Today I received an email thanking me for running the Wokingham HM - nice touch I thought.

I was the surprised to read about an emergency that developed (happy ending) during the race when a male competitor collapsed with a heart attack. Other runners gave him CPR and the ambulance team took over quickly. He's ok and due out of hospital this week.....that got me thinking.

I had completely forgotton to put my emergency contact details on the back of my race number, so apart from 1752, that was all anyone would know about me. I also remembered that in racing I did not have my mobile phone on me - nada, nothing.

So gentle folk if racing or running please make sure you have some ID or contact details on your person. Usually I carry Mobile phone with an I.C.E number keyed in (I.C.E. - In Case of Emercency); wife's mobile number and blood group. Apparently the emergency services look for ICE in phones...I also carry a laminated business card with home/office details.

On these dark nights and lone runs that many of us do unsupported - What do you carry - who are you? 

hmmmm good question mike - I always have my phone as i use the GRG mobile app but i totally get where u r coming from with this - it can be a solitary vulnerable time out there on the roads esp in the dark winter months.  Does us all good to think about safety.....

Someone alerted me to this a while back: so I have an ICE number on my phone (although my phone also locks so I'm not sure how useful that is). For races I've been putting a next of kin and a local friend (who does the same himself for other occasions) so I have both options available if anything were to happen. However, I'm doing my first half marathon (in 11 days ... argh!) and doing it with my Dad and Mum there as a supporter. Figure I should be OK :D

I tend to write it on the back of my number then put selotape over the writing so it does not rub off onto my running vest.

Thanks for starting this topic off Mike.  All good points and some interesting ideas.  I always run with a mobile phone when I'm on my own as a safety feature.  I don't usually find that practical in a race though.  I tripped over a speedbump recently and landed on my face and shoulder - not pleasant but was lucky enough to be running with some friends - it does make you think about safety.

Quite rightly you need something at hand or to assist those that are helping you. There are two aspects here, identification during a race this is primarily the race number as this identifies you as a runner on the register, hence do not use somebodies elses number without reregistering for obvious reasons and if there is a misfortune then the back of the number is ripped off and any details on the back helps with immediate treatment, or if no details the number is radio back to race HQ where the race director refers to the register.

The other aspect is solo training, I also carry a charged up mobile phone with me at all times and due to the times I train which is predominatly 4am in the morning it is an essential peice of equipment, but there is also a risk to this in so much that if you are incapacitated and unable to make a call then you need other things such as bright clothing for if you fall out of sight or at night then how are people going to see you? It's all about reducing the risk and helping yourself.

As well as carrying a mobile phone, which is for my use if I need to call for help, I now wear a military style dog tag around my neck. Very light to wear & contains contact number, blood group, address & name.

Bought from http://www.armydogtags.co.uk/ for £5 for two tags, though you get one long neck chain & one short chain. Keep it with my Garmin watch, so will always pick it up before setting off a training run or ride. Recommended!

I have my parkrun (kerching) barcode printed on a plastic tag together with name, allergy details and ICE name/number. I use it as my keyring, so it's always on me.

Liking the sellotape tip, Derek!

I have a round barral tag - it's meant to go on a dog's collars - I got it from the Pet shop for 70p.  A piece of paper with my name and emergency details are on a piece of paper inside.  The dog tag is then attached to my laces.  Very cheap and as it just stays on my laces I never forget to take it with me!