Running etiquette: How not to be a rude runner

JACKSONVILLE, NC, UNITED STATES

10.14.2014

Story by Cpl. Mary Carmona 

Marine Corps Installations East       

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - When you think of etiquette you might think of a class you attended at age seven to learn the importance of table manners and how to interact properly with people during social occasions. Well, runners, there’s also a proper etiquette to follow during a marathon.

The Marine Corps Marathon is in just a few weeks, so for you marathon greenhorns who are a little nervous about how to properly act, here are a few common-sense tips.

Arrive early to the marathon and scope out the area. Find the important locations, such as the bathrooms and where you are supposed to start the race. This will help you feel calmer and more prepared as you gear up for the big event.

At marathons, there are different starting places for different paces, so make sure you find the right pace corral for which you signed up. Don’t be the person who wants to walk the marathon, but starts in the very front of the group – unless you want to have hundreds of runners stampede over you.

If during the race you need to slow down or walk, move carefully to the outside of the pack. Make sure you look around as you change lanes so you don’t unintentionally cut someone off.

Throughout the marathon, you will see snack and hydration stations. If you plan to take advantage of these midrace energizers, don’t swerve to the table last second. You’ll interrupt other runners and possibly cause an accident. Also, when you take that drink or snack, don’t just toss it up to your face and guzzle, letting half the liquid spray all the runners around you. That’s just rude.

When you’re finished, toss your trash in the bins by the table set out for that purpose. There’s enough marathon cleanup to do without having to scour for paper cups tossed along the road for 26.2 miles.

If Iggy’s “Black Widow Baby” beat gets you through the run, that’s fine. Use earphones, and keep the music at a reasonable volume so you can hear what’s going on and so other runners aren’t bothered by the music.

You’ve made it to the 26.2 mile mark without breaking any of the general rules of marathon etiquette, but there’s one final piece of advice. Get out of the way. Other runners are trying to cross the line. Clock your time and move away and quickly vacate the finishing area to allow other runners through.

Once you are out of the way of traffic, celebrate the achievement with as many selfies and victory dances as you please.

Editor’s note: On the Run is a weekly series covering everything running-related. Facts not attributed are the opinion of the writer.

• Date Taken: 10.14.2014
• Date Posted: 10.14.2014 08:31
• Story ID: 144994
• Location: JACKSONVILLE, NC, US