Event Etiquette

Do the right thing on race day

When you have tens of thousands of runners running a major, 10k, half or full marathon it doesn't take many runners doing the wrong thing for the race to become more challenging for others than it needs to be. Yes, there is such a thing as event etiquette in distance running and here we'll discuss the best ways to ensure you get as much as possible from your race and that those around you do the same.

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Make sure you're in the right start area

It might sound a bit obvious but if you're not in the right start zone/corral, yours and many other runners' event will be significantly impacted. If it's a big event your start area will be determined by the time you put on your initial entry form. If it's a small event you can decide where you start. if you get it wrong you will spend your run being overtaken, which can be very demoralising, or you will be the one doing the overtaking and that can be challenging. If you're constantly being overtaken it means you're probably holding up runners and this can be frustrating for them. Run to the side if you feel this is the case.

It is really hard to predict your finish time, especially when you have to enter a race many months beforehand, and even more difficult if you've not done that distance before. What you do in training can also be very different to what you achieve on race day. if you turn up to your event and you feel like your predicted time was too ambitious then you will be able to go back a corral or two and this is the best thing to do for everyone. You won't be able to go forward though - generally. You could ask at the expo and they may be able to change it, but you won't be able to move forward on race day.

Don't walk in a group across the course

If you're having to walk for whatever reason, or if it was always your intention to walk (there's nothing wrong with that of course!) then don't walk solo, or in a group across the middle of the course. Walk to the side so others can go past. If you need to stop for a breather then don't just stop dead. If you do then you're likely to have someone go straight into the back of you. Slow down gradually and move across to the side.

Go to the far end of the water stations

In bigger races especially water stations can be very long, a few hundred metres in some cases. This means you don't have to grab your water or energy drink from the front along with everyone else. Keep running and go to the end. The volunteers there will be much quieter and they'll be pleased to see you. It makes such a difference not having to battle with everyone else! You will be really surprised at how much quieter it is at the end compared to the front.

Be careful around aid stations

Discard your garbage/litter thoughtfully

When you're running a distance event, especially a half or full marathon it's hard at times to focus on anything else apart from just getting to the finish line. It's the little things like where to get rid of used water bottles or gel wrappers that you don't even think about, but get it wrong and it can cause serious damage. Try and use the giant bins events have by water stations or throw it to the side, away from others. It might not be perfect but a little thought will more often than not avoid an injury. Leaving a partially full bottle of water in the middle of the road will inevitably be a problem for someone.

Don't barge

Be polite when you're running in a busy event. It's amazing how many quicker runners in particular just push their way through a packed field. Rather than weaving in and out they just charge though the narrowest gap and force others aside. They were probably in the wrong start corral and are desperate to get a good time but this isn't the way to do it. Others don't mind if there was some kind of effort to apologise but often there isn't. Be patient as most event fields thin as the event goes on, but if it doesn't then you have run sensibly and take into account there are lots of others running and they don't want to be knocked around.

Use the official event toilets/restrooms!

At some point during the event you may well need to answer a call of nature. If you do then use the official portable toilets that you'll see around the course. Yes, there may well be a queue, but it will go down quickly and it's a good chance to catch your breath! Don't use someone's garden. Think how you'd feel.

At the finish, keep moving

When you hit the finish line you'll probably be totally shattered and just want to stop. Don't! It's really important that you follow the instructions of the marshalls and keep moving. As tempting as it is to stop and take it all in, there are likely to be many more runners behind you and they will want to get their medal, finish swag and bags as soon as they can. Take a moment, soak it in and keep walking. Once you're out of the finish zone you can take some time to absorb what you've achieved; just don't do it right on the finish line!

The highlight of your race!

Thank the volunteers

Whenever you can it's really important to thank those that have given up their time to help you enjoy your day. Distance running events can have anything from 20 to 3000 volunteers and not many of them will be receiving anything for it. Maybe a coffee and a sandwich and probably not even that. Some words of gratitude from you whenever you can will make the world of difference. It's the least you can do. Without these guys these events just would not happen.

Where would we be without the volunteers!

There will be other ways that you can make yours and other runners' race experience a better one. What else can you think of? Wherever event you run, always think 'event etiquette'.