By Jen A. Miller
Illustrations by Nigel Buchanan
Key
There are some aspects of race day that no amount of speedwork can prepare you for. Dodging gel packs and water cups comes to mind. But there’s also a right and wrong way to race with a friend, slow down for walk breaks, and, yes, wear the race shirt and medal.
“With most large races, it’s like being on a highway at 6 o’clock at night,” says Nick Curl, a marathon race director. “You’ve got a whole lot of people moving at multiple speeds. So you don’t change lanes or roll down your window to spit without looking. The same goes for racing – there’s a flow that you have to follow.”
Here’s how to navigate the subtle points of race day – smoothly.
Race In The Event Shirt
There’s a stigma to wearing the race shirt on the day of the event.
“It’s considered bad luck because you haven’t crossed the finish line yet,” says Monica Brookman, a seasoned endurance runner and triathlon coach. But more than superstition, it’s never a good idea to break out untested gear at the starting line, says Jeff van Zyl, race director of a popular marathon. “You might discover mid-way that your cool new shirt is uncomfortable – or worse, causing chafing,” he says.
That said, if you forgot to pack your singlet and the race shirt is made out of a technical fabric, this is a minor offence that will only offend traditionalists.
Bandit A Race
You didn’t pay for the race? You don’t get to run the race, says Decker, who’s seen unregistered runners accept everything from water to race medals, leaving later finishers empty-handed.
Plus, bandits are a safety hazard.
“Having more runners on the course is dangerous and could strain medical resources if the medical staff has to treat both bandits and participants,” he says.
Plus, it’s not cool!
If you need to slow down because you’re hurt or feeling ill, he recommends announcing yourself. “Put up your hands and shout, ‘Stopping!,’ to alert runners behind you that something’s going to change.” If you plan to run-walk the entire race, stick to the edge of the course, where your pace changes will be less disruptive to other runners.
Take Walk Breaks
There’s no shame in slowing down; just take care to work your way to the side first. Otherwise you could easily get slammed by another runner, says McCrone.
Line Up With A Pet… Or A Baby
You may enjoy running with your dog, or while pushing your tot, but other competitors probably won’t.
It’s tough enough navigating around other runners, let alone dogs and baby-strollers. You also can’t be certain how your pet or child will handle the race scene, says Curl.
What’s more, the medical teams may not be equipped to handle pets or children who get sick or injured. That’s why many
races ban both. It’s smarter to seek out fun runs that promote a casual atmosphere, he says.
It can be tough to wait for your assigned wave to start, but sliding forward into a faster pen is bad all over. “Most races are seeded by ability level, which makes for a safer and smoother start,” says Dave McGillivray, marathon race director. “If someone is in a seeding pen where they don’t belong, it can be unsafe and make other runners have a less-than-desirable experience.” Starting in a too-quick group, he says, can also destroy your pacing strategy and throw off your own race.Sneak Into A Seeded Pen
Wear Headphones
Strictly speaking, portable listening devices are banned by IAAF race rules but most races turn a blind eye as long as you’re not one going after medals, awards, or prizes, and you’re not using it to take calls from your coach.
That said, even if your race allows portable tunes, it’s best to turn them off before the start. “People who wear headphones might as well be on another planet,” says Helbig. “They don’t hear anything, whether it’s a car or you shouting at them that they need to ‘turn here’.”
If you must run to music, use just one earbud and keep the volume low: you need to be aware of what’s going on around you.
Use Another Runner’s Bib
Not only does the race director not have your information if you get hurt, but you could also mess up the timing, ranking, and awards system.
“John Smith might not be the fastest guy out there, but he could go out and run fast enough with Jane Doe’s bib to win the female age group,” says Matt Helbig, chief executive of a management group that times and organises many running and athletic events.
Run with a Partner
Racing with a friend can help you maintain your pace and provide encouragement. But if you’re running side by side, you could be blocking the path.
“Work together to be conscious of people around you,” says Brookman. “And never run more than two abreast.”
Agree on a signal to go from two wide to one, and decide who‘ll go first every time.
Lunge for Water “There’s plenty of water and sports drink,” says race director Curl. “We’re not going to run out.” So instead of diving for the first sachet you see, skip the first tables, which are likely to be the most crowded, and set your sights on the end tables. From a few metres out, make eye contact with a volunteer and point to the sachet. Then, after you take your drink, exit gracefully. “Look before you turn back into traffic,” says Curl. If you’re taking sports drink, be sure to toss your empty sachet or cup into a garbage bin or to the side of the course. Would you want to run the rest of the race with a sticky leg? The person behind you doesn’t either.
Chit-Chat
No one expects you to stay quiet for an entire race.
But skip controversial topics.
And don’t ramble.
“Pointless conversations show a lack of respect for the other runners,” says Bart Yasso, of Runner’s World’s US edition.
No social media, either: “You’re not really racing if you’re Tweeting or SMSing.”
“Spitting, power snotting, and passing gas are going to occur while running. Especially during a long race,” says running coach Rob McCrone. “Just make sure there is no one behind you when you do it.” Performing a quick 360-degree survey of those around you before you let loose will give you peace of mind. And if you know you frequently need to spit or blow your nose while you run, hug the kerb.
Spit or Blow
Sometimes you have to do it. But try not to hit anyone else – and that goes for, well, all bodily functions.
Scoff At ‘Slackers’
Large crowds have a way of bringing out the worst in people – and races are no exception.
No matter how good you think you are, there’s going to be someone better than you. So think twice before you comment on how someone is “only” running the 5-K on the day you’re doing the full marathon.
Curl says these snarky runners suffer from what he calls MERD: Myopic Event-Related Dementia. “That’s where somebody is in a race with 25 000 people and thinks they’re the only one who matters,” he says.
The end is near. Hooray! But don’t charge the line at the peril of other runners, or retrace your steps so you have two options for a finisher’s photo. Everyone is trying to complete a hard race, so move through the chute and accept that your race mug may wind up not on your mantle, but on uglyracepics.tumblr.com.Jam the Finish
Have a Fast Friend Pace You
If the ‘rabbit’ has registered, you’re in the clear, says Helbig.
“If they paid for their entry and take you 30 kilometres and then drop out of the marathon, that’s completely legal,” he says.
But if they’re jumping into the race after 30 kilometres to see you to the finish, that poses safety concerns (see banditing entry).
“Imagine if everyone had the same attitude, and 20 000 people had a fast friend jumping in,” says McGillivray.
You earned it, so whether you’re strolling town in your race gear or you don your medal after you’ve showered, “wear your medal proudly,” says Yasso. But, he adds, after race day, hang the medal on something other than your neck. Wear Your Medal After the Race
What are your race do’s and don’ts? Let us know by commenting below!
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I didn’t recieve my second week of trainning via email yet? I have finished week one alredy and have to go to the next level!
Is that for the half or full marathon? As far as I know it’s on the runnersworld website. I got mine there…doing the half marathon.
Cheers
Dirk
Do NOT run/walk holding hands with your entire family. It’s impossible to get past!
My Race Do’s and Don’ts
Throwing your water or energy sachet in the bushes or drain. Rather hold onto it and drop it at the nearest km board or route marshal’s foot.
I am slow but frequently get held up by walkers who start near the front and walk 4 or 5 abreast swinging their arms and woe betide if you run through them. Also the hand holders who suddenly stop in front of you and then start running as you pass them only to stop again and the pushers at the water stop. But most people are great.