Marathon Safety and Security Best Practices Guide

Publication Date: 2015
Tag(s): best practices, event management, intelligence and information sharing, risk assessment and management, threat assessment
Author(s): National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at the University of Southern Mississippi
Abstract: The purpose of this living guide is to document, through professional collaboration, a collection of vetted best practices to assist those responsible for safety and security at marathon and endurance events. The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) at the University of Southern Mississippi hosted the first annual National Marathon/Endurance Events Safety and Security Summit on December 16-18, 2014. Representatives from marathons, endurance events and their staffs, USA Track and Field, Running USA, Ironman World Championships and public safety agencies addressed current safety and security issues facing marathons/endurance events and identified solutions as well as proposed future best practices. The discussions with security experts at the Summit, the research conducted at the NCS4 provided the basis for the development and evolution of the first edition of the National Marathon/Endurance Events Safety and Security Best Practices Guide. Those hosting marathon and endurance events and the US Track and Field Association, as well as the communities in which they compete, may take these best practices into account in developing their event security and safety arrangements.