Do you follow these 7 running etiquette during races?

Running is often associated with freedom- both in form and concept. Yet there are unwritten rules that every runners should obey, especially on race days. These rules are often referred to as running etiquette and should be followed for everyone’s safety, convenience, and enjoyment during competitions and weekend fun runs.

Here are the seven most important running etiquette that you should put in to heart:

1. Never cheat yourself

Just like any sport, some people are tempted to cheat for their own conveniences when running. The most common of which is not following the course set up by the race organizers. Often, those who cheat purposely miss out a turn or make shortcuts just to cut some of the distance in an attempt to edge out competitors or just lessen the effort of finishing the race.

This is the worst behavior you can take in a race, and in a time of social media and smartphones a race cheater can become an instant celebrity in the running community. Instead of having a medal hanging on your neck you may get the hashtag #ninjamoves from your running peers.

A report from Runner’s World quoted Jack J. Lesyk, Ph.D. and director of the Ohio Center for Sports Psychology as to why some runners cheat on race day. According to Lesyk, these individuals are concerned with recognition from friends and sometimes even the prize money.

“Those people who cheat—whether it’s small cheating or big cheating —are much more externally motivated. They are focusing more on the results rather than on the process of the sport itself,” she said.

2. Know your pace and be realistic

Just because the first few lines of the starting line presents some photo ops or make you look like an elite runner, doesn’t mean you have to be there. Always know your pace and where you belong to the group. Be realistic and line up in the mid row if you know you are going to be at the middle of the finisher standings.

The front corral can be a tough place to be for beginners. Often, they just dash around a few meters only to be overtaken by faster runners behind. This can be disheartening, in some cases, and can totally ruin your pacing strategy. Lining up on your appropriate lane also shows respect to elite runners who are likely to win the competition. So, the next time you line up make sure you are just as fast as the person beside you.

3. Run with two person abreast

Its fun when you get to run with a group- whether they be friends, loved ones, co-workers, or your local running club members. However, make sure that you do not occupy an entire lane just because you want to finish together. At most, run only with two people abreast so as not to cause traffic and not block runners behind you.

Also, if you are running with a group it is better to run on the side of the course rather than on the middle lane for the same reasons mentioned. When your group is being paced by someone, make sure you use signals that everyone could follow to stay in sync.

4. Be aware when you selfie

Running is a good social activity and you want to extend it to your friends via social media. Nothing beats the “I am getting into fitness” message than a running selfie. However, be wary and use common sense before you take out your phone during the race. Taking a picture of yourself or with a group is OK, but make sure it does not interrupt or bother anyone. Also, never block important signs such as u-turns, turn rights or lefts, and even on distance markers when you take a selfie as some people rely on them for information.

It is also not advisable to use social media or text during races, because it can make you pay less attention to your surroundings. You will never know, if you are on your way to colliding with a fellow runner or a road obstacle such as pot holes or road signs.

5. Don’t hug the hydration table

Aid stations are like the oasis of a racing event. But just because you need to quench your thirst does not mean you should hang around here long. On some cases, some runners who need more hydration (3 cups or more) hang around the table until they have their fill. This leads to lines being formed at some point, which can cause inconvenience.

Always allow other runners access to these station by moving forward away from the table when you have what you need. Finish your drink on the side of the aid station and throw the cup on the waste bins provided or at least near it so it will be easier to clean later. If you still feel that you need more water or sports drink go back to the end of the line.

6. Say thank you to the marshals

If you think that waking up before dawn is tough, think again. Marshalls and race organizers have to stay awake and do their duties as early as the day before the race. And they also have to clean the race course after the event. So, the next time when they greet you hello or shouts some words of encouragement, respond accordingly.

In some races, marshals are volunteers who offered their time for the cause of the event (charity, for instance) and the safety of the runners. A simple nod, thank you or even a thumb up is more than a simple gesture of appreciating to what they do.

7. Don’t clog the finish line

It’s finally the defining moment where all that effort will be worth it. But, there is a certain decorum expected to finishers and that is to spend as little time as possible to the finish line. Strike a pose, have your medal hang on your neck and move forward so as not to clog the finish line where other runners are also going to take their moment of glory.

If you want to capture the finish arc in the background of your selfie do so in a considerable distance that it will not block other incoming finishers. If you have family members or friends in the crowd, meet them on the event area and not on the finish line.

Do you know other running etiquette that should be included in this list? If so you can write your comments below.