Spectators At Running Events

Here's how to get the most from your support crew

There is nothing like seeing friends and family when you're doing a distance running event. Even better if you see them a few times. It can also be upsetting if you plan to see them but miss them on the way round. We look at the best way of ensuring your run is given the lift that spectators can give you and that you avoid the lows that come with not seeing them.

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How can spectators at running events help you on race day?

• Gives runners another target

  
  

Most runners approach a distance event by breaking it down into small sectors and getting to each is a target, whether it be by mile or kilometer, or 3 of each, or 5 of each etc. When they have agreed with their spectators exactly where they will be on the course these are added to the targets. They are important mental goals which help break the course into smaller and more manageable chunks. This is why it's so important for runners that the spectators are where they say they are going to be on the course. The impact of them not being there is much greater than the spectator can imagine. The feeling of emptiness is huge. That might sound dramatic but it isn't! On the other side, the feeling of elation when they are there is also much greater than the spectator can imagine!

• Keeps runners motivated

  
  

The feeling of motivation and excitement when a runner sees their spectator crew is massive. Feelings are heightened when running a distance event, especially a marathon. The highs and lows seem more exaggerated and the high of seeing your spectators is much greater than it is at any other time. It might have only been an hour or so since you last saw them, but the need to see them and the positive, happy feeling that runners get from these meetups is a really important element of a successful event.

• Gives runners encouragement

  
  

It's not just your own support team that makes the difference, it's spectators in general. Some big events have spectators from start to finish, but most don't. Spectators don't appreciate how important they are and don't understand how much they can encourage runners. On a course with very few, a handful of spectators can give runners a real lift, even if the runner doesn't know who they are and has never met them; it doesn't matter. Next time you're spectating at a distance event, cheer for whoever you can, not just your own runner. It doesn't matter how self conscious you feel, especially if there are only a few of you, keep doing it. It could make all the difference to that runner.

That felt good!

What can spectators do on race day?

• Make lots of noise

  
  

It's more than likely that your loved one will want to stop for hugs and lots of words of encouragement but what about everyone else? Clapping is great, but shouts of encouragement are even better. No-one expects you to stand in the same place for hours on end, especially when you've probably got to head off to another meeting place, but when you are in a certain spot make yourself known. In many races runners have their names on their shirts and this gives spectators even more opportunity to get them much needed support. 'Good job', 'way to go', and 'looking good' are favorites and they do make a real difference.

What spectators should not say is, 'not far to go' if the runner has just gone past halfway, or 'only two miles to go', when actually there are four miles to go. It might not sound like an issue, but it absolutely is. Comments like 'keep running' don't always have the positive impact you might think if the runner who is walking is absolutely out of energy. If they could run they would be! Some spectators take whistles and cow bells for example, to make as much noise as they can and to attract the attention of their runner.

• Make Signs

  
  

Signs are such an important part of a distance running event. Monotony is an enemy of a runner, but signs can help with that. They are some really great ones and some that aren't so great, but they all help. They give the runner another focus, especially if the weather is bad, or the race isn't going as well as you'd hoped. There are those aimed at the general field and those aimed at just the runner that's being supported and the more effort that can be made by the spectator the greater the impact.

How can spectators plan for race day?

• Agree in advance where you'll be on the course

  
  

The more runners there are in the race, the more difficult it will be to spot yours. It sounds obvious, but when you get to one of the big city center events it will be almost impossible to locate your loved one. 30,000-40,000 is a lot of people. It's really important that spectators and runners agree in advance and in absolute detail where you'll meet on the course. That detail needs to include the side of the road and the exact location. 'Somewhere between the mile 3 and mile 4 marker' isn't enough. One of the best approaches is to say 'where the mile 4 marker is located' and 'on the right hand side of the road'. Then there can be no doubt.

Most of the really big events will have details on their websites of best places for spectators to be positioned so study that in detail as well. Depending on the nature of the course, 4 meeting points is probably enough. If it's a course with lots of out and back stretches it could be a lot more meet ups, as you'll be able to see each other again without the spectators having to move position.

• How will you get around?

  
  

Spectators also need to know exactly how they will get around. This also depends on the nature of the course. If there are lots of shortcuts on a course with lots of loops then spectators may be able to walk, but if it's a point to point course then the local tram or underground system is likely to be best. Check if any of the stations are closed because of the race, beforehand. Taxi and lift sharing services are likely to be difficult.

• Is there a tracking app?

  
  

Lots of the big events will have runner tracking services, so spectators can follow their runner's progress. This can be really helpful, but can also sometimes work against you. They aren't always reliable as the networks often come under intense pressure and often the data is delayed. Your runner may have already gone past!

• Wear the right gear

  
  

Just like runners need the right gear, so do spectators. It's likely to be cold, especially at the start and it's always colder standing still, than walking or running. Make sure you've got plenty of layers and that footwear is up to the job. Nice cushioned running shoes are perfect! If you're happy to be colorful this will help your runner spot you, but tell them in advance so they know what they're looking out for!

• Have supplies

  
  

There are so many things that you need to make a day of spectating successful. Food and drink is key. Depending on where the race is located it may be difficult to find snacks and water, so make sure you have plenty of those. A portable phone charger is also a must. Some basic first aid items are a good idea and tissues and wipes. They may also help your runner. You just never know! Sometimes it can be really hot so sunscreen might be needed. If rain is forecast make sure you bring the obvious. You don't want to stand around soaking wet for hours. It's great to have something with you to make some noise, but think about other spectators around you. Will they appreciate half an hour of cowbells?

• Finding Your Runner

  
  

Again it might sound obvious, but make sure you know exactly what your running is going to be wearing on race day. Have they made a last minute change you didn't know about? Do they have two pairs and haven't told you which pair they are going to be wearing? Might they wear a running cap? Which one? All you will see in big races is a wall of runners coming towards you, so the more clues you have to help you spot them the better.

Did you agree which side of the road you were supposed to stand at this point?

How can runners look after their spectators?

Runners need to remember that being a spectator at a distance running event is probably not at the top of most peoples list of priorities, especially if it involves a marathon and even more so if it's a big city centre event.

• Do the planning

  
  

Chances are it will be a very long day, potentially cool weather and will involve a lot of travel. It will also involve a lot of planning, as discussed above, or it will go wrong. Don't rely on your spectators to do this planning themselves. You need to do it, unless it's something they particularly want to be involved with. However much they are 'looking forward to it' there are probably other things they'd rather be doing. It's very likely you will be familiar with the race website and with the course logistics so it makes sense that you do this. Make sure they know where they're going and agree exactly where you'll meet. Make it as easy for them as possible.

• Get them their supplies

  
  

Don't leave it up to your spectators to get their supplies for race day, especially if it's friends who are coming to support you. Nothing is going to encourage them to give 100% if they start the day with supplies all sorted for the day. It might cost you a few dollars more than you'd like. but it will be totally worth it.

• Have a finish area plan and celebrate together

  
  

Just as you need to plan everything in detail for out on the course, so you have to do the same for the finish line area. In some of the bigger races spectators won't be allowed into this area, but this is only in the really big events. Most are fine. For those where there are restrictions you need to agree a plan and know exactly where you need to meet because it will be very busy. It's likely those events will have repatriation areas so study the website info carefully. For most events spectators will be able to see runners cross the line, but again plan it carefully. These are often vast areas, with potentially tens of thousands of people.

• Do something special afterwards

  
  

Once it's all done, runners take your spectators out for a celebration dinner or drinks and thank them for all their hard work. If it all went to plan the chances are they made your event a much better experience than it might otherwise have been. They need thanking for that, especially if the weather was bad!