Community engagement is at the heart of every successful run specialty store – but programs and events beyond your four walls carry unique liabilities. This 90-minute session explores practical risk management strategies for the three pillars of community engagement: run clubs and training programs, store-owned races, and youth programs. Using real-world case studies, Jean Knaack of Road Runners Club of America will highlight where incidents and legal claims most often arise and how strong partnerships, clear policies, and proactive planning can mitigate risk and create safer, more sustainable programming. This presentation covers liability insurance, waiver essentials, leadership training, safety protocols, documentation, and emergency planning. It also shows how collaborations between run specialty stores and formally organized run clubs or events can strengthen both your business and community trust.
Participants will leave with an actionable plan to audit current practices, address vulnerabilities, and build a unified framework that safeguards your store, your participants, and your reputation across all three pillars.
