With the return of club group runs the Committee thought it might be helpful to remind everybody about the club guidance around group runs.
- Group pace – this will be a guideline/average pace for the group and may vary depending on terrain, traffic and size of group. Large groups may run at a slightly slower pace due to the logistics of keeping everybody together. The group leader is responsible for controlling the pace of the group and should endeavour not to run quicker that the advertised pace (unless all group members are happy to do this.
- Distance – based on the pace, runs last between 50-60 minutes. eg 9:30 min/miling will be around 6 miles
- Group size – should be no more than 10 plus leader
- For larger groups somebody may be asked to act as tail runner to help to keep the group together
- Mustering – in any group there may be runners who are capable of running at a faster pace. If you want to do this advise the group leader and agree a mustering point for pulling the group back together
- Mustering – when mustering this does not mean just stopping and having a rest whole waiting for the rest of the group to reach you. You should turn and run back to the group and rejoin at the rear. Remember – slower runners may be more in need of a rest than you!
- Always follow the group leader’s instructions on the run
- Take care when crossing roads – always use crossings where available
- If you are returning from injury, stepping up in pace from your usual pace group or are new to the club and are unsure whether the pace will suit you, speak to the group leader before you start out
- During the run, if you feel the pace is too fast for you, please let the leader know and he will try to adjust the pace to suit you. Remember our club ethos is “Nobody gets left behind”. The group leader may decide to split the group to allow the faster runners to continue at the original pace.
- If anybody picks up an injury during the run and you need to leave the run, the group leader will ask for a volunteer to accompany you back to the start (OEs or the Range normally)
- If you wish to leave the group before the finish (eg because you are running past your house) you must inform the leader so that he/she does not spend time wondering where you are and looking for you. If you run back to the start on your own, please mark on the clipboard that you have returned safely.
- Carry your emergency contact details with you. The group leader will normally be carrying a phone.
- During the darker nights (mid-September to mid-April) you should wear a hi-vis top and/or body torch. The group leader has a right to not allow you to join her/his group if they feel you may not be visible enough during a run. The leader is responsible for your safety so please support them in this. Whilst runs in the dark nights will be on lit roads and paths, streetlights don’t always work or are obscured by trees so parts of the route may be dark.
- We maintain a register at the groups runs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (except for the Mug runs in the summer) and group leaders will sign out the numbers in their group and sign back in at the end of the run to confirm everybody had returned safe and well and there were “reportable” incidents during the run.