Introduction

These guidelines are designed to cover all club running events and will be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary.

The club exists to promote running and to enable members to enjoy their running. Our commitment is that you feel, and are, as safe as is reasonably possible when participating in club events. Please note the guidance below and wherever possible and reasonable, follow the advice.

General Advice 

• Think about your intended route, the distance and duration, and take appropriate precautions in terms of food and drink and the possible absence of toilet facilities.
• If attending a running event organised by another club or organisation, check all the arrangements in advance.
• If you are likely to be running in extreme conditions or extreme distances, plan carefully.
• Make arrangements to secure valuables (keys, phones etc.) during your run, if you are unable to take them with you.
• Take a charged phone with you.

Safety when running in groups

Running in a group should help you run more safely than when alone, but note the following:

• Watch out for each other! And remain alert when talking and running.
• Stay together in your group, e.g. by waiting for each other at certain points or by ‘sheep dogging’.
• Select a group and approximate distance/duration of run appropriate to your ability.
• Agree the length of run and, if possible, the route before the run starts.
• Make sure at least one runner in your group has a charged mobile phone.
• Avoid running in groups of less than 3, in case one runner needs to run to get assistance (e.g. if there is no mobile phone reception).
• When at the front of the group, be aware of hazards and obstacles (e.g. tree roots, potholes, kerbs etc), approaching bikes and vehicles, and try to shout a warning to fellow runners.

The avoidance of accidents/injury 

• Avoid injury and muscle pulls by warming up effectively before a run and doing a cool down after the run.
• Avoid excessive increases in your daily/weekly mileage and speed.
• Check your footwear and tie laces securely (and wear comfortable footwear!)
• Take care when crossing roads.
• Stay on pavements as far as possible. If forced to run on the road stay to the right (facing traffic).
• Be aware of hazards and obstacles (e.g. tree roots, potholes, kerbs etc), approaching bikes and vehicles – be particularly alert in hours of darkness.
• When running in the dark, wear hi-visibility clothing and, ideally, head or chest torches.
• On winter evenings try to follow well-lit road routes and safer (more even) surfaces.

Precautions for extreme weather conditions 

• If there is a risk of lightning, strong wind (risk of falling branches), or icy conditions, err on the side of caution.
• In extreme weather conditions, club events may be cancelled by the lead organiser of the event who again should err on the side of caution.
• In hot weather take sufficient water with you, or plan in advance where you might be able to obtain water.
• Wear kit that is appropriate to the conditions.
• In extreme cold look out for patches of ice.

Runners at more risk 

• If you need a ‘buddy’ to run with, try to organise a buddy who has experience of guiding.
• Any special arrangements that are required should be organised before the event.
• Walk if conditions are particularly difficult.

Taking care of your health 

• If you have a medical condition that could be exacerbated by running, please follow your doctor’s advice.
• If you have asthma, please carry an inhaler and consider alerting those with whom you are running.^[1]
• If you do not feel well, you are not advised to run. Rest until you feel better.

In the event of an accident, or when there is a need for medical attention 

• In case of an emergency – always ring 999 if required.
• Members should be prepared to telephone or run for assistance, leaving someone with the injured runner.
• If minor first aid is required, this should be self-administered by the injured party where possible.
• Report accidents and other incidents to the Club Welfare Officer or another Committee member as soon as possible.

Keeping under 18s safe 

• Please refer to the DPR Safeguarding Policy.
• At club events, parents should keep children under 16 in their sight at all times unless they have specifically asked another member to look after their children for them (at the event).
• 16 and 17 year olds can run independently at club events.
• Members should avoid being alone with any member of the club who is under 18 years old.

If you are under 18:

• Do not respond if someone seeks private information unrelated to athletics, such as personal information or home life information.
• Use safe transport or travel arrangements. Never accept lifts in cars or invitations into homes on your own without the prior knowledge and consent of your parent/carer.
• Report any accidental injury, distress, or suspected misconduct to your parents/carers as soon as possible after the relevant incident.

Event management 

• Refer to any relevant risk assessments for the event.
• Give participants advance notice of the arrangements and facilities available.
• Give consideration to whether you need to provide, or give advice on, water.
• Consider and implement where necessary any special measures required to make sure children are safe
• It is your responsibility to decide whether the event goes ahead in extreme weather conditions. Err on the side of caution.
• Coaches should obtain disclaimers from participants prior to the start of any coaching programme.

Club Welfare Officer: welfare@dulwichparkrunners.co.uk

^[1] Asthmatics will know they should not run if they are suffering badly or if they fear an asthma attack is imminent. The decision whether to run or not is left to the discretion of the individual – but they must accept that they run at their own risk.