Safety
PWR aims to make club runs as safe as possible for all participants and to ensure that all runners complete their runs without suffering any type of injury. Safety is everyone's responsibility and in joining Petts Wood Runners you are deemed to have accepted the rules of the club and agreed to follow the safety guidelines set out below.
FOR RUNNERS
Before running:
1) Please ensure that you are physically fit to undertake any form of exertion. Should you feel unwell or be injured, it is better to miss a week’s run and give yourself time to recover than risk making your condition worse. Always seek medical advice prior to starting or restarting running if you have been on any form of medication or suffered an injury.
2) Please ensure that you wear suitable high-visibility clothing when joining us for a run and that you have the correct footwear. Clothing should be comfortable and not restrict movement. Tops should be fluorescent or reflective. Shoes designed for road running will normally be the most suitable for club runs. It is advisable for runners to have their running gait assessed in a specialist sports shop and to take the results into account when buying running shoes. The only form of head/ear phones permitted are those allowed by England Athletics, the bone conduction headphones, manufactured by Aftershokz. Please try not to wear them at all though. Tuesday runs are meant to be a sociable occasion!
3) Bring a drink of water, ideally in a bottle that is easy to carry whilst running. When you are training for more than 30 minutes it is advisable to increase your fluid levels as you run.
4) Always carry some form of identification – a simple pet name barrel is a simple solution to this and can be picked up easily from any pet store.
YOUR RUN:
5) PWR offers the opportunity to run in a group. Choose a group that suits your running ability rather than any targets you may have set yourself. The club arranges regular “move-up Tuesdays” to enable runners to try a quicker group when they feel they are ready. When attending for the first time, it is advisable to run with a group that runs at a slower pace than what you believe to be your ideal level, until you are familiar with the Club and the way it operates.
6) Group leaders have been briefed to ensure that, when running with us, no one is left to run on their own and no individual or small group gets lost. Please do not overtake your group leader unless told that you may do so. It is important that runners do not run off from their group or leave individuals behind. Each group runs at the pace of the slowest runner and no runners should try to increase that pace through “running ahead” or placing pressure on any other runner.
7) Always maintain visual contact with the runner immediately in front of you and keep aware of those behind you by making frequent visual checks. Should you lose visual contact, communicate this immediately along the chain to ensure that the whole group stops in order to re-group.
8) Immediately report any injury or unwellness – whether affecting yourself or another runner – to a fellow runner who should then pass it along the chain to the group leader. If you have a medical condition or disability e.g. diabetes, asthma, angina etc. please carry a note with you in case you should need medical attention during the run. If someone is injured or unwell, it is the responsibility of each runner in the group to ensure that they receive prompt help and support from the group leader and other runners.
9) DO NOT RUN IN ROADS. Always take great care when crossing roads, especially when running in darkness.
10) Always shout out a warning of upcoming obstacles, obstructions or dangerous situations to other runners. Keep a look-out particularly for uneven paving, holes in the ground, tree roots, branches or stinging nettles and approaching cars. A simple “roots” or “car” shouted out loudly acts as a clear warning to your fellow runners. When you hear a member shout out a warning, ensure you repeat it so that the warning travels back along your whole group.
11) Respect your surroundings – don’t run over areas that are not open to the public or are private property.
End of your run:
12) Group leaders have been instructed to end the group runs before reaching Crossway (the road along which the lower entrance to Willett Rec is located). Reduce your speed on the approaches to Willett Rec, particularly along Crossway. No runner should accelerate on this section – instead jog along the path, in order not to cause danger to other runners, as it is likely that several groups will be converging at this point at the end of their runs.
13) Always ensure that you advise your group leader if you are going to “drop out” early to run home rather than return to Willett Rec. Many runners actually run past or near their homes during the latter parts of our runs and decide to go straight home. If you do this please ensure that you inform your group leader. Likewise, if you have been told that a runner is leaving early, please communicate this to the group leader.
14) Always ensure that you report any “missing” runners immediately. At the end of the run please report any runners who you think might be missing. There may be a simple explanation, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
15) After running, stretch – the easiest way to avoid injury is to stretch after your run and the best way to do this is as a group!
