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Safety Issues
On the Path…
- Always carry proper identification, including relevant medical information (name, blood type, allergic reactions, emergency contact with phone number)
- Carry money in case you become ill or injured -- enough to take a taxi or bus if available, or enough to make a phone call if needed. If you run in less-traveled or more remote areas, carry a cellular phone.
- If you do not have a cellular phone, know where the pay phones are located along the route(s) you run.
- Run with a buddy and/or a dog. (always use a leash, even if your pet is well trained)
- If you run alone, be sure someone you know is familiar with your running routine -- when you run and where you run. If you deviate from that routine, make sure you notify them.
- Run in daylight. If you must run at night, only venture into well-lit areas and wear brightly-colored or reflective clothes.
- Carry a whistle or protective spray to deal with threatening people or pets. Consider training yourself in self-defense.
- Always stay to the right unless you are passing someone. Be very careful merging left into a passing lane. You don't want to get run over from behind!
- Never run no more than two abreast when you are with a group. Do not force other runners, pedestrians, or cyclists off of the path. If you are in a particularly busy area, run single file.
- Never stop suddenly in the middle of a path.
- Always look both ways -- at least twice! -- before entering or exiting a path, when you are approaching intersections, and at drinking fountains.
- Never wear headphones when running. You reduce your awareness of your surroundings.
- Never run if lightning is present. (though running in a warm rain is fun!)
- Wear protective clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Use sunscreen, a hat with a visor, and sunglasses when it is sunny.
- Stay well-hydrated, especially in hot weather. Also when it is hot, consider scaling back your mileage and pace.
At a Race…
- Line up according to the pace you plan to run. If you are a slower runner, that's OK! Just don't place yourself toward the front of the pack.
- Follow the instructions of course marshals. Frequently they will guide you to one side of the road or another.
- Never wear headphones. You reduce your awareness of your surroundings, which is particularly dangerous in a high-traffic race environment. It may also prevent you from hearing instructions from course marshals.
- Do not stop suddenly at water tables or if you drop something or if your shoe comes untied. Move to the side slowly and make sure you do not cut off another runner. It's OK to walk while you drink your water! Just stay to the side and carefully merge back with the other runners when you are ready.
- Use caution and control approaching the finish chute. Do not cut off other runners and do not stop suddenly right after crossing the finish line.
- Do not bring dogs, strollers, inline skates, bicycles, scooters, or other such items to a race if the race instructions forbid them. They pose safety hazards to other participants and may violate insurance coverage.
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