Race Tips for New Runners and Walkers

Running Etiquette Makes for a Better Experience for All Athletes

© Melissa Murfin

Sep 20, 2009

For many runners and walkers, competing in a race like a marathon or half marathon is the culmination of a training plan that may have taken several weeks. To help enjoy the race and have a successful experience, competitors need to know proper running etiquette, just like knowing rules of the road for driving. This is important for all athletes, largely for safety reasons, such as in races which may have 20,000 or more entrants on the starting line.

Starting a Race

1. Pin your race bib to the front of your shirt, shorts or fuel belt. This makes it more visible to race officials and the all-important race photographers.
2. Do not race if you are not registered. This is called running as a bandit. Bandits use resources allotted for paid registrants and can create hazards if large numbers show up and crowd the course.
3. Line up according to your pace, slower runners and walkers toward the back of the pack. New runners and walkers may feel like lining up in front to give themselves extra time to finish. This creates a traffic hazard as faster runners try to move around them.
4. Listen to the course marshals' instructions at the start. There may be specific information regarding the race route or course changes.
5. Competitors using GPS devices like a Garmin should turn it on a few minutes before the start time to give it a chance to acquire the satellite positioning.
6. Don't bring a dog, stroller, skates or a bike unless race rules specifically allow them.

During the Race

1. If running or walking with a group, make sure participants walk only two abreast. Having people spread three, four or five across may take up the entire lane, preventing other racers from passing.
2. Slower runners and walkers should stay to the right.
3. Athletes using a run-walk method should move to the right when beginning their walk interval. Sometimes raising a hand in the air is helpful to alert other competitors of the upcoming change in pace.
4. When passing, the racer should call out "On the left/right" to let others know of their intention. When being passed, allow the other competitor the space to pass.
5. Don't stop in the lane! Move aside and off the course if possible if stopping is required. If trying to retrieve a dropped object, wait until other racers have gone by.

Race Aid Stations

1. Move over to the side if taking water or food from the aid station. Again, don't stop without stepping off the course. It is okay to walk while drinking or taking a supplement at an aid station.
2. Throw trash in the provided receptacles.
3. Stay to the opposite side if not taking any aid.
4. Any throwaway clothing may be disposed of at the aid stations. Some will have volunteers to clean and donate used clothing to charity.
5. Thank the volunteers!

Crossing the Finish Line

1. Don't stop! This may cause a collision with another exhausted racer.
2. Family and friends not competing should not cross the finish line. This causes unnecessary congestion at the finish and may confuse results.
3. Smile, wave your arms, be ready for the finish line photographer.
4. Wait until after crossing the finish line to turn off the GPS or that will be the image captured in the finish photo.
5. If using a timing chip, proceed to the volunteer cutting them off of shoes.
6. Post-race refreshments are only for competitors. Take only what is needed so that there is enough for everyone.
7. Thank the volunteers!

#1 Tip: Racing is fabulous! Have fun!!!

Source

Road Runners Club of America

Running Race Together

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