What's going on out there?
When I spoke to my kid's grade school class about racing, one of his classmates asked if runners could get lost during a race.
I said that nobody ever gets lost. I advised them to follow the person in front of them and told them race officials would watch everybody to make sure they're OK. Despite my assurances, three other kids asked that same question at various times during the session.
Adult runners may not worry about getting lost, but they do understand the need to quickly get to runners in trouble - especially on rustic courses.
The Run With the Foxes, in Martinsville IN, states in its entry form, that the forested course is well marked, groomed for safety, with radio communications.
All races, even those on flat city streets, should have a communication system - e.g. cell phones or walkie-talkies - to afford instant contact with aid stations, course marshals, and other course personnel.
Injured runners or volunteers, vehicles on the course, and exhaustion of water supplies are just some of the occurences that need immediate attention.
Make sure you know what's happening on your course so you can dispatch help quickly.