More than 100 safety and security professionals from around the country recently gathered in Virginia Beach for the 2024 National Marathon and Endurance Events Safety and Security Forum sponsored by the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) housed at The University of Southern Mississippi.
The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including race planners and operators; event administrators and staff from marathons, half-marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, and endurance events; law enforcement officers; emergency managers; fire and HAZMAT teams; emergency medical services; city planners; government officials; and sports commissions representatives.
“The 2024 National Marathon and Endurance Events Safety and Security Forum once again proved itself to be a place to establish trust and offer a safe space to share thoughts that go into some of the toughest decisions made in our industry,” said Michelle La Sala, president of Blistering Pace Race Management and NCS4 Marathon and Endurance Advisory Committee member.
“Being afforded the opportunity to collaborate in person with colleagues and public agency representatives, review and refresh best practices, and share experiences and lessons learned is invaluable,” La Sala said. “Those who attend without a doubt operate a more sound and thoughtful event with preparations for the unexpected that many of us have come to expect.”
The forum allows safety and security professionals the opportunity to address key safety and security challenges facing marathon and endurance events, as well as share best practices for continuous improvement.
Key discussion topics included:
· Crowd Management and Control
· Training for Staff and Volunteers
· Extreme Weather Preparedness
· Medical Considerations
· Communications
“Professionals and thought leaders gathered to address key safety and security challenges facing marathon and endurance events. The outcome of this critical event will be the next iteration of safety and security best practices for marathons and endurance events,” said Daniel Ward, NCS4 director of Training and Exercise.
In addition to general programming sessions, attendees participated in discussions to review the NCS4 Best Practices for marathon and endurance events.
The Forum would not be possible without the center’s Solution Partners. Special thanks were given to Reception Partners – Ashworth Awards and RunSignup; and Signature Partner – Flying Aces Enterprise and Consulting LLC.
The NCS4 will host the 2025 National Intercollegiate Athletics Safety and Security Forum at Duke University January 28-29. View the full agenda and register for the event here (registration closes soon).
Registration is also open for the 16th National Sports Safety and Security Conference & Exhibition to be held next summer at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio, TX. Register for the conference here.
About NCS4
Established in 2006, the NCS4 is the nation’s only academic center devoted to the study and practice of sports safety and security. The NCS4 is partially underwritten by grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The NCS4 mission focuses on three key pillars – Training and Education, Research, and Outreach. For more information about NCS4, call 601.266.6183.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation’s leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.
