Event Supporter Risk Awareness & Code of Conduct
Acceptance of Terms
By agreeing to support, volunteer, marshal, officiate, pace, trade, contract, or otherwise assist at this event, you confirm that:
You have read and understood this Risk Awareness and Code of Conduct.
You agree to comply with its contents.
You will follow reasonable instructions issued by the Event Organiser or Event Control.
You will act in a safe, responsible and professional manner at all times.
If you are unwilling or unable to comply with this document, you must notify the Event Organiser prior to the event.
1. General Safety Responsibilities
All event supporters must:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.
Follow instructions given during briefings and by Event Control.
Only undertake tasks they feel competent and physically able to perform.
Immediately report hazards, incidents, accidents, or near misses.
Never put themselves at personal risk to manage a situation.
2. Key Risk Considerations
Depending on role and location, foreseeable risks may include:
Slips, trips and falls (uneven ground, kerbs, cables, spillages)
Moving vehicles or emergency access routes
Crowd movement and interaction with the public
Manual handling of equipment and supplies
Adverse weather conditions
Proximity to open water (where applicable)
All supporters are expected to remain vigilant and act proactively to minimise risk.
3. Role Expectations
Marshals & Course Officials
Remain at allocated positions unless relieved.
Do not direct traffic unless specifically authorised.
Escalate incidents rather than intervene physically.
Maintain emergency access routes at all times.
Pacemakers
Run in accordance with the agreed pacing strategy and event briefing.
Position themselves safely within the field of runners.
Avoid sudden changes in pace or direction that could create risk.
Act responsibly and in the interests of participant safety at all times.
Notify the Event Organiser if unable to fulfil the pacing role as agreed.
Volunteers, Drink Stations & General Helpers
Keep areas tidy and free from trip hazards.
Manage waste appropriately.
Lift and move equipment safely.
Contractors, Vendors & Third Parties
Operate in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation.
Ensure all equipment is safe and fit for purpose.
Manage generators, cables, gas or cooking equipment safely.
Hold appropriate insurance and certification where required.
4. Conduct & Behaviour
All event personnel must:
Treat participants, spectators and colleagues with respect.
Act in a professional and non-discriminatory manner.
Refrain from aggressive, abusive or inappropriate behaviour.
Not consume alcohol or drugs while on duty.
Wear required identification or high-visibility clothing as directed.
5. Emergencies
In the event of an incident:
Ensure your own safety first.
Contact Event Control immediately.
Call emergency services if required.
Provide clear and accurate information.
Follow instructions from emergency responders.
6. Safeguarding & Suitability
This event operates in line with recognised safeguarding principles. While DBS checks are not required for general event support roles, all individuals are expected to:
Act in good faith and in the best interests of participants.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
Avoid situations where they are alone with a child or vulnerable person where reasonably avoidable.
Report any safeguarding or welfare concerns immediately to the Event Organiser.
The Event Organiser reserves the right to refuse, remove, or stand down any volunteer, pacemaker, contractor, vendor, or helper where there are reasonable concerns relating to safety, conduct, suitability, or wellbeing.
7. Organiser Commitment & Personal Responsibility
The Event Organiser is committed to planning and delivering the event in a safe and structured manner. This includes undertaking risk assessments, providing briefings, allocating roles appropriately, and maintaining clear lines of communication on event day.
We will seek to support all volunteers, pacemakers, contractors, and event personnel in carrying out their roles safely and confidently.
However, event environments may involve interaction with members of the public and situations that are outside the direct control of the organiser. Individuals are expected to:
Remain calm and professional at all times.
Avoid escalating conflict.
Report abusive, unsafe, or concerning behaviour to Event Control rather than responding directly.
While the organiser will take reasonable steps to mitigate foreseeable risks, individuals remain responsible for their own actions and behaviour.
8. Incident Review & Accountability
The Event Organiser recognises that event delivery relies on the support of volunteers, pacemakers, contractors and officials, and that genuine mistakes can occur in dynamic environments.
We are committed to providing clear briefings, appropriate planning, and reasonable supervision to minimise the likelihood of individual error.
If an incident occurs, it may be subject to review to understand the circumstances and identify any learning or improvement opportunities. This may include examining whether event procedures and instructions were followed.
While honest mistakes will be treated proportionately and professionally, individuals are expected to carry out their assigned roles in accordance with event briefings and instructions.
The Event Organiser reserves the right to take appropriate action where actions fall outside agreed instructions or compromise safety or event integrity.
