Marathon and Road Race Safety Management Checklist

Marathons and road races involve participants of widely varying fitness levels across many miles of course with heat, dehydration, and cardiac risks. This checklist establishes comprehensive safety management for road race events.

Industry: Events & Entertainment
Frequency: Per Event
Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
Role: Race Director / Medical Director
Total Items: 26

Course Safety

Verify race course safety.

Full course vehicle safety inspection completed morning of race?
All required road closures and traffic control in place?
Course hazards (potholes, slippery sections, tight turns) marked and announced?
Police or traffic control at all major intersections?
Course markings and directional signs clear at all key turns?

Medical Coverage

Verify medical coverage along course.

Medical aid stations positioned at appropriate intervals (every 2-3 miles)?
ALS-capable paramedics deployed at course stations and finish?
Ambulance access to all points on course?
AED at every medical station?
Cold water immersion tub at finish line for exertional heat stroke?

Heat Illness Prevention

Verify heat illness prevention plan.

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitored and cancellation criteria established?
Water and electrolyte stations at appropriate intervals (every 1-2 miles)?
Shade and cooling available at start and finish areas?
Participants warned of heat conditions in advance?

Participant Screening

Verify participant screening for safety.

Participants encouraged to have medical screening and not run if unwell?
Participant emergency contact info on bib or in timing system?
Process for medical alert participants (known conditions) communicated to medical director?
Pre-race safety briefing communicating weather conditions and medical station locations?

Finish Area Safety

Verify finish area safety.

Finish area medical team fully staffed with ALS capability?
Finisher recovery area with water, food, and shade available?
Medical cots and recovery area for distressed finishers?
Crowd control at finish line to protect finishers and allow medical access?

Emergency Response Plan

Verify emergency response plan for the race.

EMS command post established with race director communication?
Protocol for stopping race in weather emergency communicated to participants?
Nearest trauma center identified and contacted about race?
Mass casualty evacuation plan for large-scale emergency?

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Why Use This Marathon and Road Race Safety Management Checklist?

This marathon and road race safety management checklist helps events & entertainment teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for race director / medical director professionals, this checklist covers 26 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Marathon and Road Race Safety Management Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 26 inspection items across 6 sections: Course Safety, Medical Coverage, Heat Illness Prevention, Participant Screening, Finish Area Safety, Emergency Response Plan. It is designed for events & entertainment operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

Who should use this Marathon and Road Race Safety Management Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Race Director / Medical Director professionals in the events & entertainment industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.