Nighttime Gear: Each van must check in on race day with six reflective vests, two headlamps or running flashlights and two blinking LED taillights (we recommend you bring extra batteries). Be prepared to present these at race day checkin in order to receive your goodie bags.
You are only visible to drivers closer than 200-feet away in dark conditions. Most reflective vests make it so runners become visible to drivers up to 1200+ feet. Adding headlamps and flashing LED taillights provides increased visibility and safety.
Medic Stations: Ragnar provides a medic station at each of the five major exchanges (Ex 6, 12, 18, 24, 30) and the Finish Line. The medics at these stations are equipped to deal with first aid issues and minor medical issues. In the case of a medical emergency call 911 immediately and then let us know by sending a TEXT to Race Command. NOTE that we do not have enough band-aids, moleskin and ice to give to every runner. Make sure your team vans are stocked with first aid supplies and ice.
Communication: Ragnar is capable of constant communication with teams, volunteers and staff during the race. If there is an issue along the course that needs to be addressed, please let us know by TEXTING Race Command. If there is a medical emergency call 911 immediately. Each van provides at least one race day cell phone number that Ragnar can text during the race with emergency information, weather updates and race day changes.
Safety Tips: We recommend that runners run against traffic as a general rule of thumb. Running against traffic ensures better visibility for automobiles, cyclists and runners. Signs on the course will indicate when to run with traffic. Runners should wear a reflective vest, headlamp and blinking LED taillight if they are running at night.
The use of personal music devices with headphones while running is strongly discouraged. Urban running requires that all runners be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times. Wearing personal music devices causes distractions and the inability to hear what is going on around the runner. If you still choose to use them, you do so at your own risk and must meet the following requirements:
1. Be aware of the sounds around you.
2. Be able to hear instructions from course officials when speaking at a reasonable tone (not yelling).
3. Be able to hear “on your left.” Listen for other runners trying to pass you.
Safe use tactics
· When running you should be able to hear you own footsteps, if you can’t your volume is too high.
· Use bone conduction headphones
· Run with one earphone out and one in, again you should be able to hear your own footsteps.
Race Bible: The Race Bible is your go-to source for all the nitty gritty details of what you should know before running a Ragnar Road race. Team captains should be familiar with the information and ensure that all team members are aware of the significant information. We recommend that all team members read through this Race Bible.
For General Safety information, Click Here!