FOR GROUP LEADERS
Before running
16) Plan your route carefully and take account of any characteristics that may give rise to hazards e.g. narrow, uneven and/or poorly lit paths, or lack of access for emergency vehicles such as ambulances. PWR would be grateful if leaders could forward details of their favourite routes to the Club Secretary, to enable the club to establish a database of suitable routes to assist new leaders.
17) Explain clearly the distance that you intend to go and the pace (in minutes per mile) at which the group will run. Use a watch that indicates the pace of the run and check it frequently to verify that the advertised pace is not being exceeded. Ensure that the group does not run at a quicker pace than stipulated. Even if the runners in your group manage a quicker pace, they may have chosen a pace that will not require over-exertion. Carry your mobile phone with you.
18) Welcome any new members to the group and ensure that they are confident that they can maintain the stipulated pace. If you are in doubt, suggest that they begin with a slower group.
19) The maximum group size is 20 runners. If more than 20 runners join your group, the group should be split. If there is another recognised group leader in the group, they should be asked whether they would be willing to lead part of a split group. If no additional leader is identified, ask for volunteers from the group to opt for a different group. All recognised/ group leaders are kindly requested to make themselves available to lead part of a split group, even if they have not been designated in advance as a leader for the evening in question.
20) Before setting off, ask a member of the group to volunteer to act as “sweeper” who will remain at the back of the group and accompany the slowest runner.
21) Ensure that all members of the group are sufficiently warmed up before running at the stipulated pace.
22) Whilst the group is running, the slowest pace always dictates. One of the most important roles of the Club is to ensure that no one is left to run on their own and no individual or small group gets lost. Group leaders may permit faster runners to run ahead to a specified point and “loop back” to rejoin the group, but should otherwise not allow any runner to run off from their group. The group should under no circumstances try to increase the pace through “running ahead” or placing pressure on any individual runner.
23) Never allow a runner to become tailed off such that they may lose contact with the rest of the group. If an experienced member of the group is willing to accompany a struggling runner back to Willett Rec, this should first be authorised by the group leader.
24) Always maintain a complete chain of communication. It is your responsibility to ensure that your group remains as close together as possible and that a complete ‘unbroken’ chain of communication between the last runner and the first runner is maintained throughout the run.
25) Always run on public footpaths and pavements. When crossing roads, take particular care for your own safety as well as that of your fellow runners.
26) Re-group at regular intervals – this allows runners to catch their breath and report any injuries that they may feel. It also stops the group from spreading out.
Running in the woods
27) During the summer months, runners often like to run in the woods. There is no need to discourage this provided that the club’s safety guidance is particularly closely observed. The risk of runners suffering injury or becoming separated from their group is raised whilst running in the woods and group leaders must ensure that runners remain in close proximity and shout out warnings of hazards such as tree roots. All groups must be out of the woods before nightfall.
Accidents, illnesses and injuries
28) When a runner has an accident, their health and safety is the primary and overriding responsibility of the group leader. If a runner suffers a slip, trip or fall, they should be allowed to continue running only if the group leader is satisfied that they are fit to do so. If a runner is not fit to continue but is capable of walking, the group leader should ask whether another member of the group is willing to accompany them back to Willett Rec. If there is no volunteer able or willing to assist, the group leader must end the group run and return to Willett Way with the incapacitated runner.
29) If the runner cannot walk, the leader should call for a taxi to take the runner home – PWR will reimburse the cost in such circumstances. In case of a serious accident or other medical emergency, the leader should call 999 for an ambulance.
30) All accidents should be reported to the health and safety officer by e-mail or private message as soon as possible after the run has been completed, with details of where the accident occurred. This applies even where the runner has been able to continue running.
End of the run
31) When returning to the Crossway entrance to Willett Rec, end the run BEFORE turning or crossing into Crossway and instruct runners to reduce their pace and remain on the path back to the entrance to the rec. Many groups are converging at this point and some runners may already be making their way home before others have returned to the rec. The rule forbidding runners from running in the road should be particularly strongly enforced along Crossway.
32) Enter Willett Rec (do not stop at the entrance) and lead runners in a warm-down, involving appropriate stretches. It is important not to neglect this as it reduces the risk of injury. Groups must not congregate at the entrances to Willett Rec but proceed through the gate into the rec.
