Race Etiquette

When I was a new runner I had no idea how to act or what to do at a race. Now that I am experienced I try to remember that new runners don't join our ranks knowing the in's and out's. Not every faux pas is a personal insult and every misunderstanding is probably the fault of someone more experienced for not explaining.

So here's a few tips for the newer runner or racer.

1) Line up according to your pace.  Only the people who expect to win, or at least be in the top 10, should be toeing the line. Mere mortals should be further back in the pack. A good rule of thumb is to ask those around you what their goals are. If they match yours then you're probably in the right spot. Not only does this save you from being stampeded by the speedier runners but it saves them from having to waste energy dodging you. *Note: If you're a walker, you belong all the way at the back unless you are an Olympic speed walker.

2) Run or walk in a line. If you're running a race with a group then you're all probably going at your slowest member's pace. Try not to walk or run three or four abreast. You've just created a wall that faster runners can not breach without elbowing you or your friends out of the way. Walking or running in pairs may make conversation harder but really, we're here to see how fast we can do this thing. Save the chit chat for the finish party.

3) 'On your left' means move right. If you choose to ignore rule #2 and walk or run in a large group please heed the pained cries of 'on your left' from faster runners approaching from behind. Not only have they wasted their breath to warn you of their approach but they are often rewarded with a dirty look when they are forced to the very edge of the road or path to skirt your group. Moving to the right a hair takes much less energy for everyone.

4) Look before you blow. Everyone gets a runny nose or a bug in their mouth at some point. But before you spew body fluids on the run look in the general direction of your intended projectile to make sure no innocent people are spattered with your gore.

5) Don't cut the course. It happens to a lot of new runners. You've finished a 5k or two and you're looking for the next challenge. So you sign up for a 5 mile or 10k race and find out it's not just twice as hard but more like 10 times as hard. Maybe that little voice in the back of your head says that hopping up on the curb and cutting that curve isn't really cheating. Or maybe it says it's okay to take the 5k turn off instead of continuing on. The truth is that it really isn't. Either walk it in or remove your bib and don't cross the finish line. Cutting the course is cheating and it takes away from the accomplishment of the runners who ran the whole thing. You don't want to be the next Rosie Ruiz.

6) If you must walk, move right. Just like slower cars use the right lane, slower runners and walkers should move to the right. And before you walk take a quick glance over your shoulder to make sure no one is right behind you. You know, since runners aren't equipped with taillights?

In general, just try to treat the trail or path like you would a road. Try to respect that others may be competing even if you're not. And remember that we all make mistakes but, if you do, all it takes is a moment to utter an apology. Most runners are very nice people and won't hold it against you. Happy trails!