What do marshals do, and who can be a marshal?

Question

Accepted Answer

Marshals are usually volunteers recruited by the organiser. Under ASA Rule 21.3.9 they:

direct runners along the correct route, keep them within the defined areas and warn motorists;
must be placed at every point that may be a security or injury risk;
must be firm without obstructing or frustrating runners;
must wear bibs or clothing that makes them clearly identifiable; flags are normally issued to warn motorists. Lead cyclists can act as mobile marshals.

ASA's guidance for marshals:

Make sure no corners are cut (tape them off); runners must run where the course was measured.
Marshals have no authority over traffic and may not stop traffic. Road junctions carrying significant traffic must be controlled by the traffic authorities together with marshals in conspicuous tabards or bibs (Rule 33.3.5).
Marshals should be at least 18.
In areas with a security risk, deploy marshals in pairs.
In poor light, bibs and flags should have reflective strips or lights.
Give every marshal an emergency contact number (safety officer, medical service or venue operations centre).

Runners must obey marshals and traffic officers on the route.