Racing is inherently a solo activity. Only you can control your speed, your mind and your pain threshold.
Sure, sure you’re surrounded by thousands of other spandex clad runners, but you aren’t so much working together as simply forging ahead with lips pursed and eyes laser beamed in on the person in front of you.
So if we’re out there for ourselves, is there race etiquette to be followed?
Not the ask miss manners white glove no snot rockets kind, but yes.
After months of training, everyone arrives at the start line a little amp’ed up, anxious and determined. Maybe that means shuffling a little closer to the front, maybe it means nerves that require a few more bathroom breaks…maybe it means music loud enough to drown out the negative voices.
It always means thousands of people focused on their own goals, but needing to flow together for optimal enjoyment and performance.
For those fearful of lining up at their first race and those whose britches have gotten too big from being a long time runner, a few reminders to make everyone’s experience a tad more fun and hopefully PR worthy.
RACE SHIRT
DO feel free to wear it on race day for something like a Halloween run or a Pink event.
DON’T wear it for longer distances, it’s just an unspoken rule of “earning” the shirt.
DO wear the race shirt from the previous year if you ran to show off your veteran status.
DON’T wear race shirts from races you didn’t run.
BATHROOM BREAKS
DO use the provided porta potties
DON’T judge those who have to use a bush because lines are too long
DO bring your own TP to the start
DON’T well seriously just don’t leave the porta potty so gross even a desperate runner won’t use it
START LINE
DO get in your assigned corral. They have them to prevent people from getting run over and to prevent faster runners from being slowed down.
DON’T wear your bib on your back this is not a rodeo.
DO feed off the energy of those around you and line up with friends.
DON’T run 5 wide and make it impossible for anyone to pass your merry band.
FINISH LINE
DO run all the way across both mats to get your time and best photo
DON’T get cranky with the volunteers. You might be tired,but they are unpaid help making our enjoyment possible.
DO encourage any runner you are passing with a very simple “good job” or “we got this”
DON’T assume you know why someone is walking or tell them they need to run.
BANDIT
DO run a mile or so if a friend really needs you, unless the course is already super crowded.
DON’T hop in right after the start and hop off right before the finish. Race directors will tell you they plan support for a certain number of runners and of course most races benefit a charity, so you’re cheating them too.
WATER STOPS
DO begin moving to the side of the water station when you see it coming up,to avoid the sprinting horizontal through traffic.
DON’T come to a complete stop, unless you like being shoved from behind.
DO slow down and walk if needed, just keep moving forward
DON’T take Gatorade at every stop (your stomach will thank you)
TRASH
DO toss your cup to the side
DON’T drop in the middle of the road for everyone else to run over (it becomes slippery).
DO look before you toss to avoid sloshing volunteers or other racers.
DON’T treat the street like a garbage can, Hold on to those gel wrappers until you see a trash area.
Flickr photo JustinDC
WALK BREAKS
DO move to the side.
DON’T be afraid to take them, whether it’s your race plan or just a must stop now before I die feeling.
DO look behind you to avoid slamming into someone as you move to the side.
DON’T stop mid stride in the middle of the road.
And I feel like it goes without saying, but no cutting the course short! We’ve seen a lot of reports of this lately and it sucks for everyone involved. You’ll get blacklisted and the people who really earned a spot will be gyped and you didn’t earn it, so really how good will it make you feel.
Finally a reminder that the TIME is not the only measure of a great day, so relax and enjoy the efforts of your training regardless of pace.
Any race day pet peeves you have?
Other tips you’d provide a new runner?
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Jen @ pretty little grub says
February 28, 2017 at 7:23 amGreat tips. I agree that don’t assume you know why someone is walking. Maybe that encouragement would help but maybe they’re injured and you telling them to run makes them want to cry.
amanda says
March 1, 2017 at 1:24 pmyup i realized that myself during an injured race, I wanted to punch everyone who was like “come on you can do it!”
Mary says
February 28, 2017 at 7:41 amWater stations- DO look down the course to see how many tables there are. The volunteers at the very front are not the only ones with water/gatorade hahah no need to ALL stop at the very first table. (I usually go to the 3rd or 4th, those volunteers get lonely!)
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says
February 28, 2017 at 8:33 amGreat tips! I agree with just stashing trash until the finish or a trash can. There’s no need to litter and keeping the race clean is more important than a few seconds on the clock!
Laura says
February 28, 2017 at 8:35 amI’d also add that for bandits/pacers, DON’T take anything from the aid stations, whether you’re running one mile or five. If you didn’t sign up for the race, you shouldn’t be using their resources. Unfortunately, I’ve seen a lot of people break this one :(
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
March 1, 2017 at 4:49 amSo many great tips. I wish people would follow just a few of these and make the entire day so much more pleasant for all (including themselves!)
Chaitali says
March 1, 2017 at 8:43 amGreat tips! The running five across thing really gets me. And thankfully, I’ve never had people be rude to me when I’ve volunteered at a race. That would really rub me the wrong way. But it seems like most runners are really great and appreciative :)
jodi says
March 1, 2017 at 8:47 amI can proudly say, “Thank you, Coach” and a few members of our Saucony 26 Honolulu group for introducing me to my first ever “peeing in the bushes” before the start :) Shhhhhhh….don’t tell anyone. I would have stood in line forever and likely not being able to have my turn before the start of the race!!
Peeves: Being in the way back of the start line and not being able to hear the announcers!!!
Other tips: We are ALL important…there doing the same thing with the same goal. To complete the race, no matter our time, run/walking, no matter our body shape!!! You are just as worthy to express your excitement for being there as anyone else.
Nicole (cuckoolemon) says
March 1, 2017 at 11:12 amYES. I’ve thought a lot about this. Here is my race day etiquette wish list:
https://cuckoolemon.com/2016/04/19/race-etiquette-wish-list/
Agness of Fit Travelling says
April 11, 2017 at 2:04 pmThese are some great tips, Amanda! Very helpful and motivating!