- Please follow current Government guidelines when going out running, and club training sessions (ie group runs) remain suspended during the coronavirus epidemic
- Firstly, remember that every time you go out for a run, you are an ambassador both for the sport and for our running club
- Turn up on time for a scheduled group run, and bring your best attitude with you as positivity is contagious!
- Understand the purpose of the group run goals and distances, so you can ensure it is the right fit for your training and social needs
- Pay attention to the group run leader. Please listen while instructions are being given, rather than chatting with other runners
- Engage with the group. If you’re running with a group, introduce anyone running with the group for the first time, and go out of your way to make them feel welcome. Make a point of engaging them in conversation. Provide encouragement to fellow runners, be mindful about your language and conversation topics. Remember that we have mental health champions within the club if you feel that someone would benefit from talking to one of them. Respect and follow the group’s code of conduct.
- No one is ever left behind! Make sure that if someone has to stop/slow down for whatever reason (bathroom breaks, walk breaks, twisted ankle, shortness of breath etc), then they have a “buddy” with them
- Run against the traffic when you are running along roads and lanes, and keep to the outer edge of the road. This is the most basic traffic safety rule as it allows you to see the oncoming traffic
- Always be alert when crossing roads. Obey all traffic signs, and use proper crossings when available. Don’t dart out in front of vehicles. NEVER assume a driver is going to stop for you at an intersection even if you have the right-of-way. Take your time, and ensure that the driver has seen you and is in fact stopping. Always look both ways, even if you’re running on a one-way street, as there may be runners, walkers or cyclists coming from the other direction
- Don’t run more than two abreast, especially on busy roads, pavements etc. The goal is to share, not hog them. And if motorists or other path users give way to you, and many will do, then be sure to thank them or wave acknowledgment. If you stop to stretch/chat after your run, then move to one side so that you are not causing an obstruction
- Passing – if you are coming up behind another runner, walker etc, then you can avoid startling them by slowing down and giving them some warning (a simple “excuse me” or “just coming through” should suffice). People generally appreciate this, and it avoids confusion and reduces the possibility of knocking them over or into the road. Bear in mind that some people may not hear you approaching behind, especially if they are wearing headphones and/the conditions are very windy
- Wear hi-viz – this means bright/fluorescent tops during daylight, and white/reflective tops so that drivers can see you at night. Lighted shoe accessories are also available that make you even more visible
- Headphones – please note that club operates a “no headphones” policy for training runs and races, except for bone conducting ones. For your own safety, and that of others, you need to be able to hear traffic and signals from other people
- Running with your dog – this is not something the club would generally encourage on road training runs. If you are running with a dog, it should be on a short (ie not extendable) leash and must be kept under complete control
- Spitting etc – if you feel the need to spit or blow your nose, then move to the side, well clear of other runners
- Private property – stay off private property
- Don’t litter – if there are no rubbish bins, then carry any rubbish with you. More often we see runners picking up the rubbish that others have left; perhaps this is because we seem to value our surroundings more
- Greeting other runners on the run – one of the best parts of being a runner is the camaraderie we share. It’s nice to be friendly, even if you only give the other runner a head nod or wave, that’ll be appreciated and hopefully reciprocated. Unfortunately it is still a fact that many women avoid going out for a run alone in certain areas, and at certain times of the day, for fear of being verbally or physically assaulted. For this reason it is important to be aware how you may come across to others. That isn’t to say that men shouldn’t say hello to women runners. Just be respectful.
- Helping others – we are all part of the same community. Check in with any runners, whether you know them or not, who may be struggling. Even if there’s nothing you can do for them, just the fact that you checked goes a long way. Sometimes another runner, a stranger, may need help but be too shy or uncomfortable to ask a stranger for assistance.Just remember that some day that might be you in need of help. It happens to every runner, and sometimes just letting another runner know you’ve been there is the kindest thing you can do
No Runner gets left behind
