Surrey Marathon Running Etiquette Guidelines
Surrey Marathon Running Etiquette Guidelines
(Adapted from the BC Athletics Road Race Etiquette Guidelines.)
The Surrey Marathon is a fun-filled community event and in order for everyone to have an enjoyable and safe experience, consideration of fellow runners, volunteers, and race officials is a must.
Here are a few etiquette guidelines for runners to keep in mind and to follow as they participate in this world class event!
• Read the website, entry form or other race information. All of the race details you need are probably there. Pay particular attention to deadlines –these help race officials and volunteers to better prepare for race day.
• Respect entry restrictions. Any means of self-propulsion (rollerblades, skateboards, bicycles, etc.) is not permitted. And running with dogs or other animals is also not allowed. If in doubt, check with the race organizers first.
• Pay attention to Expo hours. Race packets/numbers are not available outside these guidelines.
• Carefully check your personal information at the Expo as it is printed on your number. Before the race is the only time to correct any errors such as age, gender, or misspelling of your name; by visiting the race solutions desk before you leave the expo.
• Pin your number on the FRONT of your shirt or outermost clothing and keep it visible at all times, and especially at the finish. DO NOT COVER YOUR RACE NUMBER WITH ANY CLOTHING or you will not receive a race time, as it contains your timing tag. Announcers, photographers, timers and medics use it to help identify you.
• Do not run without a number, or run if you did not register. Doing so can cause errors in the recording of times and positions of those legitimately entered. People who do so are called ‘bandits’ or ‘turkeys’, and may be refused entry into other races.
• Do not allow another runner to use your number. A person running in your place who is of a different gender or a different age group can lead to errors in the results, and deny legitimate winners of their prizes. Also, in the event of an accident or medical condition, wrong information may have serious consequences. Respect the events’ policy on transferring entries.
• This event includes runs of different distances. Do not switch runs without approval, as you may not get an official finish time, or it can lead to errors in the results.
• Visually impaired runners accompanied by a guide should also start either in advance, or at the back of the field.
• If you need to walk or slow abruptly during the race, move to the side of the road first. If you must leave the course, be sure to return to it at the same point as you left it.
• Don’t block other runners at any time. Slower runners must remain on the right side of the road to allow quicker runners to pass on the left. At aid stations, move to the side if you slow down or stop.
• The use of portable headphone devices (iPods, MP3 players, CD players, etc.) is discouraged – for your safety and the safety of others. You MUST be aware of your surroundings at all times and this includes being able to hear any verbal warnings/instructions from police/course officials; or the sound of any vehicles and other participants on the course. If you choose to wear a portable headphone device during a race, you do so at your own risk and on your own responsibility.
• Pacing by a non-participant is not permitted. This includes cyclists riding alongside participants.
• Aid from any person not involved in the race is not allowed except in emergencies. If you see a person in distress, give aid, or quickly advise a race volunteer.
• Remember there are other people in the race, be courteous and allow them to have the same
experience that you expect. Think of others.
• Respect private property. Use toilets provided by race organizers.
• Do not stop right at the finish line. Keep moving through the finish area so that others can finish behind you.
• Exit the finish area as soon as possible, to reduce congestion in the area.
• Only cross the finish line once. And do not cross the finish if you did not complete the full course. Doing otherwise will lead to errors in the results.
• Limit your consumption of post race refreshments until you are sure everyone (i.e. the last finishers) has had an equal share. Refreshments are for race participants and volunteers only.
• Be courteous to the volunteers, smile and give them a big thank you as you run by. You have an event to run because of them.
• Stay for the awards. Celebrate the winners. You may have won a prize yourself, and it is courteous to the organizers and sponsors to be present to receive it.
• Smile!….and have fun!!
September 18th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
can’t wait! any idea how many are running so far?
September 19th, 2012 at 1:04 am
These are great….hopefully everyone will abide but we all know there will always be a few. Unfortunately i could not register due to a hip flexor tear…but good luck and happy running to all! Next year for sure!!!
September 19th, 2012 at 4:36 am
Thank you for the helpful guidelines. Sometimes you do the wrong thing just because you don’t know the rules. This is great, especially for people like me, running a marathon for the first time.
Looking forward to having a great race.
Kindly,
September 20th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
10 days until I race again… and some weird rules | Live. Travel. Eat. Run says:[...] So on Sept 30th I’m racing here: [...]
September 21st, 2012 at 4:03 pm
I just wanted to add one more thing-please refrain from wearing perfume or cologne on race day. It always amazes me how many runners are wearing perfume and although I am not allergic and I do wear perfume from time to time,it is very annoying when I am trying to catch my breath as I am running. Thank you