Racing is inherently a solo activity. Only you can control your speed, mind, and pain threshold.
Sure, you're surrounded by thousands of other spandex-clad runners, but you aren't working together as much 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?
YES!
After months of training, everyone arrives a little amped up, anxious and determined at the start line. Maybe that means shuffling a little closer to the front, 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 are focused on their goals but must 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, here are a few reminders to make everyone's experience a tad more fun and 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 the lines are too long.
DO bring your own TP to the start.
DON'T just don't leave the porta potty so gross even a desperate runner won't use it.
DO use the provided porta-potties
DON'T judge those who have to use a bush because the lines are too long.
DO bring your own TP to the start.
DON'T 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 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/marshalls. 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.
WATER STOPS
DO move to the side of the water station when you see it coming up to avoid sprinting horizontally through traffic.
DON'T come to a complete stop unless you like being shoved from behind. TRASH
DO toss your cup or water sachet in the bins provided on the side of the road.
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.
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!
Finally, here's a reminder that time is not the only measure of a great day, so relax and enjoy your training efforts regardless of pace.
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