In partnership with Joffe Emergency Services, event to feature CPR certification and crisis management training

ATLANTA (June 5, 2024) – Running USA, North America’s leading trade organization for the running industry, will offer CPR certification and crisis management training to its members at its first ever Safety Day to be held in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 17. This regional training will be free of charge to active members of Running USA and its global affiliates and available for a reduced cost to industry partners. It is being held in partnership with Los Angeles-based Joffe Emergency Services and hosted at Atlanta Track Club’s midtown Atlanta headquarters. Registration is open now.

“Running USA is focused on ensuring race organizers and their vendors are equipped with the best practices and latest information needed to serve the millions of people who participate in road races each year,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “There is nothing more important than participant safety. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide this vital and potentially lifesaving training and hope that this is the first of many Safety Days in regionally accessible locations across the country.”

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Safety Day will include two sessions. The first will focus on crisis management strategy and planning including risk assessment, effective communication and response and recovery. It will conclude with a hands-on simulation. Following a catered lunch, the second session will be a workshop led by certified instructors, focusing on hands-on practice with the latest techniques in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator (AED) use, and choking emergencies, tailored to both adult and pediatric situations. Participants will have the opportunity to receive their two-year Healthy & Safety Institute (HSI) certification. All sessions will be conducted by professionals from Joffe Emergency Services, a leading provider of safety, security and medical support services to schools, venues and event organizers and a member of Running USA. The event will be followed by a networking session and chance to connect with industry colleagues.

Chris Joffe, CEO of Joffe Emergency Services, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Running USA to bring this important training to the running community. Our aim is to empower event organizers with the skills and confidence they need to create safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone. It’s all about coming together to support each other and ensuring our events are safer, together.”

Safety Day is designed to reach members of the running community primarily based in the southeast United States, but is open to all. Running USA plans to hold similar sessions in other cities so that the training can be practically available to all members of the organization.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.