Race Etiquette for Runners

For the most part, runners are considerate at road races. But the occasional runner may demonstrate bad behaviors, such as cutting off other runners, taking more than their fair share of food at the end, or even cheating by cutting the course. This is where Running etiquettes matter. When you enter an event, be it a charity walk, a fun run/walk, a half marathon or marathon; your behavior is important.

Race etiquette consists of just a few basic courtesies that ensure a successful and most importantly fun event for all the runners. If you are new and have not raced in an event, or if you are stepping up to larger events, these guidelines will serve you well in all types of race formats.

1. Do not run the race if you are not officially registered (aka run as a "race bandit"). Runners that are not registered take away from valuable race resources and course support that registered runners have paid for and are expecting.

2. Arrive early on race morning. There are thousands of runners, volunteers and spectators heading to the same location. Build in some extra time for traffic, shuttle lines and pre-race activities. Arrive at least an hour and a half before the race starts.

3. Be aware and follow instructions of race officials at the start line. If you are a slower runner, that's OK, just don't stand right in the front of the pack. If you are wearing headphones, remove them at the start in order to hear any race instructions.

4. If you are running with a group, do not run more than two runners abreast. Running in groups or lines creates a barricade and makes it difficult for faster runners to pass you. Stay single if possible, particularly in the first few miles.

5. In most races, the outsides of the course are for passing. If you are not passing, but rather running with the body of runners, stay to the middle of the lane. This will allow people to pass on the outside instead of having to weave back and forth around people.

6. When you are racing, it is easy to lose yourself in your thoughts and forget about the people around you. This leads to people being cut-off or even being tripped.

7. Don't drop your water cups, sponges, gel packs, etc on the course. Be courteous and leave a clear, clean path for runners and walkers behind you.  Trash that is tossed to the side of the road will be cleaned up after the race.

8. Look before you spit or sneeze. If you need to spit, do so to the side and out of the path of others.

9. Groaning, grunting, wheezing and otherwise broadcasting your discomfort are not considered in good taste. Slow down if you must, but don't make the rest of the runners and walkers miserable listening to you.

10. Don't stop suddenly to walk on the course or at water stations.  If you want to stop at anytime on the course, move to the side of the road so you will not be trampled by those behind you.

11. Don't suddenly change directions or cut off other runners.  Glance around you before switching directions or pulling off the course.

12. Don't cut the course; stay within cones and designated lanes.  There are several points along the course where runners are running in different directions on the same street separated by a row of cones.  For safety purposes, be sure to stay within the cones and lanes.

13. Use caution when approaching the finish line. Do not stop suddenly once you cross the line or cut off other runners in the finish line chute.

14. Don't take more refreshments than you need before, during and after the race. Race refreshments are available based on the number of participants. If you take more items than you need, you are taking away from the people that finish after you.

15. During road races, if somebody falls or should collapse from other problems, other runners nearby should render assistance. Running is a group of comrades, joined together with a shared love to run and a common goal to complete sometimes very grueling race.

16. The volunteers give their time and make races happen. Smile, wave, say "thank you" to let them know you appreciate what they are doing. Hopefully, they'll keep coming out to help, so you can keep enjoying the races.

17. Congratulate your competitors at the end of the race. Without them, your only race would be against the clock.

18. Finally Smile! You never know where the camera might be on course, at the finish line or post race festivities.

That's what it grinds down to in the end: healthy etiquette, encompassing responsible, caring behavior for our fellow runners. Trying to be a big show-off can only lead to problems for yourself such as injuries. Then you're back to square one, while the ones you acted superior over are already catching up fast.

Enjoy the race and have fun! And don't forget to mind your race manners!