First and foremost, if you haven’t entered the race, then don’t run it – any of it. If you have entered, tell your friends and family to meet you at the finish line, or to stand at certain points along the course, but do not get on the course.
Read your race application for information on where you should be and when. Arrive at all races early. I personally like to show up about an hour or two early, depending on the size of the race. If you think you might head into confusion, or you don’t know the area, show up early to ease any anxiety.
ASK QUESTIONS. This is another good reason to show up early. If you are a novice runner, chances are, you’ll need to ask questions. It is much easier, and less of a burden for race volunteers, if you show up early and ask questions before the majority of the race crowd shows ups. Races can get very hectic for volunteers when the starting time nears.
Pin your number on the front of your shirt. Race officials will see your front side coming near them, not going away. To make it easier for them to see who you are, make sure that race number is pin to the front of your shirt. Race numbers have detachable tags. DO NOT remove this tag as a race official will remove this when you cross the finish line…another reason to pin the number to the front of your shirt.
Often, racers share roads with drivers. It is very important to pay attention to race directors and volunteers to prevent accidents.
Line up in the pack according to your pace. Slower runners should line up in the back of the pack. Race-walkers should line up behind all runners. Reserve the front of the pack for faster runners.
When the race starts, do not stop! Chances are, someone will run into and knock you over, and even possibly fall his/herself. If you must stop, move over to the side of the track and out of everyone’s way. If you need to pick something up, wait for everyone to go by. If you drop something later in the race when everyone is spread out, look around before picking up that item to prevent getting in the way of anyone or causing any accidents. If you need to tie your shoes or change your socks, move over to the side and out of the way before doing so.
When I ran my marathon, I had to figure out a way to get by groups of people walking up to six abreast. If you are not there to race, someone else is. They may not be a contender for a medal, but a personal best is usually always involved. Do not stand in the way of others’ triumphs. If you must walk or run with someone, run no more than two abreast, and be aware of your surroundings. If someone behind you says, “Excuse me,” “Coming by,” “On your left/right,” or anything else to that effect, please allow them to go by.
If you need to pee, poo, spit, throw-up, or participate in any other normal bodily function that is deemed “gross” by others, please move off the course and into the appropriate areas, if present, such as a port-a-potty. Basically, if you don’t want to see anyone else pee, poo, spit, or throw-up, or if you don’t want to step in anyone else’s pee, poo, spit or throw-up, then please respect everyone else’s right not to see or step-in your pee, poo, spit, or throw-up.
There are usually water stations at every mile with volunteers holding cups of water or sports drink for you to drink. If you need to stop or slow down to drink, move to the side of the road out of everyone’s way. If you don’t see a place to throw the cup away, drop it on the ground near the volunteers so someone can pick it up. Do not run a half a mile and then drop it. If it takes you that long to drink it, carry your trash to the next water station.
When you cross the finish line, you will more than likely be told where to go (no, not there). Go exactly where directed, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand. Race officials will need to tear off the tag on your number, give you your finishing plaque if your race is doing that for finishers, and collect your Champion Chip if the race is using that for timing. Make sure you do not stop at the finish line. You should run to the end of the chute to prevent any finish-line accidents and to allow the race officials to tear off your tag. For the reason of the tearing off the tag, it is important that you remain in the order that you finished until your tag is torn off. Stay behind the person who finished in front of you, and ahead of the person who finished behind you.
Food and refreshments are for the racers, not for friends and family. After training for this race, you understand that it is important that you receive some food to feed your hungry muscles that are in great need of energy for repair. Respect the runners who are finishing behind you and allow them the opportunity to get some food after you. Do not be a pig. Eat in moderation. Discourage your friends and family from eating the food unless they were entered in the race. If you are starving, go to a restaurant and buy your own food after the race. Do not cut in line. Do not be disrespectful of those behind you and allow others to cut in front of you.
Even if others do not follow these rules, make them the minority and follow these rules yourself.
Don’t forget to respect your fellow runner and remember to say “please” and “thank you.”
This page is Copyright ©2000-2003 Diane Ursu Last revision: August 11, 2003
Moronacity.com
Email: running@moronacity.com