Spectator Tips for Fall Marathon Season
A lot of us are training right now to peak for a fall marathon. For some family members, it’s tough to know how to show support on race day, especially when an athlete can be irritable and on edge about the approaching race. Here is my advice on how to be a supportive spectator.
Before the Race
Make sure that your camera, batteries, film, or memory cards are ready to go for race morning. You would not want to miss taking an award-winning shot of your athlete during the big event.
Decide where you are going to cheer for your athlete. Check out the course maps ahead of time and make sure that you are aware of any street closures that could prevent you from getting to certain locations or that could cause delays. Decide where you are going to be before race morning. It can be a great pick-me-up for your athlete to know you’ll be cheering at mile 10 or 15. Determine when your athlete should reach each spot along the race course so you know when to be there.
Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks, and anything else that you might need during the race. Even though you’re not running, biking or swimming, that doesn’t mean that you won’t get hungry or thirsty.
Create any signs, posters, hats, t-shirts, etc. that you want to use to help you cheer for your athlete.
During the Race
At many races, spectators bring chalk so they can write good luck messages on the street. You can write a runner’s name and bib number, along with words like “Good luck!” and “Stay Strong!” If you do this, remember to buy washable chalk. Don’t use anything permanent.
Cheering is always helpful. Unfortunately, many of the things that spectators yell out to runners are annoying. Imagine struggling through 20 tough miles of a marathon, only to have people yell out, “You’re almost finished!” or “It’s just around the corner!” While these uplifting phrases may seem helpful, trust me. They are not. Instead, try yelling words of encouragement like, “Way to go!”, “Looking good!”, “Great job!”, or the simple “Woohoo! Yippee!” During long races, some runners will write their name on their shirt for spectators to yell. Also, you can always try something creative or funny, like “Look at those hot legs!”
Clapping and whistling are encouraging and uplifting for runners’ sagging spirits. Some spectators will give runners high fives and others will bring noisemakers. Don’t be upset if runners and triathletes don’t always respond well to your cheering. During long events, athletes can push through an extreme range of emotions and mental states. Some athletes will wave, smile, and give you a high five, while others will ignore you.
Remember to be safe by staying off the course. If you need to cross the street, wait until the course is completely clear. Also, remember to pay attention to the commands of volunteers. They are trying to keep the athletes safe.
After the Race
Meet at a predetermined location. Make sure that you pick a post-race location before the event. At events with a lot of participants, the finish areas can be very crowded with thousands of finishers all searching for their families.
Once you find each other, offer your athlete a big hug, along with a dry shirt or jacket. It feels good to have something clean and dry to wear after the race.
Don’t forget to do something nice for yourself, too. You have survived the stress of navigating the course and scanning herds of runners. You deserve a treat too!
Happy trails!
Derek