by Tina Lehman

Created on: April 24, 2009   Last Updated: April 29, 2009

Road races are interesting events. There are few other sports where seasoned professionals compete in the same event as a beginner. Regardless of whether you are vying for a prize or shuffling along there are unwritten rules that should be observed. Having run dozens of races I have learned several of these etiquette guidelines. Keep in mind the more participants in the race, the more important it is to follow these rules.

Start where you should

Regardless of whether you are running a local 5k or the Chicago marathon, you should line up next to people who run a similar pace. It is frustrating when faster runners must run around slower runners in order to maintain their pace, and it is frustrating for slower runners to have other runners push by. You should have an idea of how fast you run. Simply ask people around you what their planned pace is and move forward or backward accordingly. At many larger races, they will have pace signs posted along the starting line, so you can line up with your group that way. If you plan to do a combination of walking and running, begin toward the back of the pack. If you have a stroller, start in the back.

Avoid stopping or crossing in front of people

Crossing in front of people is most common at water stations. If you know a water station is coming up, drift over toward that side of the road early as to prevent cutting someone off. If you do end up having to cross, avoid stopping in front of someone that is still running. This is more of an issue in larger races, but is annoying whenever it happens.

Do not litter

When you get a drink or open a packet of sports gel, throw your litter in a designated place if possible. If there is no trash bin try to throw it as closely to other race trash as possible. Race officials that come by and have to clean the course will be thankful.

Watch where you spit

Runners spit. It is a compulsion and a physical necessity. Just be careful where you spit. Aim low and spit forcefully so it does not splatter.

Think before you pass

Passing someone just before crossing the finish line, while fair, is not very nice. If you have enough energy to motor past several people at the very end of a race, use it as a training tool to push yourself harder during your next race and avoid blowing by them at the end of this one.

Watch your attire

While not necessarily a breach of race running etiquette, it is considered bad form to wear a race t-shirt from a race of a longer distance than the race you are running in. So, do not wear your marathon shirt during a 5k.

Extra advice if you want to seem cool

The last pieces of advice are not etiquette but rather will help you fit in with the seasoned running crowd better. First, wearing the t-shirt you got in your race packet that morning during the race is usually the mark of a newbie. Finally, wear your number low (not high or in the middle) on the front of your shirt, and not the back.

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