Guide to Walking and Running Safely

General

• By joining SE Fitness for a run or walk you agree to take responsibility for your own safety, to respect other participants, to co-operate with the SE fitness Leader and generally behave in a way that is responsible and safe.
• Before joining SE Fitness for a Run or Walk you should evaluate whether you are well enough to take part. If in any doubt check with your GP before joining. Please avoid taking part if you feel unwell, are injured, have been drinking alcohol, have high Blood Pressure or a high temperature.
• If you need to carry medication with you, such as an inhaler for asthma, please remember to bring at all times.
• Please remember to carry your In Case of Emergency details on you. This might be on your mobile phone or other alternative such as ICE tag or card.

Guidelines for Safe Off Road Running / Walking

• Sutton Park is a natural environment and conditions change daily. Remember to stay alert and look where you are going. Be aware of conditions underfoot eg mud, ice and trip hazards eg tree roots, rabbit holes.
• Wear suitable footwear such as good quality running trainers or walking boots.
• Pick your feet up, give each other room and slow down if necessary.
• Report hazards en route to your Leader.
• Headphones should not be worn.
• Support your Leader and other participants. Make sure no one gets left behind.

Guidelines for Safe Road Running / Walking at Night

• Anyone joining us for a session in the dark hi viz is mandatory
• Stay alert and look where you are going. Be aware of vehicles reversing, vehicles coming into or leaving side roads, street furniture, wheelie bins. Give each other room and slow down if necessary.
• Please Run / Walk on the pavement. If the pavement is particularly uneven or visibility is poor then run facing oncoming traffic.
• Regroup for road crossings with your Leader. Use pedestrian crossings / zebra crossings where possible.
• Recommend wearing head torch / chest torch especially for night runs in Sutton Park
• Headphones not permitted.
• Support your Leader and other participants. Make sure no one gets left behind.

General Safety Tips

• Aim to dress appropriate for the exercise. Thin layers are best so that they can be easily removed. Wear suitable footwear such as trainers or walking boots.
• In cold weather protect the extremities with buffs/hats/gloves in warm weather wear sunscreen.
• Make sure you drink enough before and after exercise. If you are out for over an hour or it is particularly warm you may need to carry water with you.
• Try to eat at least one to two hours before the session to give yourself fuel for the exercise.
• Start with a dynamic warm up and finish with a cool down and stretch.
• Give yourself time to rest and recover. Build up your exercise gradually.
• Sutton Park is a natural environment so it’s likely you will come across animals when out with the group such as cows/horses/dogs. Please alert your Leader if you have a particular concern about this.
• Please treat other pedestrians or park users with courtesy and respect.

 

Updated 03/12/2019