Rules For Running in The Park, Trails, Tracks, Roads, and Races

Running is such an elementary physical activity that no one needs to teach you how to do it. Still, there are some unwritten etiquette rules that you must learn to get along with other runners. That running etiquette will differ slightly depending on if you’re running in the park, on trails, or in different environments.

Some general etiquette rules for runners include running in the same direction as others, dressing for safety and comfort, and avoiding littering. Besides that, you must also manage your dog, stroller, or anything else you bring with you while running. Listening to music is an everyday running activity. Still, it can be dangerous if it prevents you from hearing motor vehicles and other runners around you.

In this guide, we will look at a few general etiquette rules that apply to all running environments. Then, you’ll learn a few rules that are unique to your running environment, whether that’s in the park, trail, track, road, or while racing.

What Are The Basic Rules Of Running?

Everyone has at least one or more favorite places to run, whether that’s at the local park, on a track, or competitively at a race. Also, most runners understand that those environments have written and unwritten rules that everyone must follow.

Still, no matter where you are, some general rules of etiquette apply to all forms of running. Here are a few of them that you should keep in mind each time you put on your running shoes:

Go With The Flow: Before running, look around and see what direction other runners are moving in, and go with the flow. In some places, runners only move in one direction. Other areas, however, might have different lanes where runners can go in both directions. The point here is to avoid going against the flow and disrupting other runners.
Dress Correctly: Runners should balance between safety and comfort when running. For instance, bright and reflective clothing at night will ensure drivers and other runners can see you clearly.
Manage Whatever’s Yours: Many runners bring others along on their run. For instance, parents bring their babies in running strollers while pet parents run with their beloved dogs. Whatever the case might be, always ensure that you manage them well. Animals should be on a leash and keep a safe distance between your stroller and other runners.
Keep The Place Clean: Runners have to work together to clean their environment. For starters, never litter. Even if there’s a lack of trash cans around, keep your trash on you until you can find one to dispose of your garbage. If you’d like to go the ‘extra mile’, bring a trash bag and do some plogging!
Be Nice: Overall, runners should be friendly with one another. There’s plenty of room for everyone to complete their run. And if you see someone breaking any etiquette rules, you can let them know nicely. After all, they’re likely new to the sport, just like you were once.

Road/Neighborhood Running

Road running, even around your neighborhood, can be quite pleasant. But, here, you’ll have to be aware of cars, runners, walkers, pets, and children as well.

Here are a few etiquette rules to keep in mind:

Avoid Music Or Calls: Keep your ears free so you can hear your immediate surroundings. Even with a hands-free kit, listening to music or talking to someone can be very distracting. Plus, it prevents you from hearing vehicles and other runners.
Run Facing Traffic: Whenever possible, you should run facing traffic. Doing so will allow you to react quickly to any oncoming vehicle that might pose a danger to you.
Stay Single File: Always remember that you’re sharing the road with motor vehicles that have the right of way. So, it’s best to run single-file, especially if you’re running in larger groups or passing other runners.
Verbalize As You Pass: When you pass another runner on the road, always verbalize and tell them where you’re coming from. Just by saying the word “Passing!” you’ll allow the other runner to give you room and keep the both of you safe.
Stop At Crosswalks: Always stop at crosswalks and look both ways before crossing. You should do that even if you think no cars are coming. Remember: you can always run in place for a moment to keep your heart rate up.

Related: How To Run Safely At Night

Park Running

When running in a park, you won’t have to worry about cars, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles. However, you will have a much higher number of walkers and runners around you.

That’s why you must follow these rules when park running:

Be Wary Of Walkers: Unlike other running environments, parks have a much higher number of walkers. You’ll likely pass many of them as you run. So, give them plenty of room just to be safe.
Stay On The Beaten Path: Parks have secluded paths with fewer people. You should avoid those paths, regardless of whether it’s day or night. If you injure yourself on a secluded trail, getting help could be pretty tricky.
No Sudden U-Turns: Let’s suppose you drop something or wish to run in a different direction. In that case, never u-turn suddenly. Not only are their other runners around but also cyclists, too. A sudden u-turn could cause them to collide with you, leading to injury.
Pass And Merge Carefully: Depending on how crowded the park is, passing can be pretty challenging. So, be sure to call out before you pass. Also, look over your shoulder when someone is passing around you.
Use Toilets And Trash Cans: There’s a correct way to dispose of waste, whether it’s bodily waste or a protein bar wrapper. Disposing of anything around trees or foliage is unpleasant and reflects negatively on all runners.

Trail Running

Trail running is quite interesting. While there are no cars or walkers to worry about, there are hikers, bikers, and even horses to keep in mind.

In addition to other general etiquette points mentioned above, here are a few others to keep in mind:

Pass On The Left: When passing someone on a trail, do so on the left, especially if you’re in the U.S. It’s similar to passing a car when driving on the road.
Respect The Right Of Way: Trails are also shared spaces enjoyed by runners, hikers, bikers, and even horses. Horses have the right of way, followed by those on foot (runners and hikers) and those on bikes.
Respect Trail Closures: When you see the ‘trail closed’ sign hanging on the front gate, find somewhere else to run for that day. Trail closures are done for everyone’s safety. So, it’s not worth it to go running on a damaged trail and potentially hurt yourself with no one around to help.

Track Running

It’s easy to assume that running on a track is much safer. While that’s mostly true, it’s still possible for runners to run into each other and get hurt.

So, here are a few etiquette rules to stick to when on the track:

No Music: Even though you’re running on a track, it’s safer to do so without listening to music. That will ensure you hear any safety announcements on the PA system.
Run Counter-Clockwise: All track running happens counter-clockwise. Be mindful of this to ensure that you don’t collide with other runners.
Fast Or Inside Lane, To The Left: Since all track running goes counter-clockwise, the furthest lane left is known as the fast or inside lane.
Slow Or Outside Lane: The outside lanes are to the right of the inside lane.
Look Both Ways Before Crossing: Crossing a track can be very dangerous. So, always look both ways to ensure no other runners are coming your way when you do so.

Races

Lastly, here are a few etiquette rules to keep in mind on race day:

Don’t Litter: First and foremost, don’t litter. Racecourses typically run through populated areas, including people’s neighborhoods. So, littering is unpleasant and affects people not involved with the race.
Don’t Carry Loose Change Or Keys: Runners try their best to focus during a race. So, any noise coming from loose change or keys jingling in your pocket can be pretty distracting and annoying.
Wear Your Bib Numbers At All Time: Race rules typically require you to wear your bib numbers at all times. So, be sure to keep it on to avoid any problems later on.
Signal Your Intentions: Whether you’re slowing down, passing, or turning, always signal your intentions either with your hands or your voice.
Keep To The Side: You should only be in the middle of the road if you’re moving at running speeds. If you have to slow down to drink or take a break, always move to the side first. Doing so will prevent collisions and keep everyone safe.

Final Thoughts

Learning and practicing running etiquette can be pretty overwhelming, especially if you run in different environments frequently. But don’t worry about making mistakes. That’s the only way to learn and internalize these often-unwritten rules for running.

References

https://www.verywellfit.com/basic-running-etiquette-rules-2911705

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2019/05/4-rules-of-trail-etiquette/

https://www.vp-glasgow.com/rules/track-etiquette.html