Racing Etiquette: A Guide for Beginners
Posted November 17th, 2006 at 4:00 PM by Jenna Sumara
Section: Running & Training, Training Tips
You know those dreams where you show up to the fist day of school and your naked? I’ve been plagued by those dreams, not about return to school, but rather about re-joining the world of racing.
I dream that on race day I am naked, show up late and end up stuck at the front of the pack before the start line. Then, I run so slow that people start knocking me over while other runners point and laugh.
Sure, I used to run 5k’s as a kid, but when you’re young you can get away with not knowing all the rules of race etiquette. As an adult, you want to be able to show up on race day focused on having fun and performing your best; not on how to pass, where to line up or how to get a drink from the aid stations.
That being said - I have complied a guide to racing etiquette so that the only thing that’ll make you, and I, stand out from the crowd is just how darn fast we are! :-)
- Register and arrive early! In this day and age, most races have their own website (or use Active.com)where you can register ahead of time. Use them! This way you will be guaranteed a spot in the race and save you time and aggravation on race day.
If you cannot register early, make sure you show up at least 45 minutes to an hour and a half (if you’re anything like me and you usually run late, give yourself a lot of time) before the race. This will also give you time to find a parking spot, hit the bathroom one last time, warm-up, stretch and correctly put-on your bib number.
“Correctly” means visibly on the front of your shirt or shorts. Another important note is to not wear the race T-shirt that you were given at registration. You never wear your race shirt during the race. It’s like wearing last years Prada’s; just something you shouldn’t do. However, feel free to wear the race shirt once you’ve crossed that finish line! - Line up in the middle of the starting line pack! Only runners who have a genuine chance of placing will run in the very front. If you tend to run at a moderate to slow pace and you are in the front, you’ll get trampled by the mob. In addition, the mental impact of having everyone pass you (even if you are running at a good pace) can be very detrimental to your psyche.
The same is true if you are a fast runner starting in the middle with the slower paced runners. You’ll spend the first half of your race trying to climb over people and won’t be able to run the race the way you had intended.
Many races will have average pace times posted at the starting line so you can line-up with people that will be running at your speed. Not everyone sticks to their intended time, but many of them will run the race in a similar time to you. They can be very helpful if you need ask a quick question before the race or would just like someone to run next too. The running community is by-and-large a very helpful and supportive group of athletes. Feel free to ask for help, they won’t mind and will probably even enjoy giving you advice. - Consider leaving your headphones and mp3 players at home. Some races actually ban the use of headphones because they are a safety hazard and prevent runners from hearing the instructions made by the race officials. However, in races where they are allowed - my advice would be to do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you normally run with music, then do so during the race; just please be careful and recognize the potential dangers. Running to music can be a huge motivational advantage, so if your allowed and it normally helps you - then go ahead and rock your way to the finish line!
Looking for a good running playlist? Check out The Final Sprint’s weekly FINISH STRONG iMix’s!!! - Practice Water/Aid Station Courtesy. Hydration is extremely important for runners, especially when you are racing; possibly running faster or longer than you are accustomed to. You’ll have to decide how you are going to handle the water stops. If you are running for time then make sure you don’t stop; grab a cup and keep moving. To drink while running (without puring the water all over yourself or up your nose!) you need to bend the top of the cup together and slow down a little bit.
However, if you are just running for fun (without regard for time), then grab a cup and quickly move off to the side and keep moving forward. Consider walking for a little bit to enjoy the water/Gatorade; this will also give your muscles some time to rest. However, make sure not to just stop or walk in front of the station or you’ll end-up causing a huge pile-up and preventing other runners from getting the hydration they need. - Don’t stop right after you cross the finish line. It’s exciting to finally finish the race, but it is important to do so without causing harm to anyone around you. Keep moving through the finish line; don’t stop as soon as you cross (even though you may want to do nothing more than lie down on the ground) or someone may coming crashing into you from behind. Once you are past the finish line, then slow down and follow the directions that will be given by the race officials. In addition, the finish line will be the spot with the most spectators. Pump-up yourself, and the crowd, by giving them a burst of speed and a wave of appreciation.
Follow these simple rules and you’ll look like you’ve been racing for years! Good luck!
Sources: [Running Planet], [About.com]
Picture from: [Musconetcong]
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Tags: advice, aid stations, beginners, bib number, cool down, finish line, mp3 players, pace, race day, race etiquette, running community, safety, start line, stretch, warm up, water, water stops
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