Race and Emergency Protocol

When an athlete and guide meet at a race, especially for the first time or at a destination race, clear expectations prevent confusion and improve safety. Below is an overview of expectations and protocols. Here is a race day checklist.

  • Athlete Responsibilities

    Be confident you can complete the race distance.

    Must be able to travel independently or be accompanied by a companion/caregiver.

    Share medical conditions, medications, and needs beforehand, including bathroom protocol*.

    Share emergency contact info and bring required race equipment.

    Communicate pace, nutrition timing, and communication preferences.

    Achilles athlete smiling while crossing the finish line of a race.

  • Shared Expectations

    Connect before race day.

    Agree on meeting location.

    Agree on post-race reunion plan.

    Stay together on the race course.

    Know Achilles emergency contact numbers and follow protocol.

    Review emergency steps together.

    Achilles amputee athlete running and smiling with her guide

  • Guide Responsibilities

    Stay with the athlete from start to reunion after finish.

    Support navigation, awareness, and safety.

    Follow athlete's pace. Guide must leave course if athlete is unable to finish race.

    If you have any concerns about your ability or your athlete’s ability to continue, contact the Achilles race lead.

    Achilles Guide smiling and cheering on a race course.

Guides are NOT responsible for athletes’:

  • Travel arrangements

  • Lodging

  • Expenses

  • Nutrition on course

  • Coaching or pacing beyond athlete comfort

  • Bathroom assistance unless previously discussed

Emergency Action Plan

 
 
If something goes wrongAction
Serious EmergencyCall race emergency # which often appears on back of race bib → Stay with guide/athlete → Call athlete's emergency contact and Achilles race lead
Medical TentCall athlete’s emergency contact and notify Achilles race lead → Remain with guide/athlete*
Athlete Cannot Finish RaceStay with guide/athlete until official hand-off
Guide Cannot Finish RaceCall race emergency # → Contact Achilles lead
 

*Guide should also make an effort to accompany the athlete into the race medical tent if permissible. 

  • Guide should never leave the athlete unattended and unless otherwise agreed in the pre-race discussion, should always remain until a hand-off is made to a companion/caregiver or emergency personnel or at instruction of Achilles lead. 

  • Guide must also leave the course if the athlete is unable to finish the race. 

If you have any concerns about your ability or your athlete’s ability to continue, contact the Achilles race lead.

This guidance supports safe participation but does not replace race medical staff or emergency services. Participants remain responsible for their personal health and readiness.