Evening fun run 2025: A look behind the scenes and data protection information!

Evening fun run 2025: A look behind the scenes and data protection information!

On June 15, 2025, the popular AZ Evening Fun Run took place in Uelzen, an event that not only captivated the runners but also numerous spectators. The event not only stands for sporting performance, but also offers a colorful supporting program that appeals to the entire community. While the participants conquered the routes, various stands provided culinary delights and entertaining attractions. Many of those present enjoyed the lively atmosphere and chatted animatedly about the running events, which made the evening a social highlight.

But it wasn't just sporting moments that characterized the evening. Visual documentation of such events also plays a crucial role. Given the increased sensitivity to data protection issues in recent years, the question arose: what about publishing photos taken during such events? At this level, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which sets clear framework conditions, must be observed. This makes it clear that the consent of the people depicted is required, unless it is an exceptional case, such as an event of public interest, for which consultative consent is often given.

Legal situation regarding photos at events

The legal aspects surrounding photos at events are often discussed in workshops and training courses. As landgraf-datenschutz explains, the clarification of the legal situation is often inadequate. Before the introduction of the GDPR, the Art Copyright Act (KUG) was central, requiring consent for image publications. Today, GDPR has changed the situation by allowing people to withdraw their consent at any time.

The Cologne Higher Regional Court decided in 2018 that the KUG applies to the press before the GDPR, but in practice the GDPR has prevailed. In general, the processing of photos requires a legal basis. Consent may be the ideal basis, but it is not always practical as it must be informed and voluntary. Interestingly, consent is no longer considered voluntary if participation in the event depends on it.

Best practices in practice

As the Dr-Datenschutz page describes, it is important to make appropriate preparations when planning events. For journalistic and editorial purposes, the regulations of the KUG apply, but the GDPR plays a central role. The consent of the participants is essential if there are no other legal bases. For processing for marketing purposes, it is possible to rely on a legitimate interest, whereby a balancing of interests must always be documented.

Tips for implementation: For larger events, a legitimate interest is often assumed, but this does not automatically apply. The decision must therefore be weighed up, particularly with regard to the number of people photographed and the type of publication. Under the right circumstances, information regarding management conditions must also be communicated in a timely manner so that all practices can run smoothly.

For the AZ Evening Fun Run team, this means that they not only take care of the sporting event, but also the legal framework that arises from the documentation and publication of photos. This ensures that both participants and spectators can concentrate on what is important – the sport they love and working together as part of a successful event!