33) Ensure that any injuries or illnesses suffered by runners and any other matters of concern are reported to the Club’s Health and Safety Officer.
FOR RUNNERS
Before running:
1) Please ensure that you are physically fit to undertake any form of exertion. Should you feel unwell or be injured, it is better to miss a week’s run and give yourself time to recover than risk making your condition worse. Always seek medical advice prior to starting or restarting running if you have been on any form of medication or suffered an injury.
2) Please ensure that you wear suitable high-visibility clothing when joining us for a run and that you have the correct footwear. Clothing should be comfortable and not restrict movement. Tops should be fluorescent or reflective. Shoes designed for road running will normally be the most suitable for club runs. It is advisable for runners to have their running gait assessed in a specialist sports shop and to take the results into account when buying running shoes. The only form of head/ear phones permitted are those allowed by England Athletics, the bone conduction headphones, manufactured by Aftershokz. Please try not to wear them at all though. Tuesday runs are meant to be a sociable occasion!
3) Bring a drink of water, ideally in a bottle that is easy to carry whilst running. When you are training for more than 30 minutes it is advisable to increase your fluid levels as you run.
4) Always carry some form of identification – a simple pet name barrel is a simple solution to this and can be picked up easily from any pet store.
YOUR RUN:
5) PWR offers the opportunity to run in a group. Choose a group that suits your running ability rather than any targets you may have set yourself. The club arranges regular “move-up Tuesdays” to enable runners to try a quicker group when they feel they are ready. When attending for the first time, it is advisable to run with a group that runs at a slower pace than what you believe to be your ideal level, until you are familiar with the Club and the way it operates.
6) Group leaders have been briefed to ensure that, when running with us, no one is left to run on their own and no individual or small group gets lost. Please do not overtake your group leader unless told that you may do so. It is important that runners do not run off from their group or leave individuals behind. Each group runs at the pace of the slowest runner and no runners should try to increase that pace through “running ahead” or placing pressure on any other runner.
7) Always maintain visual contact with the runner immediately in front of you and keep aware of those behind you by making frequent visual checks. Should you lose visual contact, communicate this immediately along the chain to ensure that the whole group stops in order to re-group.
8) Immediately report any injury or unwellness – whether affecting yourself or another runner – to a fellow runner who should then pass it along the chain to the group leader. If you have a medical condition or disability e.g. diabetes, asthma, angina etc. please carry a note with you in case you should need medical attention during the run. If someone is injured or unwell, it is the responsibility of each runner in the group to ensure that they receive prompt help and support from the group leader and other runners.
9) DO NOT RUN IN ROADS. Always take great care when crossing roads, especially when running in darkness.
10) Always shout out a warning of upcoming obstacles, obstructions or dangerous situations to other runners. Keep a look-out particularly for uneven paving, holes in the ground, tree roots, branches or stinging nettles and approaching cars. A simple “roots” or “car” shouted out loudly acts as a clear warning to your fellow runners. When you hear a member shout out a warning, ensure you repeat it so that the warning travels back along your whole group.
11) Respect your surroundings – don’t run over areas that are not open to the public or are private property.
End of your run:
12) Group leaders have been instructed to end the group runs before reaching Crossway (the road along which the lower entrance to Willett Rec is located). Reduce your speed on the approaches to Willett Rec, particularly along Crossway. No runner should accelerate on this section – instead jog along the path, in order not to cause danger to other runners, as it is likely that several groups will be converging at this point at the end of their runs.
13) Always ensure that you advise your group leader if you are going to “drop out” early to run home rather than return to Willett Rec. Many runners actually run past or near their homes during the latter parts of our runs and decide to go straight home. If you do this please ensure that you inform your group leader. Likewise, if you have been told that a runner is leaving early, please communicate this to the group leader.
14) Always ensure that you report any “missing” runners immediately. At the end of the run please report any runners who you think might be missing. There may be a simple explanation, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
15) After running, stretch – the easiest way to avoid injury is to stretch after your run and the best way to do this is as a group!
FOR GROUP LEADERS
Before running
16) Plan your route carefully and take account of any characteristics that may give rise to hazards e.g. narrow, uneven and/or poorly lit paths, or lack of access for emergency vehicles such as ambulances. PWR would be grateful if leaders could forward details of their favourite routes to the Club Secretary, to enable the club to establish a database of suitable routes to assist new leaders.
