Biking,  running or  walking

Managing risk at organized bike, run or walk events

1. If a 4-H club or county program chooses to sponsor a running/walking or biking event open to the public to promote healthy living and/or as a fundraiser, additional planning is required.

2. Emergency personnel must be on hand.  It is recommended that the local Emergency Management Service Team be notified and be on site in the event of illness or injury. 

3. Contact local officials for event permission and route information so roads can be blocked off from traffic during the event. 

   • The route should be safe from hazards and in a protected area free from traffic, holes, and foreign obstacles.

   • The route must be properly marked to prevent any runners or cyclists from veering off of the course.

   • The course should be wide enough for runners and bicyclists to pass each other.

4. At running events there should be one water station approximately every 1.5 miles.

5. At biking events, all participants must wear properly fitted head gear.

6. Before participating in or hosting a bike event, please read about Kids and Bicycle Safety.

7. At community service or fundraising events sponsored by 4-H and offered to the public (e.g. 5K), a waiver form must be completed by all participants in the event, including currently enrolled 4-H members; obtain this from the Local Extension Educator.

8. A registration form is suggested for participation in a public event.

9. To help ensure the health and safety of 4-H members, learn how to prevent, recognize and respond to a potential concussion. A 4-H member who shows symptoms of a concussion should be removed from the activity.

Contact

Pat Morreim, program manager, morre002@umn.edu, 763-427-5428