NCS4 to host National Marathon and Endurance Events Safety and Security Forum

HATTIESBURG, Miss.—The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will host the 2024 National Marathon and Endurance Events Safety and Security Forum on Dec. 3-4 in Virginia Beach, Va.

Join peers to address key safety and security challenges facing marathon and endurance events and to share best practices for continuous improvement.

Road races and other participatory sports events attract large numbers of athletes and spectators, making safety and security a top priority for race organizers, public safety, and host communities. These high-profile events give rise to a host of potential risks and threats that must be addressed to ensure the safety and security of people, property, and infrastructure.

“The December NCS⁴ Marathon and Endurance Events Forum will bring together subject matter experts from across the country to share best practices, but more importantly, we can collectively work together to problem solve similar challenges”, said Dr. Michele “Shelly” Weinstein, medical operations coordinator, Marine Corps Marathon Organization. “I strongly encourage those who are new to the marathon and endurance event space to join us to make new connections and expand their network.”

Moderated discussions at this year’s forum include:

• Crowd management and control
• Training for staff and volunteers
• Extreme weather preparedness
• Medical considerations
• Communications

“We have an outstanding lineup of speakers and content for the forum that will provide our attendees with practical information and tools they can take home”, said Lauren Cranford, director of operations, NCS⁴. “This event allows the opportunity for collaboration and discussion of best practices with industry leaders across the country.”

Event planners and operators, administrators and staff from marathons, half-marathons, 10K, 5K, and endurance events, law enforcement, emergency managers, fire, HAZMAT, emergency medical services, city planners, government officials, and sports commissions are invited to register as attendees for the Forum.

Pricing for attendees is $450. Limited space is available. View the full agenda and register for the event here. The room block ends on Nov. 5, 2024, and registration closes on Nov. 11, 2024.