17) Explain clearly the distance that you intend to go and the pace (in minutes per mile) at which the group will run. Use a watch that indicates the pace of the run and check it frequently to verify that the advertised pace is not being exceeded. Ensure that the group does not run at a quicker pace than stipulated. Even if the runners in your group manage a quicker pace, they may have chosen a pace that will not require over-exertion. Carry your mobile phone with you.
18) Welcome any new members to the group and ensure that they are confident that they can maintain the stipulated pace. If you are in doubt, suggest that they begin with a slower group.
19) The maximum group size is 20 runners. If more than 20 runners join your group, the group should be split. If there is another recognised group leader in the group, they should be asked whether they would be willing to lead part of a split group. If no additional leader is identified, ask for volunteers from the group to opt for a different group. All recognised/ group leaders are kindly requested to make themselves available to lead part of a split group, even if they have not been designated in advance as a leader for the evening in question.
20) Before setting off, ask a member of the group to volunteer to act as “sweeper” who will remain at the back of the group and accompany the slowest runner.
21) Ensure that all members of the group are sufficiently warmed up before running at the stipulated pace.
22) Whilst the group is running, the slowest pace always dictates. One of the most important roles of the Club is to ensure that no one is left to run on their own and no individual or small group gets lost. Group leaders may permit faster runners to run ahead to a specified point and “loop back” to rejoin the group, but should otherwise not allow any runner to run off from their group. The group should under no circumstances try to increase the pace through “running ahead” or placing pressure on any individual runner.
23) Never allow a runner to become tailed off such that they may lose contact with the rest of the group. If an experienced member of the group is willing to accompany a struggling runner back to Willett Rec, this should first be authorised by the group leader.
24) Always maintain a complete chain of communication. It is your responsibility to ensure that your group remains as close together as possible and that a complete ‘unbroken’ chain of communication between the last runner and the first runner is maintained throughout the run.
25) Always run on public footpaths and pavements. When crossing roads, take particular care for your own safety as well as that of your fellow runners.
26) Re-group at regular intervals – this allows runners to catch their breath and report any injuries that they may feel. It also stops the group from spreading out.
Running in the woods
27) During the summer months, runners often like to run in the woods. There is no need to discourage this provided that the club’s safety guidance is particularly closely observed. The risk of runners suffering injury or becoming separated from their group is raised whilst running in the woods and group leaders must ensure that runners remain in close proximity and shout out warnings of hazards such as tree roots. All groups must be out of the woods before nightfall.
Accidents, illnesses and injuries
28) When a runner has an accident, their health and safety is the primary and overriding responsibility of the group leader. If a runner suffers a slip, trip or fall, they should be allowed to continue running only if the group leader is satisfied that they are fit to do so. If a runner is not fit to continue but is capable of walking, the group leader should ask whether another member of the group is willing to accompany them back to Willett Rec. If there is no volunteer able or willing to assist, the group leader must end the group run and return to Willett Way with the incapacitated runner.
29) If the runner cannot walk, the leader should call for a taxi to take the runner home – PWR will reimburse the cost in such circumstances. In case of a serious accident or other medical emergency, the leader should call 999 for an ambulance.
30) All accidents should be reported to the health and safety officer by e-mail or private message as soon as possible after the run has been completed, with details of where the accident occurred. This applies even where the runner has been able to continue running.
End of the run
31) When returning to the Crossway entrance to Willett Rec, end the run BEFORE turning or crossing into Crossway and instruct runners to reduce their pace and remain on the path back to the entrance to the rec. Many groups are converging at this point and some runners may already be making their way home before others have returned to the rec. The rule forbidding runners from running in the road should be particularly strongly enforced along Crossway.
32) Enter Willett Rec (do not stop at the entrance) and lead runners in a warm-down, involving appropriate stretches. It is important not to neglect this as it reduces the risk of injury. Groups must not congregate at the entrances to Willett Rec but proceed through the gate into the rec.
33) Ensure that any injuries or illnesses suffered by runners and any other matters of concern are reported to the Club’s Health and Safety Officer.
