Run director guidelines

To be a run director you must:

  • Have an England Athletics qualification (at least Leadership in Running Fitness) and have met any other requirements laid down by England Athletics
  • Be familiar with and abide by the UK Athletics Coaches Code of Conduct and these guidelines.

Guidelines applying to all club runs

  • Before the session
    • Update the event in Spond to add yourself as the host and add the meeting point.  See the Spond FAQs for further details 
    • There needs to be one run leader for every 10 runners.  So, if there is no other run leader signed up you can have up to 10 runners on the run; if there is a second run leader signed up you can have up to 20 runners; if there is a third run leader you can have up to 30 runners and so on. If you don’t have enough run leaders put a message out on the run leader WhatsApp group
    • Check in Spond to see who has signed up. If there is a new person who hasn’t run with us before, contact them to find out what pace they think they will be running at (if you don’t have their contact details, message the run directors WhatsApp group). Make sure someone who runs at a similar pace knows they are coming and is able to run with them (ideally one of our run buddies)
    • Post to yhe run event in Spond no later than the day before the run details of the route
    • Don’t join the run if you are unwell (including if you have Covid-19 symptoms)
    • If you are unable to lead the run find a replacement run leader
    • Check the weather forecast. If there is a weather warning or bad weather forecast when the run is due to take place the run should be cancelled or advice on gear given if the run director considers there is a risk to runners.  Runs should always be cancelled if there is an amber or red weather warning covering the route at the time of the run
    • If anyone wishes to run with a dog, you must carry out a risk assessment that considers the risk to the dog, the runner, other members of the running group, members of the public, and other animals and wildlife on the route. None of the route must take place on roads. Further details on the obligations of runners with dogs are in the member code of practice
  • Things you need to take to the run
    • phone with access to Spond
  • At the session
    • Arrive early
    • If someone arrives who hasn’t booked a place they must sign up, if a place is available, before running. If the run is full they can’t join the run
    • Check everyone in in Spond
    • Welcome and introduce any new runners
    • Carry out a warm up
  • After session
    • Check off all runners at the end to ensure everyone has returned safely
    • Take a photo of the group
    • Post to Facebook and WhatsApp with a photo and thanking runners for taking part

Additional guidelines applying to road/trail runs

  • Before the session
    • Select a route from the existing run routes (which have been risk assessed). If you would like to use a new route, you should consider if there are any additional risks on top of those identified in our general risk assessment. If there are, just message the run director WhatsApp group at least 4 days prior to the run with the details so that a supplementary risk assessment can be produced. If there are no additional risks it is fine to use the route
    • If a torch run is being planned (i.e. an off-road run when it is dark and head/body torches are required), identify a second run leader who can lead an alternative run that follows a lit road route and offer this to members alongside the torch run
    • Post to Spond the route, highlighting where runners should exercise caution
    • Make sure there is a back marker (if a run buddy is attending you can use them)
  • At the session
    • Ensure everyone is familiar with the route and remind them to make sure they let someone know if they leave before you finish
    • If there are a large number of runners attending, before the start break everyone up into smaller groups of a similar pace and identify someone in each group who can keep an eye on everyone in that group and make sure everyone gets back safely. Start each group running one at a time in order of pace with the fastest leaving first
  • After session
    • Check that all runners have returned

Additional guidelines applying to track sessions

  • Before the session
    • Make sure you are familiar with the planned routine for that session
    • Make arrangements to collect the keys to the track from the previous track run director (or speak to Paul Maybury, Andy Land or Paulette Storey who may also have keys)
    • Make sure you have a phone with a light or a torch so you can open up in the dark
  • At the session
    • Arrive by 6pm so you have time to open up. The square key opens the gate. The longer key opens the men’s and women’s changing rooms and the room with the switches for the floodlights
    • If it will be dark during the session, turn on the floodlights. These switches are located in the room off the end door and the switches are on the left
    • Ensure everyone who hasn’t run to the session does 2-4 laps to warm up
    • Go through a dynamic warm-up routine with everyone.  An example of a routine is here
    • Outline the session
    • End the session in time for a cool down (1-2 jogged laps followed by stretching)
    • remind people to pay the fee by bank transfer (details in the confirmation email they will have received)
    • Make sure you have the names of everyone attending (you will need this later)
    • It is likely that another group will follow on from Dragons so, if this is the case, there is no need to lock up. If no other group is present, make sure everyone has left and that all doors and the gate are locked
    • If you have any medical issues a first aid kit and a defibrillator provided by Altrincham and District Athletics Club is available (located in the club office (door to right of gents toilets) in cupboard on right at top)
  • After session
    • Update the attendance spreadsheet (see link in the confirmation email you received when you signed up).  Make sure you click on the correct date tab at the bottom of the spreadsheet.  Add the names of all attendees to column A (one per line)
    • Pass the keys to the next run director