After running over 75+ races you can’t help but start forming a list of things that really get you going – A rant of sorts.
Well, this is my rant about things you SHOULD NOT DO during a marathon or half marathon race:
Starting off the rant with Rawness – no sugar coating.
Walking Walls
Don’t Do This:
In smaller races, this normally doesn’t happen, but in big races, this happens ALL THE TIME. A “walking wall” is when runners or walkers run/walk 3+ plus abreast (I’ve seen 7 or more multiple times in front of me). It’s hard to avert the walking walls because they literally become impenetrable.
I know what you’re thinking – “Coach Scott, you could avoid this if you ran faster and didn’t start in a slower corral.” I Kindly reply: “I start in the middle range of the corrals. The problem is that other runners/walkers start in corrals faster than their ability. There are no rules and regulations at bigger races because it’s too hard to enforce.” This leads me to my next race peeve below:
Do This Instead:
Walk no more than 2 or 3 at most abreast (side by side) during a big race, especially at the beginning of a race. Once you are halfway through or more, then feel free to build your walking walls.
Headphones/Earbuds – Don’t be a bubble!
Don’t do this:
Unless you are an elite runner or run in the top 20% of runners – please heed this.
In big races, wearing both earbuds can be dangerous. Runners behind you or beside you might need to get by. You might miss the warning call from a traffic cop or volunteer warning you to stop – but you can’t hear them. I’ve had to grab a runner from crossing the street in front of me during a race because they were running in what I call – “The run bubble.” A car was crossing the intersection not paying attention to what they were doing. The runner thanked me with “dear in headlight” eyes.
The bubble definition-Your earbuds are in both ears, the music is high, and you shut the rest of the world out. Save these types of “bubble” runs for your neighborhood/park runs, but still, be cautious. Some qualifying races do not allow you to wear earbuds. The result of wearing earbuds could be a disqualification from cash and prize. Check with each race.
Related: Can you wear earbuds in qualifying races?
Do this instead:
Run with one ear only or listen through on. Music at a medium to low volume. My Bluetooth Jabra 75T active elites <link> have the hear-trough function plus they allow one ear only to listen. Check out my review here: Bluetooth earbuds that won’t fall out when you run.
My Bluetooth Jabra 75T active elites have the hear-trough function plus they allow one ear only listening. Check out my review here: Bluetooth earbuds that won’t fall out when you run.
Fluid Stations
Don’t Do This:
Please don’t come to a complete dead stop at the water/aid stations on the racecourse unless you want to be run over by a mob of people. I have actually seen people stop and fill up their water back in the middle of the water aid line at a dead stop by placing cup after cup of water into their hydration pack. Not to mention they took it all part right in the middle of the station line, not caring about who was behind them.
Do This Instead:
- Raise your right hand
- Slow down to a trot or a brisk walk
- Slide-in line and grab a cup of water
- Don’t stop moving
- If you need to stop doing so about 50-100 feet after the water station
- If you need to fill up a hydration pack swing around to the backside of the water station so you’re not clogging up the line.
Related: Should I Carry Water For A Half Marathon Race?
Slowing Down During A Race
From time to time we all need to slow down or even sometimes stop during a half marathon or marathon race. So, what are you supposed to do if you need to slow down during the race?
Don’t Do This:
Completely stop during a race in the middle of the racecourse/road without signaling that you are going to slow down.
Do This Instead:
If you are going to slow down raise your hand and move to the right. Try to gradually slow down to a brisk walk and then step off the course if possible if you need to stop.
Related: Why Is Running So Hard? 35 Tips To Help Make Your Runs Easier!
Ditching Your Gear
When the temperatures are at extreme lows for your race day, we all want to stay nice and warm – bundled up with layer upon layer of gear. When it gets closer to the start of the race, we all start shedding some of the outer layers that have kept us nice and cozy.
