Road Runner Clubs of America
(RRCA)
Etiquette for Runners
In the interest of
promoting an enjoyable running and racing experience for everyone, the Road
Runners Club of America encourages good runners’ etiquette. Whether running in
a group or running alone, always follow the RRCA Safety Guidelines.
Whatever the pace, wherever
the race, manners matter.
Rules of the road and trails
·
Run against traffic if running on the road. If running on
the sidewalk or multi-use trails, travel on the right and pass on the left.
·
Never run more than two abreast if you are running in a
group. Don’t be a road or trail hog.
·
Don’t run down the middle of the road or trail.
·
If you are running an out-and-back route, don’t just make
a sudden u-turn at your turn around point. Stop, step to the right to allow
oncoming traffic the opportunity to pass. Making a sudden u-turn without
looking over your shoulder is a good way to get hit.
·
Alert pedestrians when you are passing them – don’t
assume they are aware of their surroundings. A simple “on your left” warning
will suffice.
·
Be alert on blind curves.
·
Stop at stop signs and ensure oncoming traffic yields to
you before proceeding across a road. Don’t assume cars will stop if you are
entering a cross walk.
·
Respect private property along your route. Don’t relieve
yourself in the neighbor’s bushes.
·
Don’t litter. If you can’t find a trash can, carry your
trash home.
General Rules for Running in an Event
·
Follow the rules of the race outlined on the race entry
form! All runners
have a collective responsibility to keep the event safe. Races generally
discourage running with dogs, headphones, cell phones, and jogging strollers.
·
Pre-register even if same day registration is offered.
This will help ease the registration process for everyone involved.
·
Arrive early for the event, especially if you are picking
up your number on race day. Check your registration information carefully,
especially if you are racing for an award or prize money.
·
Use the facilities before the race start to lessen the
need once on course, and help keep the facilities clean for person in line
after you.
·
Pin your race number on the front of your shirt/shorts.
This is where it is most visible for photographers and race officials.
·
Line up according to how fast you plan to run or walk the
event. Slower runners and walkers should move to the back of the race pack.
Just because you arrived early does not mean you should be at the front of the
starting line.
·
Pay attention to the pre-race instructions. This is not
the time to be blaring your favorite song on your personal music device (which
should be locked in your car or at home).
Race Etiquette on Course
·
If you drop something as the race starts, don’t stop and
pick it up! Wait until almost everyone has crossed the starting line; then
retrieve it.
·
Run or walk no more than two abreast.
·
Do not block runners coming up behind you by swerving
needlessly back and forth across the course.
·
If you are walking in a group, stay to the back of the
pack and follow the two abreast rule.
·
Bodily functions are a fact of life during a race. If you
need to spit, blow your nose or throw-up, move to the side of the road and do
it there. If nature calls, check for a port-a-potty, an open business, a kind
neighbor along the course, or as a last resort, a discreet clump of bushes
before relieving yourself.
·
Move to the side if someone behind you says “excuse me”
or “on your right/left”. The person behind you is giving you a heads up before
passing. It’s proper race etiquette to let that person pass you without
blocking their effort.
·
If someone in front of you is wearing headphones, and
they are blocking, gently touch their elbow or shoulder as you pass to alert
them to your presence.
·
If you need to tie your shoe or stop for any reason
(phone call, nose blow, etc) move to the side of the road and step off the
course.
·
Pay attention to your surroundings. The course may or may
not be closed to traffic. It is your responsibility to watch for oncoming
traffic!
·
Yield the right of way to all police and emergency
vehicles. Yield the course to wheel chair athletes, you can change direction or
stop more quickly than they can, especially on a downhill.
·
Don’t cheat! Don’t cut the course or run with someone
else’s number.
·
Enjoy your race!
Aid Station
Etiquette
·
When approaching an aid station to hydrate or re-fuel,
move to the right and grab your fluid/nutritional needs from the volunteers or
the aid tables then continue forward away from the volunteers or aid table.
·
If you need to stop at an aid station step to the right
side of the road and proceed to the aid station, but do not block others from
accessing the aid tables or volunteers handing out fluids.
·
Throw your used cup to the right side away from the
course as close to an aid station as possible. Drop your cup down by your waist
as opposed to tossing it over your shoulder. The person behind you may not
appreciate the shower if the cup is not empty.
·
Say thank you to the volunteers manning the aid station.
·
If you see someone in distress on the course, report their
number to the aid station and try to recall the approximate mile maker where
you saw them.
Finish Line Etiquette
·
Follow the instructions of the race officials at the
finish.
·
If a friend or family member is running the last stretch
with you and isn’t in the race, he/she should move off the course before the
finish chute starts.
·
Once you have crossed the finish line, keep moving
forward until the end of the finish chute. Stay in finishing order if the event
is not electronically timed so the finish line volunteers can remove the pull
tags for scoring.
·
If the event is electronically timed, be sure to return
the timing tag/chip before leaving the finishers’ chute.
·
Exit the chute and wait for friends or family in a
central location.
·
Enjoy the post-race refreshments, but remember it is not
an all you can eat buffet for you and your family.
·
Stay around for the awards ceremony to cheer on the
overall winners along with the age group winners. Running is one of the few
sports where the participants get to mingle closely with the event winners.
·
Be proud of your accomplishment!
Award Winner Etiquette
·
If you won an award, stay for the award ceremony. It is
about you, after all.
·
If you feel you deserved an award but your name was not
announced, don’t run on stage to debate the award with the announcer. The
announcer usually just reads the information given to them by the race
officials. Find a race official and discuss the discrepancy with them.
Remember no event is
perfect and people work hard to make them safe and enjoyable. Most events are
staffed primarily by volunteers, but there is always a race director or race
committee that is responsible for an event. If you have ideas for improving an
event or concerns you would like to address, share them with the race director
or race committee in a positive and productive manner. For more information on
running etiquette and the Road Runners Club of America, visit their website at www.rrca.org.
