Now that summer’s heat has given way to monsoon’s rain and humidity, a new racing season is upon us, like it was never really gone. So every weekend you have some race or another and with it you have runners, elite, amateur and hobby runners, training diligently to get better, to get their bodies in shape, for their next big race.
With every race, with every training, comes some basic running etiquette which should be imbibed in a Runners psyche. It cannot be taught, these are basic human decency (which sadly loads of runners lack) that needs to be followed.
When running on the road always run in the opposite direction of traffic (if your training) and if your racing follow directions, but always keep to your left. Stop hogging the road like you own it (which I am sure you don’t) or it has been hired out just for your (which I am sure it hasn’t). Stop blocking runners coming from the opposite direction, give way, especially if all you’re doing is walking and gossiping (if you want to gossip find another place). It’s rude to occupy the road and not give way. If you choose to walk, keep to your left. If you want to walk in a group see to it you give way when you see a running approaching either from the front or back.
Do not litter. You don’t want to garbage lying around. If you take a bottle of water from the volunteer and need to dispose it, hold on to it till your find a dustbin or hand it over to the volunteer at the next water station, don’t throw it to the side. Water from the bottle spills on the road make it a road a slipping hazard, not to forget that the bottles themselves are hazardous and could cause accidents. The same goes for your gel sachets and sponges.
As a runner do not waste water. Yes you need to hydrate well but if you are going to take a bottle and take just a few sips before disposing the bottle then that’s quite sacrilegious. Preferably hold on to the bottle till you finished all the water, better still, carry your own bottle and refill it at the water stations. At the same time you do not refuse water to a runner. Water is a basic source of hydration to a runner, so whether they are running with you or not, refusing water shows a basic lack of humanness.
Taking selfies in the middle of the race or road should be avoided. I know you want to capture this moment and experience , but can you do it at the end, or take at the side of the road? Moreover there are photographers (even for training runs) who capture your moments of the race.
Always remember to thank the volunteers, whether they have been hired for the job, or they have signed up for it. They stand for long hours at the water station to support you, so show them some gratitude, show them some love (if I can borrow this line from Sam). They are not your servants so don’t treat them like one. Don’t expect them to pick up after you.
We are mostly hobby runners, amateur runners, not racing elites, not all podium finishers. We need to cheer as much as we need cheering. Every runners could do with a small thumbs, with a smile, with a little acknowledgement. Who knows it will help you in return. So put that inflated ego aside and just go with the flow and enjoy every race and cheer all you who could do with a little cheering.
So there you have it, a few running etiquette my sleepy head could think of, and which I hope you do follow. If you do feel like you could add to it go ahead and be my guest. Let’s make running a decent and human sport, giving it and the runners the respect that they deserve.
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