As June 29th approaches, the staff members at Kingsbrook
Animal Hospital are getting more and more excited about the upcoming Paws and
Claws 5K event. Whether you are running, walking or cheering in Baker Park
(Frederick, Maryland) that day, we want it to be a fun experience for everyone.
We will have both safety and etiquette suggestions to help with this. Here are
the racing etiquette guidelines we want to share. Happy racing!
Racing etiquette for
2-legged participants: (sited from Road Runners Club of America)
· Follow the rules of the race! – Generally,
headphones, cell phones, and jogging strollers are discouraged. Dogs usually
fall into this category as well, but not this one!!:)
· Come early and
come prepared. This is a shorter race compared to half and full marathons, but
using the facilities beforehand is never a bad idea. Have your identifying
information with you or on (like racing numbers or whatever the specific event
may have to show that you are a participant of the Paws and Claws 5K).
· Line up
according to how fast you plan to walk or run the event. Slower runners or walkers should move to the
back of the race pack. Runners and walkers with dogs who are also participating
should line up here as well, not only because they can be a trip hazard, but
because some people may be afraid of dogs and would rather not be too close. As
the group thins out and some start to fall behind, then you can move up
· Pay attention
to pre-race instructions. You should not be chatting on your phone or listening
to your music now! And those items should be in your car anyway! :) A map of
the course can be found on-line at the Frederick Animal Welfare League website
so you have an idea where you are going.
· If you drop
something during the race, it’s better to wait to pick it up after almost everyone
has passed.
· In late June,
the participants most likely won’t be wearing lots of layers! But if you have
an item of clothing that you want to shed as you warm up, tie it around your
waist instead of dropping it on the side of the road where it can become a trip
hazard.
· Do not block
runners coming up behind you by swerving needlessly back and forth across the
course.
· Run or walk no
more than two abreast. If you are walking in a group, stay to the back of the
pack and follow the two abreast rule.
· Bodily
functions are a fact of life during a race. If you need to spit, blow your nose
or throw-up, move to the side of the road and do it there. If nature calls, check for a port-a-potty, an
open business, or maybe even a kind neighbor along the course.
· Move to the
side if someone behind you says, “excuse me” or “on you’re left/right”. They are giving you a heads up that they are
attempting to pass and it is proper race etiquette to allow them to do so
without impeding their progress.
· If you need to
stop for any reason (tie your shoe, blow your nose, etc.) move off of the
course completely to do so.
· The course may
not be closed to traffic in some areas, if at all. It is important to PAY
ATTENTION to your surroundings! It is your responsibility to watch for oncoming
traffic!
· If aid stations
are available, approach them on the right, grab your fluid from the volunteers
or off the table and keep moving forward away from the station.
· If you have to
stop at the station, make sure to move off to the side so that you are not
blocking the race or any progress to the station itself.
· Throw your cup
down at your waist level and off to the right- close to an aid station when
possible.
· Say thank you
to any volunteers helping out!
· If you see a
participant in distress, try to report it to a race volunteer with a
description of the person and location if possible.
· Follow the
instructions of the race officials at the finish.
· Stay around to
cheer on the other participants and winners’ ceremony.
· Enjoy your race
and be proud of your accomplishment!!
Racing etiquette for four-legged participants: (sited from
Race Etiquette: Pooch to 5K)
· Start your walk/run at the back of the
group and move up as the group begins to thin out. Make sure to keep your dog
away from other runners, not only to prevent a tripping hazard, but some people
may actually be afraid of our canine companions and would rather not be too
close.
· If there are
drink stops, pull over either before or after instead of stopping right at the
table. This will allow you to get a drink for both you and your dog without
blocking race flow to the aid station.
· If it looks
like your dog needs to poop or pee, then move to the side of the road and off
the coarse to do so. Be sure to pick up
after them and dispose your bag in the nearest trashcan.
· Enjoy your race
with your dog and go at their pace! Be
proud of both of your accomplishments!
This is the first year for this event. While typically volunteers work these events,
there is always a race director or committee overseeing the race to assure that
everyone is safe and enjoys the experience.
If you have any ideas or concerns about the day please be sure to share
your thoughts in a positive and productive way.
Can’t wait to see you
there!
