I love race day. Whether I am running, or not, there is an atmosphere of inspiration, accomplishment, and excitement that accompanies race day that I just cannot get enough of. Maybe that is why I have run so many races in my life. That and the challenge of crossing another finish line for a better time or to check off a specific distance.

As a new runner or racer, you have plenty to worry about on race day just in terms of the actual running and that should be your main focus especially if you are aiming for a certain time. However, you should also allow yourself to enjoy the race day experience as much as you possibly can. That being said, there are a few things you should expect on race day. There are the things that no one really tells you about and might be a bit surprising when you go into it so focused on the race itself.

Do not forget to get your 10k and Half Marathon Training Plan to help you cross that finish line feeling strong and ready for more!

1. There will be seemingly pointless milling around. About an hour before the official start time, runners will be showing up, registering, warming up, meeting with friends, and generally just milling around while they wait to line up. It is organized chaos and the announcer will give you time warnings so you do not have to worry about missing your race. Just enjoy the people watching and remember to do your own thing in terms of warming up and stretching. Do not get caught up in what everyone else is doing to prepare for the start line.

2. There will not be anywhere to put your stuff (unless it is a big race). The vast majority of community 5k’s, 10k’s, and some half marathons, do not have the bag drop situation that most big races do. This means, you should only have what you are comfortable carrying for the entire race and leave everything else in your car, or with a friend who came to watch. If you are picking up your race bib that morning, you might be making a second trip back to your car to drop it off, so factor in a bit of extra time to make sure you can do that.

3. Lining up can take some time. Once the announcer calls everyone to line up in the start chute, it could still be another 5-10 (or more) minutes before the gun goes off and the race officially begins. Often times the National Anthem is sung, announcements are made, the course route is verbalized, and other general waiting around takes place. Be patient. The start will come and do not stress about any warming up you did now that you are standing still. You have trained for this and your body knows what to do. It might takes a few steps to find your stride and settle in to your pace, but it will happen.

4. Chances are you will not have a pacer. Many big races, especially half marathons and full marathons, have pacers that hold signs with the time they plan to finish in and runners line themselves up accordingly. Community races more often than not do not have this. Just know that it is totally ok if you are near the very end of the long line of runners as in most races, your time does not start until you cross the timing mat. If you do find yourself in a race with a pacer, you can work to stick with the pacer of your choice. I do recommend you pace yourself as well though with your own watch as some pacer finish faster than expected and you might not be prepared to maintain that pace for that long.

5. There will be walkers and some runners will be annoyed. I am all for walking during a race as you need to do whatever it takes to get across the finish line. I walked during my first two marathons and at a few half marathons. If you need to walk at any point during your race, stick to the side so runners can pass and try your best to get to the side of the path before you start walking so no one behind you runs into you. I have heard some untoward words as runners just about slam into someone who stops to walk in the middle of the road.

Note that most walkers should line up towards the back of the start line to let the faster movers get going. This also opens up more room for you to walk where, how, and when you want!

6. Aid Stations get busy. Typically there will be a water stop every 1.5 or 2 miles regardless of your race distance, with ultras being the exception. These aid stations gets super busy with people taking a short break to guzzle some water, open a GU, or stretch out near the curb. If you do not plan to stop because you are carrying your own water, move to the other side of the road (or go down the middle if they are on both sides). If you do plan to stop, do not hog the space in front of the water table. The people behind you are thirsty too!

7. The finish line is generally confusing. Apart from an organized finish chute, or “funnel”, once you cross the line there is really no one guiding you on where to go or what to do. Big races will have people bestowing you with your medal, while community races will leave you to your own devices. Make a plan ahead of time for where you will meet any friends or family who came to cheer you on. Yes, you will probably have your phone with you, but just in case something happens to it while you are running, setting a plan ahead of time can take a bit of stress out of the finish line chaos.

8. Grab some food before you collapse. Your brain might be scrambled, your heart might be full of joy, but go grab some food from the finish line table before you cramp up or sit down. The lines can get fairly long and some races run out, so even if you do not eat it right away, you will have it for when you are ready.

9. You can leave whenever you want. Unless you placed in your age group and they are giving awards for it, you are free to head home whenever you want after you finish. You do not have to check out with anyone, so when you are ready, head home and enjoy the post race endorphins!

10. Official race results will be posted online or near the finish line. If you want to know your official time and place, you can check the race organizers website later in the day. Some races also post a printed list, or a rolling screen of results, near the finish line and timing tent.

Ready to get running and tackle that finish line? Get your 10k and Half Marathon Training Plan here! This training plan combines interval workouts, runner-specific strength workouts, and core stability focused days to ensure you cross that finish line feeling strong and ready for more.

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.