Race etiquette

[Pungodingy]

Just a couple of questions that I KNOW someone here can answer for me...

When lining up for a race, how do I know if I'm in the right place? I am much slower than the runners, but may or may not be faster than the walkers. I've been sort of in the middle, but have heard people complaining (not sure if they are complaining about me or someone else) and just want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong

Food/Water table. Some of the races I've gone to offer food/water before and after the race, some only after. What is the proper way of using them? Is it ok to take several snacks (like a banana and a granola bar) or should it be one per customer. Also, regarding water after the race, twice now, by the time I've come in, the water is gone, is it acceptable for my scream team to snag me one, or should I just bring my own just in case?

I'm sure these sound kind of silly to you veterans, but I really dont want to make a mistake!

Thanks!

 

[windwalker]

Just a couple of questions that I KNOW someone here can answer for me...

When lining up for a race, how do I know if I'm in the right place? I am much slower than the runners, but may or may not be faster than the walkers. I've been sort of in the middle, but have heard people complaining (not sure if they are complaining about me or someone else) and just want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong

Food/Water table. Some of the races I've gone to offer food/water before and after the race, some only after. What is the proper way of using them? Is it ok to take several snacks (like a banana and a granola bar) or should it be one per customer. Also, regarding water after the race, twice now, by the time I've come in, the water is gone, is it acceptable for my scream team to snag me one, or should I just bring my own just in case?

I'm sure these sound kind of silly to you veterans, but I really dont want to make a mistake!

Thanks!

Ok to start with I'm a walker.

There is no shame in starting in the back and just because some people are walkers doesn't mean you are faster. If you start in the back and have a chip it doesn't effect your time at all. If there is no chip just start your watch when you actually cross the starting line, if you were going to win we wouldn't be having this conversation.

When you get to the finish and there is no water, the race director screwed up, I have only seen that happen once. Yes if there is a dought have a scream team member have one for you. As far as food just ask. If there is more than they will use they will tell you to take what you want. It is usually donated.

If I go to a walk race I go to win and really don't get concerned about the little niceitys like that. I'm only concerned about anyone who is still in front of me. In a run race I just have fun and encourage the other walkers. When I do a half or full marathon I go to have fun with my lady.

Dave

 

[solotraveler]

Just a couple of questions that I KNOW someone here can answer for me...

When lining up for a race, how do I know if I'm in the right place? I am much slower than the runners, but may or may not be faster than the walkers. I've been sort of in the middle, but have heard people complaining (not sure if they are complaining about me or someone else) and just want to make sure I'm not doing something wrong

Food/Water table. Some of the races I've gone to offer food/water before and after the race, some only after. What is the proper way of using them? Is it ok to take several snacks (like a banana and a granola bar) or should it be one per customer. Also, regarding water after the race, twice now, by the time I've come in, the water is gone, is it acceptable for my scream team to snag me one, or should I just bring my own just in case?

I'm sure these sound kind of silly to you veterans, but I really dont want to make a mistake!

Thanks!

Lining Up-- Most large races will divide you into corrals by estimated finishing time so those are easy (this includes Disney). For smaller races, the best thing you can do is... ask! Line up in a particular spot (say middle of the pack) and ask a few people about their pace. Too fast for you? Scootch back until you find something your speed. Too slow? Slide forward a bit.



The food thing is a little trickier. For large races (or anything where there's a postrace "party"), take whatever you like, unless you have a volunteer or sign tell you otherwise. For smaller races, just ask the volunteer.

As for not having water left when you are done... that's inexcusable and an email to the race organizers is in order. Not only is that "runner unfriendly" it can be medically dangerous as well.

Kevin

 

[chimera]

Here's something from Road Runners Club:

http://www.rrca.org/programs/education/raceetiquette.pdf