The Considerate Racer: Running Etiquette
May 5th, 2007
When lining up for the start of the race, seed yourself appropriately. For most racers, this will mean lining up with others running your estimated pace. However, walkers, runners with dogs or runners pushing jog strollers should start, at the very least, halfway back in the pack, with strollers and dogs being near the very back. If you are unsure of where to start, go farther back than you were considering.
Once the race starts, run (or walk) no more than two abreast. Move to the side (the right side unless otherwise indicated) if someone behind says they are coming through. “On your left” means someone is passing you on your left, so you should move to your right to accommodate them. “On your right” would mean you should move left. If you wear headphones during a race, which is not advised, work hard to be even more aware of your surroundings and especially the racers around you.
If you slow down or stop to drink at a water stop, step off to the side of the course to allow other participants easy access to the water while maintaining their speed.
At the finish, clear the chute as soon as possible. Enjoy the refreshments provided, but be kind to those running behind you or who just haven’t made it to the food tables yet. So, take some food for yourself but please don’t take extra for non-runners (family, friends, etc).
Of course, feel free to cheer on other runners. Also, any words of thanks and acknowledgment to the volunteers are welcome and appreciated. The race wouldn’t be the same without them! Basically, just go race with a good attitude, a lot of spirit and some common sense. Enjoy yourself and let others do the same!
Editor’s Note: If you have any other tips on etiquette or personal stories you would like to share, use the comment form below.
This article originally appeared on RunningPlaces.com and was written by a Thoos contributing member Jesslyn Cummings.