Peachtree Road Race: Etiquette Tips for Running with the Crowd

The Peachtree Road Race prides itself in being the largest 10K race in the world. This year’s event will welcome 60,000 participants to the starting line. Running with that many people coupled with Atlanta’s infamous mixture of heat and humidity can make it a challenge to keep your cool during the race.

The July issue of Runner’s World offered some useful (and hilarious) tips for keeping your behavior respectable during a road race event:

• Alert other runners before you pass: If you plan to pass runners on the road, give a shout out (e.g. “passing on your left”) before making your move. Doing so will help avoid awkward collisions with other runners.


• Don’t run more than two abreast: I’ve seen it before at the Peachtree – groups of people holding hands while running. What they don’t always realize is they are blocking the route for other runners to pass. Don’t be one of these people.


• Look before you expel: This is a funny, but good tip. Watch where you spit or blow. Nobody wants to be the “landing strip” for what you’ve hurled.


• If you have to stop, move out of the way first: When grabbing a cup of water or tying your shoe, move to the side of the street and avoid becoming a road block for other runners.


• Don’t be a litter bug: Try to toss your water cups and other trash in garbage cans along the race course. If you must toss on the ground, watch out for other runners first.


• Deodorant yes; cologne no: Be respectful of those around you and save the cologne or perfume for your “after race” shower. It’s no fun running behind a toxic aroma of sweat and cologne.


• Smile: Yes, it’s hot and humid. But you signed up for the race to have a good time. Make the most of it by wearing a smile. You’ll feel better and so will the other runners around you.
  

The Atlanta Track Club blog offers some great advice for staying hydrated during a run. Be sure to check it out before hitting the race course on Monday.

Etiquette Tips for Road Races

This month’s issue of Runner's World features a terrific article on good manners to follow when running in a road race. Some of the stories included with the tips are painfully hysterical. Here’s a brief summary:

1.) Do Your Own Thing: go your own pace and respect the personal space of other runners

2.) Know Your Place: don’t create obstacles for other runners by walking alongside friends

3.) Keep It Down: if you need to talk, watch your volume and don’t discuss personal or embarrassing topics

4.) Leash Your Best Friend: keep your dog close to you so that other runners don’t trip on the leash

5.) Watch Your Step: don’t cut-off other runners, especially when running towards the water station

6.) Aim Fluids Carefully: be mindful of where you toss your water cup (and of where you direct bodily fluids)

7.) Don’t Stink: remember that what you consume (e.g. tobacco, garlic) can cause you to reek – especially when running

8.) Dress For Your Mom: refrain from wearing revealing attire

9.) Don't Whine: if you quit a race, don’t whine about it to others

10.) Just Run: enjoy the run and don’t try to impose your race routine on other runners

This week’s route is another 5-mile loop, courtesy of the Oakhurst Running Club. You can find the route at the club’s web site or at Map My run under my group Atlanta Running.

Oakhurst Running Club – East Lake 5-Mile Route

· Start at One Step at a Time
· Head west on East Lake
· Turn left on Johnston
· Continue on Wisteria
· Turn right on Rocky Ford Rd
· Turn left on College Ave
· Turn left on Howard St
· Turn left on Hosea Williams Dr
· At fork, turn right on Oakview Rd
· Turn right on Spring St
· Turn right on Adams St
· Cross over Pharr Rd and onto Daniel Ave
· Turn left on Hosea Williams Dr
· Turn left on Spence Ave, which turns into McDonough St
· Turn left on W. Hill St
· Finish at One Step at a Time