Racing Procedures - Start to Finish

Many of us have raced for years and take for granted what we do at races, however some have not, and may be about to take part in their first ever race.

Do you know what you need to do in order to complete your first race successfully.

Start of the event
Line up early enough for the event, this is usually advised in race documents for large events, otherwise follow instructions given on the day.

Line up in a sensible position for your ability, if not you will hamper others, and be likely to get carried along at a faster pace than you should be running at, this will make you suffer later in the race.

During the event
Always follow police and marshals instructions, they are there to ensure you run the correct route, and for your safety. You can not hear their instructions if you have an ipod or similar playing in your ears, and so you should not use one.

Finishing the event
Most races do not use timing chips, and so you should assume to perform the following. When you cross the finish line, still in finishing order whilst you walk through the funnel. Whilst your time was recorded when you crossed the line, your running number will only be recorded when you reach the end of the funnel, and so if people pass each other in the funnel, then their results will be incorrect. Running numbers and times are matched together afterwards, this is something most runners dont realise.

Keep moving through the funnel, do not stop, remember others are finishing behind you, think of the M25 when cars stop, it causes chaos and everything comes to a standstill. You will only be given your finishing memento/medal after exiting the end of the funnel.

Clear the exit area as soon as possible to keep the area clear for others exiting the funnel after you.

If you do not stay in order, or exit the funnel correctly, then your result will either not be recorded correctly, or not be recorded at all.

Supporting others
You should certainly support others that are still running after you have finished. Please ensure that if you go back after finishing, to support and run in with another runner, that under no circumstances should you run through the finish line a second time with them. Doing this will cause a delay in the results, and all finishers times to be incorrect after you run through a second time. We would suggest you also remove your number if you go out on the course to support others afterwards.

Good News
Once you have raced a couple of times, it becomes second nature, as if you have always raced.