The following is an article submitted by longtime member West Marcus.  All members are encouraged to submitt articles, pictures, and any content to us.  Just e-mail to: riverregionrunners@gmail.com

Race/Running Etiquette 101

Thanks & credit to the Huntsville Track Club

Whether you have run 1 race or 100, here are just a few things to remember when running a road race. Some apply to training runs as well.  These things are not just for your safety, but for the safety of those around you. Failure to follow some, might just get you disqualified from an event.

§         No baby joggers, dogs, headphones, etc – This is not just because of our insurance liability.*( everybody loves their children and dogs, get a sitter) This helps protect you and your fellow runners from injury.  The USATF has banned headphones from competition and thus you can be disqualified if you are caught using them.*( try giving directions to somebody wearing them)

§         Line up according to pace – We know everyone wants a good start.  But for everyone’s safety please line up according to your expected race pace.  That ensures everyone has the quickest start possible.  If you plan on running slower than some, please line up behind them.*( We know you think you can be up front)

§         Run in a straight line – Ever been almost tripped by another runner who cuts across your path?  Please, don’t do it yourself.  Avoid sudden changes in direction as well as sudden stops.  And be careful at corners along the race course.*( How bout bloody knees , 100 yards from the Azalea Trail finish line.)

§         Put trash where it belongs – In a race or on a training run please leave energy gels wrappers and other trash at an aid station or place in a trash can.  Throwing them on the side of the road is a good way to get our races banned from city streets, not mention it is just bad manners.*( It amazes me how trashy some runners are at the finish line.)

§         Place race numbers on front of jersey – Race numbers need to be readable by race personnel for timing and scoring.  Numbers placed on shorts become wrinkled and folded and difficult to read.  Even if the race is being scored by timing chips or bar code pull tabs, other volunteers are trying to read your race number for verification and/or in case the primary system fails. Also: don’t pin or remove the pull tab.*( You ain’t in the Olympics.)

§         Inside lanes on the track are for faster runners – Doing speed work at the local track?  If so please move to an outside lane if faster runners approach from the rear and anytime you are walking.*( Some tracks post signs , not to run in the first 2 or 3 lanes .It wears them out fast. Walk on outside lanes)

§         Thank race directors and other volunteers – Want to be able to run more races?  Better thank those putting on the events.  While they don’t expect to be thanked, you really do owe them an expression of your gratitude. Same goes for the city, sponsors, police, fire dept., etc. who contribute to the event.*( Maybe you can volunteer.You might learn something about racing. Very few if any running clubs have a paid employee. We are all 501-( c ) ³, nonprofit)

§         Volunteer to work a race – Don’t be one of those people who always takes, without ever giving.  Lot’s of people have volunteered their time so you could run.  Now you give some time so others can enjoy an event.*( You might host a fun run also)

§         Use proper etiquette on the trails as well – Typically runners going uphill have the right of way.  If a faster runner approaches from the rear try to get to the side of trail (if safe to do so) and let them pass.  Mountain bikers should yield to runners but that won’t always happen.  If a mountain biker is struggling uphill it might be nice to give them the trail.  And just as on the roads, don’t leave trash behind. *( Sport does not build character, it reveals it! )

§         Don’t be a bandit – Race coordinators develop and work races for charity; in Montgomery there are cash expenses from the beginning. Road races are not free. All the work and production is not so a runner can show up to do a ‘training run’, enjoy the safety and organization of the event, benefiting, while contributing nothing. If you claim the streets are free… they are, run in the opposite direction, before the event.

Reprinted with permission of HTC-* (amended by Grahare, R³)