Important Race Etiquette

If you are running or walking your first race or your 1,000th it is important to remember that you are not alone when taking part in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. In order to enhance the experience for everyone involved please consider obeying these rules for the road:

Preparing for the Start

• Pay attention to the pre-race instructions. What you hear will not only help guide you through the course but will also keep you safe.
• Pin your race number on the front of your shirt. This is where it is most visible for race officials. This allows the official race photographers to be able to identify you after the event.
• Attach your timing chip to your shoe. Having the timing chip attached to your shoe is the only way you will be able to receive a time. If you put it in the pocket of your shorts the timing mats won’t be able to read it. And, if it is in your car then you won’t get a time.

During the Run/Walk

• Have fun and enjoy yourself.
• Run or walk no more than two abreast. Other runners will want to get by you. If you are walking in a group, stay in the back of the pack.
• If you are getting water or POWERade at an aid station, move to the side of the road to grab water from a volunteer, and keep moving. If you want to stop and drink, move to the side of the road, out of the way of other runners after the aid station. If there's a trash receptacle, by all means use it. If not, don't go too far with your cup. The race volunteers will be collecting the cups and will appreciate not having to go on an extended "litter patrol."
• Even those of us who perspire instead of sweat may have to deal with bodily functions during the race. If you need to spit, move to the side of the road and do it there; same goes for throwing up. If nature calls, pull off the course and check for a port-a-potty or kind homeowner.
• If you need to tie your shoe, or stop for any reason, please move to the side of the road. People coming up behind you are still moving and if you stop in front of them, the scene is set for a collision.
• Feel free to shout words of encouragement to other runners. The other runners will appreciate your cheers.
• Pay attention to what is going on around you during the race. Just as in real life, expect the unexpected. Think loose dogs, lost kids, low branches, and looming potholes.

Approaching the Finish

• Please don't allow your non-registered friends and relatives to run with you in a race. They would be taking water and POWERade from the later registered runners. They can cheer you on from the side of the road. 
• Remember to tell your friends and family NOT to cross the finish line with you. He/she should move off the racecourse before the finish line.
• Once you have crossed the finish line, don't stop suddenly or the runner behind you might run into you. Keep moving and the volunteers will assist you with your chip removal.
• Enjoy the post-race refreshments, but remember don’t be a piggy others want to enjoy the goodies too. Moderation is the key so there's food for the last people finishing the race. Post race food is to help you recover from the run not to stock your kitchen cupboards.

Finish Line

• Upon crossing the Finish Line, a volunteer will be on hand to help remove your timing chip. For the safety of all participants, we ask that you then move to the end of the finish line corral and exit the finish line area immediately. From there, you may follow the signs to the Post Race Food tents.
• Upon exiting the Finish Line Corral, there will be an area to meet your family and friends. Just tell them to meet under the sign listing the letter of the alphabet that corresponds to the 10K participant’s last name.
  

Updated on 03/31/2008