Road Running Leadership Group

Progress report June 2007

Athletics in all its disparate guises has - and, to some extent, continues - to seek to modernise itself in order to meet the demands of its “customers”.

The need to undertake reviews with a view to improving current arrangements is not lost on that section of the sport concerned with road running. Indeed, over the years there have been and still are some within the road running community who have sought to change existing arrangements and have presented proposals for consideration.

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When considering the management and administration of road running it is worth reiterating that more people take part in road races/runs than in any other single category within the portfolio of athletic disciplines. These participants come from a wide range of athletic backgrounds:

• Track runners from 800m – 10,000m inc. steeplechase

• Cross country specialists

• Road running specialists

• Fun runners (who are members of clubs)

• Fun runners (who are not members of clubs inc. “once per year” runners)

The road races in Britain which these people enter are almost as diverse as the participants they attract:

• Mega events with huge numbers of participants (15,000 - 45,000) which attract extensive TV/media coverage and have an international and national profile – and, incidentally raise millions of pounds for good causes.

• Large events (3,000 – 15,000) some of which enjoy a national profile principally within the sport and have significance on a regional basis.

• Medium sized events (1000 – 3000) which, generally, have a local profile but which can attract quality runners based on prize structure, expenses offered etc.

• Local events (up to 1000) typically organised by athletic clubs.

• Championship events such as (for example) the AAA 10km road championships, 12 stage road relays (and their regional equivalents) - which annually have age group categories or versions.

• Fun runs and charity events.

The categories of runners and events set out above are by necessity a little all encompassing but serve to illustrate a central point when considering how best to manage and administer the sport of road running in the UK. Namely, to meet the requirements of all participants and the organisers of the events they take part in is extremely difficult – developing a “one size fits all” solution will not be easy.

UK Athletics are very aware of this and, when considering the best way to effectively examine current arrangements with a view to developing feasible alternatives, chose not to do so within the existing structures of UK Athletics but to bring together via a public appointments process a group of people who make up the Road Running Leadership Group. These individuals represent the cross section of participants and road running events summarised above.

Needless to say, any such group assembled will attract praise and criticism in equal measure as the subject matter under consideration is one on which almost everybody has a view!

Nevertheless, the group drawn together and those charged with supporting it have past and current experience across all of the categories of road running events outlined above.

To assemble a group who genuinely have detailed knowledge of the organisational requirements of events such as the London Marathon and Great North Run, but at the same time are actively involved with all other size and type of road based event down to the smaller, charitable fun runs has been a real achievement.

The group has now met on two occasions. At the first meeting a very important principle was established. All members of the group were given assurance that they sat on the group as individuals, bringing their own, very varied, experiences to the table. They are there to try to improve matters for organisers of road races and those who take part in those events.

Notwithstanding the independent nature of the individuals on the RRLG, the proposals they develop would, if adopted after consultation across the sport, form the basis for the future conduct of road running in the UK.

The first meeting of the group addressed protocols and procedures which will direct the way in which the group conducts its business. It also attempted to identify its headline purpose which was encapsulated in the following statement:-

“The purpose of the RRLG is to:-

1. Improve the standard and participation of road running in the UK on behalf of UK Athletics.

2. The values of the group are to demonstrate in all their deliberations:-

Quality

Teamwork

Inclusiveness

Success

3. Improve the health & safety of competitors, staff, officials and organisers.

4. Provide excellent customer service (to races and participants).”

It may be argued that such noble objectives are easy to develop but harder to deliver. This is clearly the case but the group spent some time articulating the need to adhere to all of these objectives, which will be used as the benchmark against proposals developed will be judged.

It was further agreed that these objectives and the achievement of them would have to apply across the range of road-based events from the biggest to the smallest. It is recognised that all events are vital to the future viability and growth of the sport. The “shop window” events attract new people into the sport in huge numbers.

One of the objectives of the group is to convert many of these, who are once per year participants, into regular runners hopefully and continuing their participation by taking part in their local events.

What must be avoided is a fragmentation of the sport of road running. That will weaken the whole to the detriment of all.

In order to further direct the work of the RRLG four work streams have been developed:-

Workstream 1

Develop arrangements which will enable an effective transition from current arrangements to any new model which may be adopted.

Workstream 2

The administration of road running: Permit Schemes, unattached levies, increasing participation, improving standards of organisation, health and safety etc.

Workstream 3

Marketing of road running: Particularly to key target audiences e.g. young people, women, inactive etc (i.e. incorporate the “health” agenda in any proposals)

Workstream 4

Performance: What can be done to improve standards of performance at the elite level in the UK?

The two meetings of the RRLG have clearly determined that Workstream 2 will initially take priority.

A timetable for the work of the group setting out target dates for the completion of elements of the developing agenda has been prepared. However, it is early days and already, after two meetings it is clear that much concentrated work has to be applied to developing agreed proposals. Interim arrangements for 2007-8 will ensure that the group has time to fully consult on proposals whilst the sport continues on course and that has been openly stated and agreed with all permitting agencies.

The group is committed to putting in the work required.

As previously announced, the members of the group are:

Dave Bedford Race Director of the London Marathon
Hugh Brasher CEO Sweatshop, organiser of Grand Prix series of races
Max Coleby Co-founder of the Great North Run
Zara Hyde-Peters Director of Athlete Development at UK Athletics
Nigel Rowe Chair of South West region, England Athletics
Geoff Wightman Chief Executive of Scottish Athletics
If you have any questions or comments on the work of the group, please contact enquiries@roadrunninguk.com.