Road Running Etiquette

ROAD RUNNING ETIQUETTE
By Mary Trotto

    Today, more and more adults are getting involved in the road race scene. They are using running as a means to improved fitness or to support their favorite charities. This has led to an increase in the number of runners at the local races.  At the same time many of these runners are new to road racing and are not familiar with the rules of the road or the common etiquette during a race.  I have therefore made a runner’s guide for those who are new to the road race scene.  The guide is divided into four parts:       
A.  Before the race:
1.    Drink plenty of water the night before the race and the morning of the race.  The longer the race, the more important it will be to be well hydrated before the start.
2.    Drink small amounts of water as close to the start time as possible.
3.    Place your race number on the front of your shirt or on the side of your shorts toward the front.  The shirt is the preferred placement.
4.    Check your race number before pinning it on to make sure it has all of the information correct (your name, sex, and age).  If the information is not on the number it is a good idea to put it on the tear off part of the number. 
5.    If you are planning to walk the course rather than run, make sure you know the race course or ask to take a copy of the race course with you so you do not get lost. Remember walkers always start in the back behind the runners.
6.    If you have medical problems it is a good idea to write it on the back of your race number.  If you are given a chip for the race make sure you secure it firmly onto your sneaker.  Do not put a chip on your clothes or around your wrist.  Your time will not be recorded if the chip is not on the sneaker. 

B.  During the race:
1.    Try to place yourself at the start so that you are with others who run your pace.  If you are not sure, start toward the back; you will be able to pass runners once the race begins.  It is very poor etiquette to start out v slowly and be in front of the very fast runners.  The first few rows of the start of the race are reserved for the very fast runners and those who normally place in their age groups.
2.    Once the race starts,be alert.  Large crowds and narrow roads can cause some pushing and shoving at the start.  Try to hold your ground and keep your balance.  Never stop at the start of the race. If something happens and you feel sick or lose a shoe, move over to the side of the race course and then stop. 
3.    Similarly if you get a cramp or feel sick during the race, try not to stop suddenly, instead look around and edge your way to the side of the road and then stop and assess how you feel.
4.    Placing your hand on your head either during the race or at the finish is a sign that you are in distress and someone will come to your aid and ask you how you are feeling.  Hold on to this person if you feel light-headed or dizzy.
5.    Always try to run in a straight path throughout the race.  If you want to move over to the other side of the road give a quick glance to that side to make sure you are not cutting someone off.  It is always best to run on the diagonal from where you are to the side of the road you want to go.
6.     The person in front of you always has the right of way.  It does not matter that you are running faster than that person.  You must pass them without interfering with their progress. There must be at least 2 full stride lengths before you cut back in front of a runner who you have just passed.  You can not ask a runner, who is in front of you to move out of your way, you must pass them either to the right or left. 
7.    If you are running in a very narrow part of the course, do not continue to run and talk to a friend. Instead either lead the way or follow your friend until the road widens and you can run next to them without blocking the entire path. 
8.    If you are planning on running the race at a very easy jog, then plan to run on the outside of the course so that the faster runners can run on the inside part of the course.  This rule is the same for the track. If you are walking or jogging on the track you should be in the outside lanes (5,6,7 etc) and leave the inside lanes for the faster runners.
9.    If you feel good at the finish and decide to sprint to the finish line, remember that you will have to decelerate once you have crossed the finish line so look to make sure you have the room to decelerate.  NEVER stop short at the finish.  Ideally once you have crossed the finish line you should be decelerating and walking. 
10. Regardless of the type of finish line (see below) always continue walking  through the finish area and move out as fast as possible.  Remember   there are a lot of runners finishing the race behind you.  If you are not feeling well remember to put your hands on your head and someone will come and assist you. 

C.  The finish:
There are basically two types of finish lines at most races on the Island.  If you are running a race with an electronic chip you will have an open finish line with no chutes.  If you are running a race without a chip, then you will have some type of finishing chute that you will be directed into.  While you are in the chute someone will either tear off the bottom of your race number or they will record your race number or they might give you a finisher’s number. 
1.    For a chip race:  Once you have finished and are walking through the finish area, you may have to return your chip.  There will be chip collectors there to help get your chip off of your sneaker. Continue to walk through the finish area before drinking fluids.  Any fluid that you like is fine at the finish. 
2.    For a non chip race:  Stay in your chute and do not pass the person in front of you.  Even if the person is moving very slowly, you can jog in place and move along behind that person.  If the results are to be accurate, you must stay in the exact place in which you finished.  Even if you have sprinted to the finish and passed someone after the finish line, you must be aware of whom you passed and go back and stand in the line in the order of who crossed the finish first.  Sometimes there will be spotters who will help you find the right spot on the line.  If you can take off your tag and hold it in your hand that will help in the collection of the tags and make the line move faster.  

        D.  The Post Race: 
1.    After the race, there often will be refreshments and food.  Please be considerate of your fellow runners.  Take only one item of food or drink, or follow the directions of the volunteers who are helping to give out the refreshments.  You can always go back and get more food or drinks after all of the runners have finished. 
2.    Remember to thank the volunteers. They are giving up of their time so that you can have a safe and successful run.
3.    If you are not in a rush, it is always nice to stay around for the award ceremony.  Even if you are not getting an award, it is nice for you to acknowledge those who have run a very fast race and have achieved a top place in the race.  The post race time can also be spent jogging around or doing some light stretches. 
4.    Remember to always have some warm clothing to put on after a race.  You will lose body heat very fast once the race is over.  Even in the summer, it might be a windy day and you can get a chill if you have been sweating heavily. 
5.    The post race festivities give you the opportunity to meet other runners, find others who live in your neighborhood, learn about future races or find out about the local clubs and running organizations. 
6.    It is a good idea to join the local governing body LITF (long Island Track and Field).  Supporting  your sport makes it possible to run programs for the children in the area.  By being a member of LITF, you will also get discounts at all of the local running stores and some races offer registration fee discounts to LITF members. 
See you at the races!