Leading Runs Safely

Leading Runs Safely

(For Adult-Only Running Groups)

This guidance helps maintain a safe and enjoyable running environment for all adult members.

Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is a process to ensure health and safety by considering key factors before a run. As a group leader, consider the following:

The Training Group

• Ability: Assess the fitness levels and capabilities of members, including any current injuries. Leading a group with varied ability requires additional care.

• Experience: Consider runners’ familiarity with terrain, knowledge of the route, and overall running experience.

• Health Conditions: Be aware of any relevant medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart issues, or sensory impairments communicated by members.

• Size: Larger groups require more management to maintain safety and cohesion.

Conditions

• Weather: Rain, snow, wind, or heat can increase risks such as hypothermia, heat exhaustion, or accidents. Adjust plans accordingly.

• Underfoot: Ice, mud, or deep water can present hazards.

• Daylight: Consider available daylight, especially in winter, when planning routes.

The Route

• Traffic: Evaluate traffic levels, availability of footpaths, and the need to cross major roads safely.

• Street Lighting: Prefer well-lit routes during low light conditions to reduce accident risk.

• Terrain: Match route difficulty to the group’s abilities, considering weather and conditions.

• Clarity: Ensure the route is easy to follow or well known to participants.

• Regroup Stops: Always pause at junctions or turns in the route where group members might miss the direction taken by the leader. 

Key Question:
Is the route suitable for this group in the current conditions? Have alternative shorter or safer routes ready if needed.

Precautions to Reduce Risk

Suitable Equipment

• Clothing: Advise runners to wear high-visibility or light-coloured clothing in the dark, and weather-appropriate gear including waterproofs or windproofs.

• Footwear: Recommend appropriate shoes for terrain such as trail or mud.

Communication

• Information: A route map should be provided on the event. Make sure all runners understand the route and any key points, such as regroup locations. 

• Audio Equipment: Be aware that the use of headphones or audio devices can reduce awareness and communication.

• Mobile Phones: Encourage carrying a phone, especially on remote or challenging routes.

Organisation

• Large groups: For larger groups, consider splitting into a more manageable group sizes by ability and introduce wave starts.

• Sweepers:, whilst appointing one or more runners to stay at the back of each groups to ensure no one is left behind.

• Holding Points: Identify places where the group can pause to regroup safely.

• Road Crossings: Designate busy road crossings as regroup points to ensure safe passage. If there is a road crossing at the start of the run, safely cross the road first before setting off.

• Alternative Routes: Be ready to use shorter or safer routes in case of injury or bad weather.

• End-of-Run Checks:

  • Confirm all runners have returned safely, using headcounts or sweeper reports.

  • If someone is missing, check with other runners and nearby facilities.

  • Retrace the route or contact the runner if necessary.

  • In emergencies, contact emergency services promptly.