10 Rules of Race Etiquette

1. Pay for your spot

Running in a race you haven’t entered, also kown as “banditing”, is unfair to race organisers, volunteers AND runners who have paid to participate. It causes problems for everyone involved and it is unsafe. The race organiser’s will have planned their course according to the number of people who have signed up to the race, so having bandits throws this off balance, leaving the poor sods that finish later without water and race medals.

 2. Acknowledge other runners

Nod considerately as you pass. A nod shows compassion for the struggle you are going through. When you feel like you can no longer put one foot in front of the other … every little bit of compassion helps.

 3. Don’t litter

Think about the poor cleaner who has to pick up your rubbish after the race …

So when you’re about to throw that energy gel on the floor … don’t do it. Throw it in the bin if there is one around and if not, put it back in your pocket until you come across a bin.

 4. Be realistic about race time

Don’t be that person who starts in the faster pen …. When you sign up to a race, the organiser’s ask you your predicted finishing time for a reason.

There is nothing more irritating to a runner at the start of a race than having to swerve in and out of slower runners for the first mile … Faster runners should line up at the front and slower runners and walkers at the back. Use caution when wearing headphones.

 5. Have a fast friend pace you

If your friend has also paid for a race entry, and pace you to mile 22 to pace you and drop out of the race, then that’s legal and it’s absolutely fine. If, however, they are jumping into the race at mile 22 to pace you to the finish, not only is it unfair to other runners but it’s illegal and it also causes safety concerns.

 6. Use common sense when wearing headphones

Headphones are allowed in most races. That said, if your race allows headphones, ensure you can hear your surroundings otherwise you might as well be on another planet.

If you’re going to run to music, you need to be aware of what’s going on around you, so keep the volume low and only use one earbud.

7. Don’t take up the whole road

If you’re running with a group of ten friends, try and stick to two’s in order to let other runners past.

8. Be careful at water stations

When approaching water stations, be cautious as they can get a crowded and a bit chaotic. If you’re going to stop or slow down and walk through the water station, ensure you don’t cut off other runners behind you.

9. Show appreciation to volunteers and marshalls

Volunteers and marshalls wake up at silly o’clock on race day, stand around in the rain handing out water,  pointing runners in the right direction and collecting timing chips for hours. And although it’s probably not all that much fun, these guys give up their Sunday mornings to make sure you have a great race experience. A polite thank you to show your gratitude goes a long way …

10. Keep moving at the finish line

Don’t immediately stop at the finish line as there will be runners right behind you … keep going until it’s safe to come to a stop.