I basically wrote this post in my head a couple of years ago when I was running the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon. The concept came up for the first time within the first half mile when I came upon a group of women walking four abreast. That let me know that there was a need for a post about half marathon etiquette.
13.1 Half Marathon Etiquette Rules (that apply to marathons & other races too)
Just like good manners (and gym etiquette), these half marathon etiquette rules seem like they would be common sense. But, as shown by the line of female walkers, apparently it is not. So, just in case you need a refresher, here are 13.1 half marathon etiquette rules (that apply to marathons and other races too).
Are you considerate when you run? If you're not sure, here are 13.1 Half Marathon Etiquette Rules (that apply to marathons and other races too). Don't be THAT RUNNER. #halfmarathon #runningClick To Tweet
1. Corrals are Assigned for a Reason
The whole concept of assigning corrals is to put the faster runners up front and the slower ones (and walkers) behind them. I’m not sure why people seem to be very cavalier about sneaking into the faster corrals, then basically blocking the faster runners when the race starts! Chip timing put an end to the need to get near the front for your best time, so why do it?
Smaller races that don’t have assigned corrals depend upon runners to self-seed themselves. Some even have signs with running pace to help. Do it people!
If, by chance, you actually are assigned to a corral that is not correct for your running pace, find the solutions booth the day before the race and get it fixed.
2. Walking (or Running) Five Across is a Roadblock
Unless you’re leading the race, there are faster runners that will need to pass you (especially if you ignored half marathon etiquette rule number 1 by sneaking into a too fast corral). When you and all your girlfriends (because face it, it is almost always women doing this) line up more than two across you are making it hard for other runners to pass.
This is what I came across more than once in my last half marathon. First of all, how did these walkers get ahead of me in the first place? Secondly, what makes them think it is okay to walk, chat, and basically ignore what is going on around them while others try to get around? As you can see, I was a little annoyed by this behavior.
If you are running or walking with a group, keep it to two across to be polite.
3. Save the Headphones for your Solo Runs
I know I’ll probably get some flak for this, but in my opinion, running a race with headphones on cuts you off from the other runners and the experience. One of the joys of racing is connecting with your fellow participants. I can’t count the number of times I’ve tossed off a comment to a runner I was passing (or was passing me) but, surprise, they didn’t hear me.
If you feel like you can’t possibly run without your music, try at least to keep the volume a little lower or use just one earphone to help you stay aware of your surroundings and your fellow runners.
4. Pull to the Side
If you need to slow down or stop for any reason, pull off to the side and make sure that no one is directly behind you. Whether it’s to tie a shoelace, drink through a water station, or just take time to regroup, half marathon etiquette requires that you not block or impede the runners behind you. Just pull to the side of the road.
5. The Bib Goes on the Front!
You would think this would be self-evident because it is basically impossible to pin your bib on your back by yourself, but I still see it. Bibs go on the front so race officials can know at a glance that you are a registered participant, as well as to help you find your race photos!
6. Be Kind to Volunteers
Face it. A race, any race, would not be successful without the assistance of volunteers. These people get up early, make sure that you get your water, race packet, finisher’s medal, and basically everything else. Thank them for their help when you get a chance (like when you take your cup of water) and definitely do not be rude to them because you are tired, sore, whatever. They are doing their job (and they are not getting paid for it).
While you’re at it, thank the cops that are doing traffic control too.
7. Encourage and Care for Your Fellow Runners
Yes, a race is a competition but that doesn’t mean that runners should turn in to machines with one goal: to finish as fast as possible. Greet other runners, even if it’s just with a nod of your head. Take a moment to chat if you have the breath (and they’re not wearing headphones). Encourage a runner who seems to be having a tough time. And certainly, stop to check on a runner if they fall or appear to have a serious issue (like asthma).
I’ll always remember the runner in the La Jolla Half Marathon years ago, who, when I was having some problems and started walking, came up to me and told me she’d been following my ponytail for the whole race! She carried me along with her and got me running again.
8. Bodily Functions
There will come a time when you are racing when you will have to, um, go. There are porta-potties available for this purpose. Please use them (and as neatly as possible). When we run races, we are guests in the neighborhoods of the people who live there. Respect their property.
If you need to clear your throat, hock a loogie, or blow a snot rocket, just please be kind to the runners behind you.
9. Keep it Clean
Again, we are guests in whatever neighborhood in which we run, so please don’t simply throw your trash on the ground. Yes, tossing your cup at a water station is fine (though try to make sure you don’t take out another runner), but hold onto other trash like packaging from any fuel that you use, until you pass an appropriate place to dump it.
10. The Race Shirt: Wear it or Don’t Wear it?
In all my years of running, I have never worn the race shirt for the race. A previous year’s shirt yes, but not the current year. I’m not sure if it’s half marathon etiquette or just common sense (don’t wear anything new on race day!), but I consider the race shirt for marathons and half marathons to be a “finisher’s shirt,” and save it to wear after the race. For shorter distances, do whatever feels right to you.
11. Move on Through
Have you ever been behind someone at the end of the race and all of a sudden they stop dead? If a lot of people are finishing at the same time, that could cause a chain reaction of runners bumping into each other on the finish line. Just run through the finish line, slow to a walk, but keep moving to get out of the way of other finishers.
12. Leave Some for the Slower Finishers
Trying to stock up your cupboards with the free food at the end of a race is definitely against half marathon etiquette rules. I’m not sure what turns normal runners into hoarders but it is not uncommon to see them stuffing their arms or a bag with bananas, pretzels, bagels, and other treats at the finisher’s food tables. Yes, I get you’re hungry when you’ve run 13.1 (or 26.2) miles, but save a bite for the rest of the runners.
13. Cheating
This half marathon etiquette rule should go without saying, but the recent success of the Marathon Investigation blog shows that it happens more often than we’d like to think. Cheating includes running without a bib, helping someone else get a better time (or qualify for Boston) by wearing their bib, or cutting the course. Just don’t do it!
13.1: Have fun!
Okay, so technically having fun is not an etiquette rule, but, unless you’re aiming to win the race, this should all be about fun, right? Yes, we compete against our age groups, strive to beat our own personal bests, and generally do the best we can, but in the end, take a moment to realize what an awesome sport you are a part of!
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
These are great reminders. It can be so frustrating when people block a race course and aren’t paying attention to what is going on around them.
It really is! Such a common sense thing too.
These definitely apply to all distance races. Being courteous to other participants is always the right thing to do. I do sometimes wear headphones in a race but I also make sure I can hear what’s going on around me.
It all really seems like such common sense, doesn’t it?
I just experienced a bunch of these at a race last Sunday.
It was a 30k and it was a mess!!!
It was a manually timed race (no chip timing) and also no controls. You can imagine what happened: the runners from corrals 3,4 and 5 all squeezed into corral 1.
I was in corral 5 and spent the whole race overtaking slower runners (who of course were five across…)
And because it was an out-and-back, some seemed to be turning around early. I kept on wondering why I’m overtaking the same runners twice!
People can be so clueless (and selfish).
YES!
First of all, anyone who is unkind to volunteers is awful. Don’t do that!
We see a lot of people jump corrals here. For some, that extra time is the difference between finishing and being swept. It doesn’t make it right or safe, but I do think that’s the rationale.
I almost got hit by spit once and it was freaking disgusting.
I guess I can see that (about being able to finish) but still not right. And yikes on the spit!