There are several special considerations to make when planning a Run/Walk event on campus. To begin, please complete the UW-Madison Run/Walk Request Form to reserve UW Campus space for a Run/Walk. The rest of this page outlines other important information to keep in mind throughout the planning process.
Contacting Campus Departments
As the organizer, you are responsible for contacting the following campus departments. This is done after you have completed the above form and submitted them into Campus Events Services (CESO).
- Risk Management: Waivers/Liability Insurance
- Risk Management (riskmgmt@bussvc.wisc.edu) determines if liability insurance is required for your event.
- UW Police and Security
- This is for any potential road closures.
- Environmental Health (262-1809)
- If the food is being distributed at no charge and is prepackaged/ready to eat, then no permit or calling Environmental Health is required. Examples of these types of foods include candy bars, bags of chips, canned and bottled beverage, whole fruits (oranges/apples/bananas), and individually wrapped pastries. If non-prepackaged, or on-site prepared foods (such as grilled hamburgers, brats, or pancakes) are being prepared and given away, a permit is needed. If food is being sold, even if it is only pre-packaged and ready to eat, a Temporary Food Stand permit is required.
- UW Madison Policy-2014 further outlines Temporary Food Stand Permits and requirements.
Additional Guidelines
The following are additional guidelines that must be followed for all Run/Walks on the UW Campus:
- Groups will be held financially responsible for any damage done to the path or surrounding plants as a result of their event. Groups must respect the narrowness of paths and not trample the plant life on the edges.
- No permanent paint for marking route. Chalk may be used in compliance with UW-6013. See the Chalking page of this guide for more information.
- No aid stations, water tables or stops can be located in the woods.
- Groups must clean up all trash immediately after the run/walk is completed.
- For more policy information about runs/walks in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, refer to