SAFETY IN RUNNING

Adventure starts with preparation.

Trail, ultra and mountain running can take us into incredible places — but changing weather, difficult terrain, darkness, traffic, isolation and fatigue can quickly turn a routine run into something more serious.

Good preparation doesn't remove every risk. It helps us recognise risks, make informed decisions and respond when something doesn't go to plan.

Whether you're running around your neighbourhood or heading into remote mountains, plan for the conditions, the environment and the unexpected.

BEFORE YOU RUN

Before heading out:

Check your route, distance, terrain and expected conditions.
Check weather forecasts and relevant warnings.
Consider how much daylight you have available.
Tell someone where you're going and approximately when you expect to return.
Carry sufficient water and nutrition.
Carry appropriate clothing for conditions — including conditions that could develop.
Make sure your phone is charged.
Download maps for offline use where appropriate.
Know where you can shorten or exit your route.
For remote running, consider whether you need a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite communication device.
Don't be afraid to change the plan. Turning around is always an option.

TRAIL & REMOTE RUNNING

The further you go, the more self-reliant you may need to be.

Trail conditions can change rapidly. A location that feels accessible on a sunny morning may become significantly more challenging after darkness, rain, heat, snow, fire or injury.

Before entering remote areas, consider:

Navigation

Know where you're going. Carry an appropriate map or navigation device and don't rely entirely on mobile reception.

Weather

Check the forecast and understand that mountain conditions can change much faster than conditions in nearby towns.

Equipment

Carry equipment appropriate to the location and conditions. Depending on the run, this may include waterproof clothing, warm layers, headtorch, spare battery, first-aid equipment, emergency blanket, water, nutrition and emergency communication.

Communication

Mobile reception can be unreliable or unavailable. For remote runs, consider carrying a registered PLB or suitable satellite communication device.

Your capability

Consider distance, elevation, terrain, technical difficulty and your experience. Fatigue can affect decision-making as well as physical performance.

If something doesn't feel right — change the plan.

A summit, distance, segment or training session is never more important than getting home safely.

ROAD RUNNING

Be visible. Be predictable. Stay aware.

When running near traffic:

Use footpaths and designated pedestrian infrastructure where available.
Cross roads at safe locations and follow applicable pedestrian signals and road rules.
Wear visible or reflective clothing in low light.
Consider a light or headtorch at night.
Avoid assuming a driver has seen you.
Be particularly cautious around driveways, intersections and parked vehicles.
Keep enough awareness of your surroundings to hear or recognise hazards.
Take additional care when running with headphones.

Road rules differ between Australian jurisdictions, so runners should check the rules applying where they are running. For example, Victoria requires pedestrians using the roadway where a footpath/nature strip cannot be used to face oncoming traffic. (Transport Victoria)

RUNNING ALONE & PERSONAL SAFETY

Everyone should be able to run without feeling threatened or unsafe.

Running alone is part of the sport for many people. Personal safety considerations can affect anyone, although AUTRA recognises that women and some members of our community may experience additional concerns about harassment, intimidation or personal safety.

Strategies you may choose to use include:

Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
Share your live location with someone you trust.
Carry your phone where practical.
Choose well-used or familiar routes when appropriate.
Consider joining another runner or running group.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Have an alternative route or exit option.
Trust your judgement. If a person, location or situation makes you uncomfortable, change your plans.
In an immediate emergency, call 000.

An important message about personal safety

Personal safety strategies can help runners make informed choices, but responsibility for harassment, intimidation, violence or inappropriate behaviour always rests with the person responsible for that behaviour — not the runner experiencing it.

Everyone has the right to participate in our sport without harassment or intimidation.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

What if the run doesn't go to plan?

Before undertaking longer or remote runs, ask yourself:

If I became injured here, how would I get help?

Know:

your approximate location;
your route and nearest access points;
whether mobile coverage is available;
how you would contact emergency services;
how you would remain warm or sheltered while waiting;
whether your equipment is sufficient for an unexpected delay.

For remote running, consider carrying a PLB or appropriate satellite communication device.

In an emergency

Call Triple Zero (000) where there is an immediate threat to life or serious injury.

Follow instructions from emergency services and activate emergency communication equipment where appropriate.

RACE SAFETY

Race smart.

Organised events provide additional support, but competitors remain responsible for preparing appropriately.

Before racing:

Read the event website and competitor information.
Attend or read the race briefing.
Understand the course and cut-offs.
Carry all mandatory equipment.
Check weather conditions.
Know aid-station locations.
Understand withdrawal procedures.
Tell event officials if you withdraw.
Follow instructions from race officials and emergency personnel.

And look after each other.

If another runner appears seriously injured, distressed, disorientated or in danger, stop and assist where safe to do so and notify race officials.

Your finishing time is never more important than someone's safety.