Rules of the Run

It’s training class season: It’s the time of year when everyone starts feeling antsy about spring and warmer weather. Those of us who haven’t been exercising on a regular basis start getting excited about running or walking again. Lucky for Run Wild Missoula, this is also the time of year when—if you are going to run the Missoula Marathon—you should start your training. Over 300 people are registered for the Missoula Marathon Running Class. In addition, about 70 people are taking the Galloway Training Class and 70 people are signed up for the Walking Training Class to train for the Missoula Marathon. That’s over 400 active people on Wednesday evenings and weekend mornings (the Walking Class meets on Saturdays and the other classes meet on Sundays).

Everyone is having fun getting fit and meeting new friends—which is exactly what we had hoped. We also want you to stay safe. That means being aware of your surroundings and using common sense. Run Wild Missoula’s Training Class Committee came up with a few rules to keep in mind when you’re out for a run or walk. Special thanks to Kevin Twidwell for his advisement.

Run Wild Missoula Rules of the Run
1. Stick to the designated route. We will tell you what the route is, but you are responsible for following it. In most instances, we will not have someone leading the way. Draw a map or write down directions if you need to.
2. RWM discourages the use of headphones. If you choose to use them, you assume the risk of injury associated with head phones. Please be alert, especially when crossing streets.
3. No dogs please.
4. Do not run more than two abreast, especially on busy roads, sidewalks or multi-use trails. Yield to vehicles on the road. They are bigger than you.
5. Be mindful of your language and conversation content during group runs given that we may have some young people joining us.
6. We do not want to leave anyone behind. If you plan to finish your run in a place other than the designated route please tell someone. If you drop out of a run, please contact (or have someone contact) the run leader or Runner’s Edge (if that is where the run is ending- other location if it’s ending somewhere else) so we are not out looking for you.
7. You are responsible for your safety while you are running. Obey all traffic signs and rules. Pay attention to your surroundings.
8. If you are running on a road, please face traffic and run no more than two abreast. If there is a confrontation with a motorist, please be respectful and report any issues to the run leader.
9. If you are injured during a run (or witness an injury), please report it as soon as possible to the run leader.
10. Do not litter on the course.
11. If it is going to be dark during the run: Wear reflective clothing, headlamps and a flasher.
12. If there are people pushing strollers: Those pushing strollers, please stay at the back and be mindful of other runners and traffic. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of the children in the strollers. Children may NOT ride bicycles next to adults during training runs.

Thanks for staying safe out there. Please contact me at eva@runwildmissoula.org if you have any questions.

Keep Runnin’ & Walkin’,
- Eva Dunn-Froebig