Privacy Policy

How we protect and use your personal information

Last updated: August 8, 2025 | Effective Date: August 8, 2025
Your Privacy Matters

Buffalo Marathon Organization is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you register for our event.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you register for Buffalo Marathon 2025, we collect:

  • Full name and contact information (email, phone number)
  • Date of birth and gender
  • Emergency contact details
  • Dietary restrictions and medical conditions (optional)
  • T-shirt size and race category preferences
  • Payment information and transaction details
Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address and browser information
  • Pages visited and time spent on site
  • Device type and operating system
  • Referral source and search terms
  • Cookie and session data

2. How We Use Your Information

Primary Uses
  • Process registration and payments
  • Communicate event information
  • Provide race day support
  • Generate race results
  • Emergency contact purposes
  • Medical assistance if needed
  • Issue certificates and medals
  • Improve our services
Marketing Communications (Optional)

With your consent, we may use your information to:

  • Send updates about future marathon events
  • Share training tips and running advice
  • Notify you about special offers and promotions
  • Invite you to related sporting events

You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly.

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We Share Information With:
  • Event Partners: Timing companies, medical services, and security providers
  • Payment Processors: To process registration fees securely
  • Emergency Services: Medical information only in case of emergency
  • Media Partners: For race results publication (name and time only)
We Do NOT Share:
  • Personal contact information with third parties for marketing
  • Medical information except for emergency purposes
  • Financial information beyond payment processing
  • Any information for commercial gain by third parties

Legal Disclosure: We may disclose personal information if required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of participants and the public.

4. Data Security

Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

  • Encryption: All data transmitted is encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols
  • Secure Storage: Personal data stored in encrypted databases
  • Access Control: Limited access to authorized personnel only
  • Regular Audits: Security systems reviewed and updated regularly
  • Payment Security: PCI-compliant payment processing
Your Role in Security

Help us protect your information by:

  • Using a strong, unique password for your account
  • Logging out when using shared computers
  • Keeping your login credentials confidential
  • Reporting any suspicious activity immediately

5. Your Rights and Choices

Access Rights
  • View your personal information
  • Download your data
  • Check how we use your information
Control Rights
  • Update or correct your information
  • Delete your account
  • Opt out of communications
How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:

  • Email: privacy@buffalo-marathon.com
  • Phone: +260-XXX-XXXXXX
  • Mail: Buffalo Marathon Organization, Data Protection Officer

We will respond to your request within 30 days. Some information may be retained as required by law or legitimate business purposes.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
  • Session management
  • Security features
  • Form submissions
Analytics Cookies
  • Website usage statistics
  • Performance monitoring
  • User experience improvement
Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect website functionality.

7. Data Retention

How Long We Keep Your Information
  • Registration Data: 3 years after the event for results and records
  • Payment Information: 7 years as required by financial regulations
  • Medical Information: Deleted immediately after the event
  • Marketing Data: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
  • Website Analytics: 24 months maximum

After retention periods expire, we securely delete or anonymize your information unless longer retention is required by law.

8. Children's Privacy

Buffalo Marathon 2025 welcomes participants of all ages, including children:

  • Parental Consent: Required for participants under 18
  • Limited Collection: We collect minimal information from minors
  • Parental Rights: Parents can access, modify, or delete their child's information
  • No Marketing: We do not send marketing communications to minors

Note: Parents or guardians must provide consent and are responsible for their child's registration and participation in the event.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information is primarily stored and processed in Zambia. In some cases, we may transfer data to:

  • International timing companies for race results
  • Global payment processors for transaction processing
  • Cloud storage providers with Zambian presence

Any international transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards and comply with applicable data protection laws.

10. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

  • Changes in our data practices
  • New legal requirements
  • Improved security measures
  • Enhanced user features

Notification of Changes:

  • Major changes will be communicated via email
  • Updated policy posted on our website
  • Effective date clearly indicated
  • Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes

11. Contact Us

For any privacy-related questions or concerns, contact us:

Data Protection Officer

privacy@buffalo-marathon.com
+260-XXX-XXXXXX

General Inquiries

info@buffalo-marathon.com
+260-XXX-XXXXXX

Mailing Address

Buffalo Marathon Organization
Chalala-Along Joe Chibangu Road
Lusaka, Zambia

Privacy Commitment

Buffalo Marathon Organization is committed to:

  • Protecting your personal information with industry-standard security
  • Using your data only for legitimate event purposes
  • Being transparent about our data practices
  • Respecting your privacy rights and choices
  • Complying with all applicable privacy laws

Document Version: 1.0 | Effective Date: August 8, 2025