General Safety Information and Emergency Alert System

June 8, 2016

As race day approaches, it is important to take proper measures to ensure the safety of all participants. Race officials, volunteers, public safety, EMS and first responders will be present on and around the course, and runners and spectators also have a role to play in making the event run safely and smoothly. Here are some simple steps to help improve safety:

Be aware of the weather.
Saturday’s forecast calls for high temperatures in the 90s. We will be taking extra measures to help runners stay cool on the course, and we encourage you to take an active role in ensuring your safety. This includes:
• Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing; preferably something that wicks moisture. This year’s race shirt is a great choice.
• Bring a beverage with you to the start area. Walkers, carry water with you on the course.
• Turn down personal listening devices. It will help you be more aware of your breathing  and allow you to hear instructions from public safety officers and course officials
• Pay attention to how you feel. If you’re lightheaded, can’t catch your breath or something else doesn’t feel right, stop or slow down. Seek help from anyone in a powder-blue shirt (volunteers), the police, medical personnel on bikes who will be wearing red shirts, or the medical personnel at every water station.
• Have realistic expectations. If you have not trained in high temperatures and are not highly conditioned, don’t try to set a personal best record.
• If you have underlying health conditions that may be impacted by the heat, consider not participating this year.  If you do not participate but still would like your Bellin Run          T-shirt, email your request to [email protected] and it will be mailed to you.
The most important thing is getting you to the finish line safely.

Complete your RaceSafe online profile
Click here to fill out your health information online, so it can quickly and easily be accessed in case of emergency. Please take the time to help us ensure your safety.

Travel Light
No bags, backpacks or purses. Report any unattended bags to race officials.

Be aware on the course
Ditch the headphones and enjoy the crowd and entertainment (including our six live bands!) or make sure the volume is low enough that you can hear what’s going on around you. Don’t stop or change directions suddenly while running.

Don’t litter the course
Water cups, gel packs, etc. should be tossed into (or at the very least, near) on-course receptacles. Don’t create a tripping hazard for those behind you.

And Remember:
No pets on the course, but they are allowed in the cheering section. Use your best judgment, you know your four-legged friend best!

Running with strollers is prohibited by USATF regulations and Bellin Run course rules and may result in disqualification. We understand the importance of involving children on race day, so walking with strollers or wagons is allowed and encouraged!

Event Alert System
A color-coded Emergency Alert System is used at the registration tent, start line and first aid stations on the course to inform participants of the current course conditions. Please watch for alerts and follow the instructions of all race officials.

Bellin Run planners have designed a course conditions Emergency Alert System for race participants and spectators.  This color-coded system is used at the registration tent, start line and first aid stations on the course to inform participants of the current course conditions. Please watch for alerts and follow the instructions of all race officials.

Green flags indicate optimal race conditions, whereas yellow flags mean conditions are less-than-ideal and participants should be prepared for changing conditions. Red flags indicate potentially dangerous conditions — proceed with caution and consider stopping — while black flags indicate the event has been cancelled.

“There’s always the possibility of having to shorten or cancel the race due to weather, even though it’s never happened in the past,” said Assistant Race Director Linda Maxwell. “As race planners, we are prepared for any situation, and runners should be sure to make note of course conditions and be prepared to adjust if necessary.”

Being mindful of these rules on race day will help ensure a safe, fun environment for participants and spectators alike. Best of luck and stay safe on race day!