Participant Guide

Safety is our number one priority.  Although we recognize the hard work and commitment that goes into preparing for a race, safety will always come first.  If weather conditions present a threat, the Omaha Running Club reserves the right to postpone or cancel the event, delay the start time, or alter the course or course(s).  Unfortunately, registration fees cannot be refunded if unsafe weather cancels the race.  

In the event of a cancellation, the race will not be rescheduled.

• Extreme heat or cold can cause the race to be postponed or the course(s) may be shortened.  On hot days extra water stations with Gatorade and water will be available to runners on the race course(s).  
• Visible lightning will cause the start of the race to be delayed until lightning stops.
  • When thunder is heard or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the leading edge of the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning.
  • The start of the race will be suspended for thirty minutes.  Participants are to take shelter immediately.
  • Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute delay will reset the clock.
  • The Omaha Running Club will review proposed delays with Police providing traffic control.  Normal public operations need to resume, therefore any delayed start will not be greater than 120 minutes.  Race delays may require the race distance to be shorted.  Any delay will be posted to the event website.

• In the absence of unsafe weather conditions, the Omaha Running Club will host events rain or shine.
• If a lightning or severe storm enters the area during the race, volunteer stations will be alerted via text to the bike support and aid station captains. Look for sturdy buildings along the race course that you can find shelter in if a severe storm enters the area during the race. Sport field restrooms, retail stores, and entertainment venues are examples of potential shelters. Volunteers and participants are responsible to get themselves to safety.
• In the event of lightning, all participants, volunteers and spectators should move to a building or their automobile until the all clear has been announced.
• In the event of a severe storm or tornado warning, all participants, volunteers and spectators should move to a solid building in the immediate vicinity when they hear emergency sirens or a public address announcement.
• If you are in a location not near a solid building, use your best judgment for the area you are in.  A car is a next best option.  
• If those are unavailable, avoid poorly anchored structures such as tents or canopies, as the wind can sweep those away easily.
  • As a last resort and if no structure is available, go to a low‐lying, open place away from trees, poles, or metal objects.  Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.  Have as little contact with the ground as possible.  Squat low to the ground.  Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.  Do not lie flat on the ground – this will make you a larger target.
  • Avoid tall structures such as towers, tall trees, fences, telephone lines, and power lines.  Lightning strikes the tallest objects in an area.  Stay away from natural lightning rods, such as bleachers, metal barricades and other metal sports equipment, temporary metal structures or other larger metal items.  

• If the event is cancelled due to a weather event or other reason while participants are on the course aid station volunteers or race officials will instruct runners to stop running and seek shelter.
• Aid station volunteers will be notified through in person communication or via phone call or text that the race has been cancelled. If the event is cancelled/delayed or postponed, volunteers are to leave all aid station tables, water containers, Gatorade containers and all other aid station supplies and get to safety.
• For tornado safety and preparedness info – http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes