Or how not to tick off your fellow runners...
So you signed up for your first race…cool.
In my opinion organized races are one of the best ways make new friends and to stay in shape all year. The running community is friendly, positive and always encouraging. I have run in races that had several thousand runners and some that had fifty. Either way you will feel at home.
This is going to be the first in a series of blogs about races and why you should do some. When I say races I am talking about everything from your local 5k to Spartan races to national marathons. The rules are all the same and very intuitive.
There are rules?
Just a few. Doing a race for the first time can be intimidating and you can feel like an outsider. Almost everything that applies to driving a car can apply to race etiquette.
Disclaimer: Runners are the friendliest people in the world. We are all here for similar reasons and we are a very supportive, positive bunch. One of the main reasons I enjoy these races are the people. In all my time signing up for these events, I have never seen anyone treated poorly or disrespectfully. In other words, no matter what level you are currently at, you are welcome.
That being said, there is an established way to do things and if you follow these rules everyone will have a great experience.
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1. Slow runners and walkers should start at the back of the line.
This is just common sense. If you are going to be going slower, let the faster runners start ahead of you. They are going to pass you anyway, so what is the big deal?
In any race you have two groups, the competitive runners looking to race and runners/walkers looking to complete the course and take their time. The first 400 meters are always chaotic as runners try and get a little space and get to full speed. Not only are you slowing these people down but you also may catch the unintentional elbow to the ribs as someone tries to pass.
2. Pass on the Left and Run on the Right Side.
This may be the opposite for our English runners but it is law here in the states. Just like driving a car, stay out of the way of faster runners by staying to the right.
Faster runners have a right to pass.
You don’t have to stop or get off the road or trail. You have a right to your space but make sure it is as far right as safely possible. In the case of running on single track trails, get over when feasible. This can get tricky with trail running but everyone needs to look out for each other. Be safe.
3. It is extremely rude to walk two abreast and inexcusable to ever block the entire path.
This is one of my pet peeves. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to get off the road or path to go around people walking two or three abreast. This is just plain rude. The strange thing is that this can be easily avoided. If you are in a group, the person on the outside (far left) needs to be aware of who is coming up behind them and move over in time so the faster runner/walker doesn’t have to slow down or go around them. Just common sense, right?
4. Water Station Etiquette
- Never stop and stand in front of a water station. Grab your cup and move away from the table so other runners can get water.
- Never drink your water in front the table.
- Reuse your cup if you need another drink.
- Throw your cup away in the trashcan. never litter.
- Always thank the volunteers . They are taking time out of their day to make sure you have a good time.
5A. Listening to Music Part One
I like listening to music with headphones when I run. There is nothing wrong with that. Just keep in mind a couple of safety concerns.
- Never have the music so loud you aren’t aware of what is going on around you.
- Never listen to music during trail races. You need to be hyper aware of your surroundings especially when the trail is narrow. You may need to get over for someone to pass or it might be a good idea to hear that rattlesnake in the grass.
- Never listen to music during an obstacle course race. This is the worst possible place to zone out. This makes you a hazard to others and yourself.
Listening with one earbud seems to be a great solution for a lot of runners.
5B. Listening to Music Part Two
Carrying a portable speaker with you is just gross and obnoxious. I haven’t seen that at running races but there are always a few people at Spartan races who feel they have to blast their music.
A few points to consider.
- No one wants to hear your music.
- You probably have lousy taste in music. I have never heard anyone good out of a boombox.
Believe it or not I ran into a guy blasting broadway show tunes during a Spartan race. True story. I don’t know if that was his jam or he was just being ironic.
6. Never stop abruptly
Trust me, no one is expecting you to do this and the runner in back of you will not be thinking about this. The runner who stops all of a sudden creates a very dangerous situation for all involved.
People do this for any number of reasons.
- They need to tie their shoe.
- They are running and decide to walk for a while.
- They stop to take an energy gel.
- They want to change songs on your phone.
- They get a phone call. Yes, I am serious about this. Some runners stop and take phone calls. No, really…I have seen it.
Never Never Never stop in the middle of the road. Take a second and get off the road then stop. Rear end collisions don’t just happen with cars.
7. Be Nice
I shouldn’t even have to put this one in but the 21st century is turning people into savages. If someone passes you, tell them “Good Job”. If you pass someone, give them some encouragement.
A few kind words have helped runners finish a race when they were ready to quit. Make someone feel special out there and you will get it back a hundred fold.
Always treat volunteers and staffers with respect. They are donating their time and working hard so you have a good race. I have been on both sides and there is no reason to ever be rude to a volunteer.
The Last Rule: Have Fun
Running a race whether it is a 5 k or 50k is an adventure. You are going to experience an bunch of emotions ranging from fatigue to elation. Take it all in stride (pun intended) and enjoy the ups and downs. You are going to get a good workout in and you are going home with some cool swag.
