Max Coleby
Great North Run Co-Founder & Course Director

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Medical issues

It would not be true to say that medical issues should necessarily take precedence over all other organisational tasks which have to be successfully covered in order to deliver a good event.

Clearly, failure to ensure a safe, well marshalled and controlled course for example, could in itself constitute a serious safety hazard which could lead to significant safety issues – including medical issues!

However, in inviting people to take part in your event – and paying for the privilege to do so – means that you, as race organiser, have to recognise the very serious responsibility you have to accept in terms of a duty of care to the participants.

There are still some organisers around who think that a suitably worded disclaimer on the entry form will protect them from being “blamed” should serious medical issues arise during the event. This is not the case.

Fortunately, there are many examples of good practice around which can be drawn upon in order to guide current or potential race organisers in their wish to ensure that the medical arrangements are, at the very least, fit for purpose for their event.

In this part of the Race Directors Portal we hope to provide information which will help you to provide an appropriate level of medical cover at your event.

Max Coleby