10K & 5K Bun Run, 5K Brat Walk,
5K Dog Jog, & 1K Lil’ Brats Run
May 25, 2024
Madison, WI

EMERGENCY PLAN

We take safety seriously.  There are very few things that would cancel a race but in the likelihood of tornadoes, hail, lightning and other extreme weather, we approach Race Day with caution. We continue our normal set-up procedures and prepare for the race as usual.  If a race is called, it is usually done right before the start time of the race and it’s done at the starting location and not online. We understand the frustration of our runners showing up and then having the race canceled, but we normally cannot make a decision until the last half hour before the start time since weather can change so quickly.  On race days with inclement weather, WE DO NOT POST CANCELLATIONS ONLINE because by the time we make the decision, runners would not be able to make it to the start of the race.

Volunteers and staff should report as usual and be prepared to carry out their duties.   We will decide at the race site if registration and/or packet pick-up will continue as scheduled.

WEATHER POLICIES:

RAIN:  Rain will never stop a race so plan on running.

FLOODING:  If flooding could cause hazards, the race will be canceled 15 minutes before start time.

LIGHTNING:  As a storm approaches and during a storm, there must be a continuous 15 minute period with no lightning strikes (within 10 miles) before the race will begin. The race will be delayed for up to 30 minutes, after 30 minutes, the race may be canceled. If lightning is a threat, participants will be asked to wait out the storm in their vehicles or they will be directed to one of the shelters on the property for safety.

WIND:  If an extreme risk of falling trees or flying debris occurs, the race will be canceled 15 minutes before the start, otherwise, the race will go on as scheduled.

HAIL:  The scheduled race start time will be delayed up to a half hour and then canceled if hail persists.

TORNADOES:  The race will be canceled immediately and runners should seek shelter.

EXTREME HEAT:  If heat and humidity combined pose a risk, we will cancel the race 15 minutes before the start, otherwise the race will go on as scheduled but with caution flags on the course and a chance of the course closing after the race starts.

 

Warning Flag System

In case of emergency or weather related issues such as extreme heat, flash flood or lightning, we will use a colored warning flag system to keep participants safe. Each Aid Station will have one.

  • GREEN FLAG = Good conditions, everything is normal.
  • YELLOW FLAG = Caution; increased risk of heat related problems, runners should hydrate accordingly.
  • RED FLAG = Extreme heat risk. Clock has stopped, hydrate and walk to finish line.
  • BLACK FLAG = Extreme emergency, the race is canceled, seek shelter immediately!

We apologize to our participants for any inconvenience the weather may play in any of our events but your safety is our number one concern.  Sincerely,

The Madison Events Staff and Crew