Some Things to Consider for Race Day

When I was coaching my little FINS (Fitness, Image, Nutrition, Self-Esteem) Running club for 3rd-6th grade girls, Race Day was such a big deal because it was the first race for most of them.

If you’ve never experience a race day event, I’m going to try and prepare you as best as I can.

1. Packet Pick-Up – Very important to note the dates, times, and location. I much prefer NOT getting it the morning of (which is typically an option if necessary). But it’s so much nicer to have everything you need the night before and not have to worry about extra rushing in the morning.

2. Race Bib and/or Timing Chip.  You will likely need to safety pin the paper race bib to the front of your shirt. Pay attention if there are particular places on the bib where you are supposed to (or NOT supposed to put a pin).

Depending on how technologically savvy your race is, you may have a timing chip to lace through your shoes laces as well. If so, there should be pretty explicit instructions on how they want that done. Typically you use twist ties so someone can easily cut it off your shoe at the finish line.

Or nowadays, the chip is actually just a sticker on your bib. Technological advances are amazing!

3. Porta-potties. Unless you’re super lucky and there are public restrooms available nearby, it’s likely there will be porta-potties at your event. And — there’s always a line. I’m a “nervous pee-er” as my husband claims, so I go multiple times before the start. Just keep an eye on your watch and make sure you save enough time to get through the line.

4. Layers – As I mentioned earlier, it’s good to wear layers. But consider your options if you’re going to take off a coat/pants before the race begins. Do you have someone at the starting line to hold them for you? Are you ok taking your chances that they will still be there when you get back? (Is the starting line even near the finish line?)

My hands are often the coldest part of my body, so often times, instead of wearing gloves, I’ll just use an old pair of socks. That way, if my hands warm up midway through the race I don’t feel quite as guilty chucking them on the side of the road (or preferably into a trash can at a water stop).

5. Water stops. There will likely be one or two water stops on the course. If you’ve been doing your training runs without stopping for water, then you can do a 5K race without it as well. IF you are going to get water, remember a few things:

• Make eye contact with the person handing it to you so there’s less confusion.
• Sometimes they have sports drink (Gatorade) options as well as water. Make sure you know what you want and what you’re getting.
• KEEP MOVING. Do not stop in the middle of the line to drink.
• Consider the people behind you. Try to move to the side if you’re going to change your pace dramatically.
• Squeeze the cup at the top a bit so it doesn’t spill – plus, then you’ll have more of a funnel approach when you take your drink.
• If you don’t want to drink it all, it’s common for people to pour the rest on their head if it’s a really hot day.
• Thank the volunteers for being there.
• At least attempt to throw your cup in a trash can if provided.

6. Post-Race Awards Most races will have some sort of post-race awards ceremony, recognizing the top runners in various age groups. You never know how many people are in your same age bracket, so stick around and you might win a prize!

Plus, here’s a little tidbit that I didn’t really understand until many races in. Most races give out “Overall Top 3 Male/Female” awards, which then takes those individuals out of their specific age group competitions. (So if all of the Top 3 women runners were in their 30s, the 4th, 5th, and 6th place finishers in that age group would actually win the prizes for the Age 30-39 bracket.) Does that make sense? Not a huge deal, but something I was surprised by a couple of times.

There’s probably more…. What other questions do you have about a Race Day event?

Let me know if there’s something else you’re still wondering about…(Believe me, there’s no such thing as a dumb question!) I would much rather have you be confident going into race day than worried about some silly little detail.