Race Day Etiquette For Runners

From a high in 2013, registrations for races have declined over the past few years, but still hit 17.6 million in 2019 (Running USA’s 2020 US Running Trends Report). With this number of runners it should be no surprise that there is race day etiquette, basic race day expectations to help all runners have a great race experience. These include:

Follow the Race Rules

Many races, especially smaller local ones allow runners to wear headphones, but many larger events do

not. This is not to spoil your enjoyment, but to maintain safety, making sure that all runners are aware of those around them and can hear race officials. If headphones are allowed be sure to have the volume low, and if possible just wear them in one ear or use bone conducting headphones.

Wear your bib on the front of your t-shirt or shorts so that race directors can verify you are a legitimate, registered runner … and also so that your race photos will get to you.

Following on from this, it goes without saying – don’t cheat. This includes cutting courses to get a better time, running for someone else to get them a Boston qualifying time, running without a bib or with a forged bib to race without paying.

Start in Your Assigned Corral

Larger races use a system of corrals and allocate places within them for a reason – to let faster and elite runners who are racing start ahead of slower, recreational runners.

Please respect your placement even if you have friends starting in different corrals or are afraid of being swept. A slower runner in a faster corral is potential hazard as they cause a bottleneck for the faster runners. With most races having bibs with chip timers your time will be accurate whatever corral you are in.

If you are in a race that has time cut offs (e.g. the infamous balloon ladies at Disney races) know there is no loss of face for not finishing. There are races I’ve not started and races I’ve not finished – I’ve learned more about myself and my running from these races than from times when everything has gone perfectly.

Run No More Than 2 Abreast

Run no more than two abreast. Racing with friends can be fun, but please don’t hog the course As there will always be faster runners needing to pass you.

… and …

Pass on the Left, Stay to the Right

One of the rules of the road for runners is to pass others on the left, and if space is tight to call out that you are doing so. Following from that if you need to slow down or stop, move to the right to allow others to pass.

If you use a run/walk method (e.g. Galloway) on course, raise your hand to alert people behind that you are about to walk and glance behind to make sure there is no one right behind you when you slow down.

Water Stations

When approaching a water station, move to the table, slowing to a walk if needed, pick up your water/sports drink and keep moving so you don’t block the table for those behind. If you are wanting to stop to drink, wait until you’re out of the station area, then move to the side of the course.

And please don’t litter – there are many trash cans at the end of each water station.

Hygiene

We’ve all been there, needing to spit or blow our noses while running. During a race move to the side of the road, no one wants your spit or snot-rocket or spit. If you need to use the bathroom , look for a porta potty (usually situated at water stops) rather than relieving yourself on course.

Photos

If you are running a destination race (e.g. Paris, London, Disney World) you will likely want to photos at the start, finish, and sometimes en-route.

While most marathons and many shorter races have professional photographers around the course, you might want your own photos.

 

If you do be aware of other runners and don’t stop to take photos as you cross the start or finish line. If you want to stop on course, check behind you and move to the side of the course.

The Finish Line

At the finish line, don’t stop moving! Keep running or walking past the timing mat to the medals and finishers area to allow others to finish unimpeded.

 

Thank Volunteers

Please say thank you to the volunteers on course. From packet pickup, to water stations, medals, results, course clean up, races wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for them.