the volume low enough (or use only one earbud) to remain aware of your surroundings and any instructions from organizers.
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If you see something unsafe or feel uncomfortable with a situation, route, or activity, speak up.
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Look out for yourself and others, and offer assistance when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
3.3 Online Conduct
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Online platforms (e.g., Heylo, Instagram, Facebook, Strava) are intended to share information, experiences, and foster community.
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Keep discussions respectful, constructive, and inclusive. Bullying, harassment, discrimination, and spam will not be tolerate
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Photos and videos may be taken during Sustain Athletics activities and shared online. If you do not wish to appear in photos or videos, please let organizers know.
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Respect the privacy of others and obtain permission before sharing personal information, photos, or content focused on another participant.
3.4 Environmental Sustainability
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Be aware of the resources you use and waste you create (e.g. pollution, energy, materials). We are not perfect, but we strive to make choices that reduce out environmental impact.
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Respect the wildlife. Plants and animals live where we gather – Leave no trace, dispose of waste properly, and minimize disturbance to plants and wildlife.
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When possible, choose lower-impact transportation options such as walking, biking, transit, or carpooling.
4. Policies & Requirements
4.1 Age Requirement
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All Sustain Athletics activities are strictly 19+ unless explicitly stated..
4.2 Activity Requirements
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Some activities may have specific fitness, skill, experience, or equipment requirements.
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Participants are responsible for reviewing activity details and determining whether they can safely participate ~ event details will be posted in Heylo.
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Additional requirements will be communicated in event descriptions, training materials, or by organizers.
4.3 Gear Requirements
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Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate clothing, footwear, food, water, and safety equipment for the activity and conditions.
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For outdoor activities, dress for the weather (eg. wind/rain jacket, shorts, hat, sunglasses) and be prepared for changing conditions.
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Additional gear requirements may be specified for individual events.
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Trail shoes are strongly recommended for trail running activities.
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Bring adequate food and water for before, during, and after any activity.
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Bring a head torch in winter when it gets dark during our run.
4.4 Alcohol & Substance Use
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Participants must not attend Sustain Athletics activities while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other substances.
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Alcohol may be present at some optional social gatherings. Participants who choose to consume alcohol are expected to do so responsibly and arrange safe transportation.
4.5 Dogs
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Dogs are welcome on leash unless otherwise stated.
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Owners are responsible for their dog's behaviour, safety, and well-being at all times.
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Clean up after your dog 💩
4.6 Conflict Resolution & Reporting Issues
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We encourage participants to address concerns respectfully and directly when appropriate.
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If a concern cannot be resolved, or if you are uncomfortable addressing it yourself, please contact an organizer or leader, or email Laura.
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Concerns involving an organizer or leader may be directed to Laura at info@sustainathletics.com.
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Discrimination, harassment, threats, or repeated disruptive behaviour may result in removal from Sustain Athletics activities or communities.
5. Leadership Team
Sustain Athletics Run Club Leaders & Organizers commit to:
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Creating a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for participants.
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Facilitating inclusive experiences for both new and returning members.
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Addressing concerns and conflicts in a fair, respectful, and timely manner.
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Upholding and enforcing these guidelines when necessary.
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Being prepared to respond appropriately in emergency situations and, where applicable, carrying appropriate first aid supplies.
Interested in becoming a run leader? Email Laura at info@sustainathletics.com
6. Contact
For any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these guidelines or Sustain Run Club, please contact:
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Emma Mitchell through Heylo (Kelowna Run Club Leader)
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Laura Chatham: info@sustainathletics.com