Before The Race – Gear Check
The best place for your gear is with someone beloved to you or the gear check team. (Click here for the definition and reasons to use a gear check bag). The gear check bag is about the size of a quick pull string bag that fits on your back. Not to say that the event coordinators aren’t trustworthy, but there are several things you shouldn’t put in your bag – especially a clear bag. Click here for a list of items you should and shouldn’t put in a gear check bag.
Before The Race – In the Corrals
Usually, in your starting corrals, you’ll have areas where you can throw your extra layers before heading out on your extra-long adventure. Some races have donation boxes for your unwanted extra layers of clothing which you can drop into as you head out of each corral. Try to be a respectful racer and not throw your gear down in the middle of the corral. Place it off to the side, hang it on the metal corral gates, or simply hand it to a friend to keep until after the race. Throwing down your gear right wear your stand is downright rude and could hurt somebody if they get tangled up in a sweatshirt or sweatpants.
During The Race
The same goes for ditching your gear on the racecourse. Always raise a hand if you need to make your way across the racecourse to the right side. This is a signal/flag to other racers behind you that you are about to slow down or stop to the right side. Once you get to the side of the racecourse, try to ditch your gear to someone or a trash can if you don’t plan on retrieving later. I’ve seen many racers tie their gear to a street pole or small tree to come back and get it. If you take a picture of where you left your gear, most phones geo-tag the photo so you can go back to the exact coordinates.
Related: What Gear Do You Need For A Half Marathon Race?
Avoid Spitting
Just like ditching your gear off to the side of the course, so should your spit. The same goes for snot rockets and unforeseen vomiting. Please with all the effort in your running body only does this to the far right side of the course. It’s just plain gross when you see spit all over the racecourse. Try to refrain but if you must, expectorate, do so with no one directly behind you, especially if it’s windy – Ewwww!
Hygiene Is A Must
Don’t Do This:
Halfway through my last half marathon, I caught up with individuals that had the most heinous body odor I have ever encountered during a race. I understand that some cultures do not have the best hygiene due to a lack of water and proper infrastructure. However, if you’re in a country where the race is being held, and most people are relatively bathed hygienic, then please consider washing that dead skin off.
Do This Instead:
Take a bath! If a bath is not possible, please put on layers of deodorant. If this still doesn’t help please put on layers of clothing to help hide the smell. It’s a socially irresponsible thing to do. Again, I’m not talking about a little smelly from running for 13 miles. I’m talking about a ripe, pungent smell that burns your nose hairs when you inhale. This type of smell can only be brewed after weeks of not bathing! disgusting!
Related: 10 Best Running Gadgets You Can’t Live Without
Start In Correct Corral
Please start in the correct corral. Some races have become extremely strict on who gets to start in the first corral. This is mainly for safety and also to keep the wanna-be elite runners in the second corral that doesn’t run fast enough to make it into the first corral. Some races require you to provide previous race results within the last 6 months proving that you can indeed run as fast as you say you can run. Otherwise, settle for corral numbers 2 through 10.
Related: What is a Running Corral? Why Does My Race Have One?
Walkers And Strollers Belong In The Last Corral Or The Back Of The Starting Line
I’ll keep this one short and sweet. I don’t care if you’re a super-fast-lightening fast walker (click here for the ultimate weight loss guide for walkers) or you can smash personal records while pushing your young ones down the race course – don’t start in any corral in front of the last corral. I’ve had my races pushing strollers before so I’ve done my time. I too have had to start in the last corral many times.
As far as the walkers go, I understand that some of you might be speed walkers. In fact, I was actually passed on the 24 miles by a speed walker in my first marathon (so embarrassed). Just like strollers please start in the deeper corrals based on your walking capability.
Related: Can You Walk A Half Marathon in 4 Hours (with pacing charts)
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Hey, great article. Just be consistent with spelling “corral”, which is two R’s.
Thanks for the tip, Jeff! I will fix it right away. Glad you enjoyed the post.