Your safety comes first
On A Plod is built to feel social, relaxed and fun, but behind the scenes there is a serious amount of planning in place to keep everyone safe. From medical cover and course marshals to route planning and event control, every measure is there to help you enjoy the day with confidence.
On-course marshals
Marshals are positioned throughout the route, with extra coverage at crossings, busier areas and higher-risk points.
- Fully briefed before the event
- Located along the course and at key crossings
- Equipped with radios for instant communication
- Easily identifiable in hi-vis clothing
- In place to guide runners, monitor the route and respond quickly if needed
Medical cover
A professional medical team will be on-site throughout the event, ready to respond quickly both in the Race Hub and on the route.
- Dedicated medical team on-site all day
- Fast response vehicle for rapid on-course access
- Ambulance on standby if required
- Treatment area based within the Race Hub
- Clear escalation process between marshals, event control and medical staff
Security & site control
Security staff are positioned at entrances and key access points to support crowd safety, site control and the smooth running of the event.
- Security based at entrances
- Monitoring event access points and key areas
- Supporting the Race Hub team with crowd management
- Helping maintain a safe environment for runners, spectators and partners
Route planning & risk management
The route has been planned with safety in mind, including reviews of higher-risk sections and marshal placement across the course.
- Route risk assessed in advance
- Higher-risk areas identified and monitored
- Marshal locations mapped out across the course
- Signage and event staff in place where needed
- Ongoing communication between event control, marshals and medical teams
Race briefing
Please listen carefully to the race briefing before the event starts. The route passes close to busy roads and public areas, so awareness is essential at all times.
Key safety points
This is not a closed-road race. Stay alert, stay aware of your surroundings and do not assume vehicles will stop unless directed by traffic lights or marshals.
Crossings
Cross the main road carefully, only at the designated points, and always follow marshal guidance and traffic light guidance.
- Follow all marshal instructions at all times
- Only cross roads at designated crossing points
- Use extra caution near busy roads and public access areas
- Be respectful of pedestrians, cyclists and other members of the public
- If wearing headphones, keep the volume low enough to hear instructions around you
- If you feel unwell or see an incident, alert the nearest marshal immediately
- Do not stop suddenly in busy sections of the route or finish funnel area
Race Hub safety
The Race Hub is the centre of the event and is set up so runners are never far from support, medical help or event staff.
- Central hub with staff, medical support and event management present throughout
- Treatment area located within the hub
- Security and controlled access at key entrance points
- Clear meeting point for support if assistance is needed
- Event infrastructure designed to keep runner flow and public access as safe as possible
Additional safety measures
- Pre-event route checks carried out by the event team
- Event control communication system linking key staff
- Emergency access kept available where required
- High-risk locations reviewed using route maps and marshal plans
- Participants encouraged to report any concern immediately to a marshal or member of staff