Racing Etiquette: Tips for a Successful Race Day

November 21st, 2024 by Mike Sohaskey

Whether you’re a novice runner eagerly anticipating your first race day or a seasoned veteran counting down to your 100th, knowing & following the rules of the road (or trail) is key to ensuring a safe & enjoyable racing experience for you and your fellow participants.

With that in mind we asked the experts at the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), the nation’s oldest and largest association of runners and running organizations, to share their tried-and-true tips on racing etiquette—before, during, and after the race. Because whatever the race and whatever the pace, manners matter!

1. Before Race Day

We can’t stress this enough: READ the information posted on event websites and emails sent by race organizers. Reviewing information in advance will help ensure your race day is a good day.
Before clicking the payment button on the registration form, ensure your information is correct and that you have read and signed the waiver. Don’t use a fake name or give false information when registering.
Race rules generally discourage (if not prohibit) running with headphones, pets, and strollers. Never swap race numbers with another runner, especially if you are looking for a qualifying time in another event. It is considered trespassing to run in an event without registering.
Understand that most events will not provide a refund if the event is cancelled due to adverse weather or other circumstances outside the event organizer’s control.
Educate yourself about the course, the location of the start/finish areas, nearby parking, bathroom facilities, race number pick-up, and more.
If you need accommodations as an adaptive athlete, review your requests with the race director in advance of race day (30 days or more).
Be prepared and trained to complete the distance you signed up to run or walk. Work with an RRCA Certified Run Coach or get involved with your local run club to help you get ready for your event.
Prepare your race attire the night before, including pinning your number to the front of your shirt or shorts. Avoid wearing brand-new and untested clothing or shoes on race day.

2. Race Day

Arrive to the start area EARLY. Follow the signs and instructions from the race announcer and volunteers. Use the facilities before the race starts to lessen the need on course, and don’t be gross—help keep the facilities clean for the person in line behind you.
Pay attention to pre-race announcements over the PA system, especially if weather conditions are uncertain or if last-minute changes have been made to the event for safety reasons.
Always pay attention to your surroundings during the event! The course may or may not be closed to traffic. It is your responsibility to watch for oncoming traffic and be on the lookout for any potential hazards on the course.
Yield the right-of-way to police and emergency vehicles. Yield to wheelchair athletes. You can change direction and stop more quickly than they can.
For larger events, start in your assigned starting corral, even if you have faster or slower friends starting in different corrals.
- For smaller events without assigned corrals or pace groups, allow faster runners to line up first. The people at the front want to race, so give them the space up front to go out fast. If you run at a casual pace or plan to walk, start in the middle or toward the back of the pack.
Don’t stop to take photos or videos as you cross the start/finish line, especially if there are hundreds or thousands of people behind you.
If you are running with a group, make all efforts not to be a course hog. Run or walk no more than two abreast! Try to let faster participants pass you without blocking their effort.
If you must shed layers of clothing, tie them around your waist or place them on the side of the road so no one trips over them. If you drop clothes, don’t expect to get them back since most discarded clothing goes straight into the donation pile.
If you need to spit or blow your nose, move to the side of the road. No one wants to be on the receiving end of a snot rocket or spit shower. If nature calls, check for a port-a-potty or an open business. Do all you can to avoid relieving yourself in public while on course.
Assist people if you think they are having a medical emergency. Use your cell phone to call for help. Report an emergency on course to the nearest aid station.
When approaching an aid station to hydrate or refuel, move to the right and grab your fluids from the volunteers or aid tables. Avoid blocking aid tables from volunteers and the people coming up behind you. Toss cups below your waist and into the garbage or to the side of the road to avoid showering fellow participants.
Always say thank you to the volunteers on course! 🙏

3. The Finish Line & Post-Race

Congratulations on making it to the finish line, but don’t stop there! You need to run or walk past the timing mat on the ground and proceed into the finishers area so as not to cause a traffic jam at the finish line.
Grab your finisher medal, when available, and wait for friends and family outside the finishers area to allow others to finish unimpeded.
Enjoy the post-race refreshments, but remember it is not an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Stay around for the awards ceremony to cheer on the overall and age-group winners. If you won an award, definitely stay for the awards ceremony. It is about you, after all!
Post your race review on RaceRaves, and be fair and accurate with your comments. People work hard to make events safe and enjoyable for everyone. If you have concerns, ideas for improvement, or complaints, share them with the race director in a positive and productive manner, ideally via email or private message.
Be proud of your accomplishment, and let it motivate you to sign up for your next race! 🙌

Looking for running events? Search for races by state/city or month, and try our handy Find a Race tool to search for events by name, date range, distance, location, terrain & more. Then sign up for a free account to build your wish list and start coloring in your 50 States Map!

About RRCA

The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations, run coaches, and runners dedicated to growing the sport since 1958. The RRCA champions the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition. The RRCA’s vision is to Empower Everyone to Run.

Subscribe & Stay Connected

Find this article informative? Please share it, and let others know RaceRaves is the premier online resource to DISCOVER, REVIEW & TRACK all their races and to CONNECT with other runners! Plus, sign up for our newsletter to receive the best racing-related content and special offers every month!