Monday 13 May 2013

Running Etiquette

For a pleasant running experience, few running etiquettes should be followed. Enjoy reading through

Basic
·         Reach the venue 45 mins before the start time, to avoid last minute rush
·         Be familiar with the route and the facilities offered
·         Pin the Bib no for everyone to see you as an officially registered runner
·         Follow instructions provided by the event organizers

Holding area (Start line)
·         Everyone would want to be at the start position, but this leads to pushing, & injuring self and others
·         If you are not very conscious of a fast finish, give way for the faster runners to be ahead of you
·         Do not spill anything that could be harmful to the runners behind you
·         Walk, run along with the crowd after the start of the run. Do not block others
·         After the start, on availability of free space, Run faster for the initial couple of meters, to give space for the runners behind you

General
·         Smile, Cheer, Motivate & Congratulate fellow runners – Timely compliments retain as everlasting memories
·         Thank & Acknowledge the enthusiastic spectators / supporters who have relentlessly been clapping & cheering the runners
·         Volunteers who offer you water / energy drinks too need your compliments. Thank them or smile at them. They need to spend hours supporting the runners behind you
·         If you are slowing down, move to the left side of the road to give way for the faster runners to move ahead
·         If running in groups, do give way for others to overtake you or to slow down. Do not block the road
·         If using earphones, do keep an eye around, to be aware of the surroundings
·         Be friendly to runners around you and give them the freedom to run ahead
·         Move to a side, incase you need to slow down or walk or stop
·         If you have to spit or blow your nose, move to a side
·         For safety of other runners, do not litter the road with wastes e.g. Water cups or eatables

Aid stations
·         Look behind, before you move towards the water station. Make a gradual moment towards the Aid station. Sudden stop or turn will annoy the runner behind you
·         Collect your drink or refreshment and move ahead
·         Avoid long halts at the Aid station, it creates a crowd and the fast runners  will find it inconvenient to grab their drink
·         Do not spill food or water at the Water station. Since this will be a excessively utilized (over crowded) place, do keep it clean
·         Throw the cups or left over on the side of the road or bins (if available), but should not spill over another runner besides you
·         Smile at the volunteer and thank them for their support

At the Finish line
·         Show your cheer & enthusiasm and finish with a smile. Photographers are eager to click your cheerful finish
·         Do your best to sprint the final 100 meters
·         Do cross over the finish line and run forward or towards a side to give space for the runners behind you
·         Inform your friends or family members to meet at a location away from the Finish line. The finish line is usually overcrowded
·         Collect your finisher medal and post run refreshments (if provided)