Running a race for the first time - questions

[Anonymous]

How early before the race should I arrive? If my race is at 8am, is 7:30 ok?

What's in a "packet?" What do they contain? I'm supposed to pick it up a day ahead of time, or the morning of.

Where do I put my things while I'm running? I have a SPIbelt for basics - is there usually a place to put a small purse, or should I plan on carrying what I bring with me?

Any other tips for a race newbie?

[Anonymous]

Starting point for answering your questions is how big is the race and what's the distance?

My local neighborhood 5k, I could show up 30min before start, grab my race number and hit the starting line. Marine Corps marathon or another huge race (Komen 5K), be there at least 1hr before, and even earlier if you need to get your packet. You have to account for parking, standing in line for the porta-potties, bag check if you want to not have to carry things with you.

Check the race website for details on whether there is a "bag check". This is the spot where you can leave your keys, any additional clothing, what-have-you that you don't want to carry during the race.

Your race packet contains at a minimum your race bib (the number) and your timing chip (which sometimes goes on your shoe, sometimes on your ankle, and sometimes these days is built right into the race bib). Usually there will be some safety pins for attaching your race bib, but maybe bring 3 or 4 just in case. Depending on the race there might also be flyers for other races or for sponsors, maybe your t-shirt or other schwag from the race.

Race bib goes on the front of your shirt/shorts.

Race tips. Have fun! Don't look down at your watch at the finish line - smile for the camera instead! Pace yourself, don't sprint out the first mile only to die at the end. Place yourself appropriately at the starting line. If you're a 10 or 12min/miler (like me), be towards the back of the pack, not at the very front with the 6min milers.

[Anonymous]

I also have never run before and wondering if device such as ipod or smartphone for music is not allowed during the race. I haven't seen people running with music on marathon photos. Is it not allowed in big race?

[Anonymous]

Are you running with a friend? I just ran my first race in 10 years last weekend and well, it was kinda boring. Everyone else was very friendly, but I would have like a friend or two. It was a local/small race and I told people it was my first in 10 years, and they were nice and gave me tips.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I also have never run before and wondering if device such as ipod or smartphone for music is not allowed during the race. I haven't seen people running with music on marathon photos. Is it not allowed in big race?

It depends on the race. What I mostly see is something saying the use of headphones is discouraged for safety reasons, but they are not forbidden. Check the race's website, if there is one. Races that forbid headphones seem to be very upfront about it. You can always bring your music and then check it or carry it without listening to it if you show up and find out it's against the rules.

[Anonymous]

Immediate pp here. I should also add, I've seen headphones worn at all of the races I've run - from 5ks to marathons.

[Anonymous]

Check the race's website (if they have one). Many will state whether headphones are permitted.

Small races don't usually have bag checks. Are you not driving to the race?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replies. It's a 5k (roughly 2,000 runners). I'll be taking public transportation. Family might come, but it'll probably be just me.

[Anonymous]

How early before the race should I arrive? If my race is at 8am, is 7:30 ok? Yes- that will be fine

What's in a "packet?" What do they contain? I'm supposed to pick it up a day ahead of time, or the morning of.
Pick it up ahead of time, or plan on arriving a little earlier -- if you pick it up the day of, you won't have a place to store the stuff in it.

Where do I put my things while I'm running? I have a SPIbelt for basics - is there usually a place to put a small purse, or should I plan on carrying what I bring with me?
I wouldn't bring more than you can carry in the SPIbelt - phone, house keys, metro card and $20. Bag check can be a pain and adds time on the beginning and end of the race.

Any other tips for a race newbie?

[Anonymous]

7:30 is ok for a smaller race where you know parking (or metro) will be available, but if the weather is nice, you might want to give yourself closer to an hour. You'll be standing in line for bag check and the porta potty lines always take longer than I think they will.

Most races will say on their site if you'll get a clear bag at packet pickup. That bag can be used to hold your stuff. The packet will generally include your race #, a timing chip if it's using them, a race shirt and some promotional stuff like flyers. Occasionally there's food items in there. You might want to bring a sharpie and 4 safety pins. The pins are for pinning your number on your shirt, and they will usually have them, but occasionally they don't. The Sharpie is for writing your race # on your bag. they usually have those too, but if you have your own, it saves you stress.

What to bring: sweats or some other warm layer to wear over your running clothes while you're waiting. (then check it right before you line up at the start.) Also, I would bring an extra shirt for afterward (preferably long-sleeve if it's even remotely chilly) to change into if you're going to be standing around after the race - you get cold quickly in a wet, sweaty outfit. And maybe fresh socks.

I would NOT leave valuables in your checked bag, just in case they get lost or stolen. My water bottle holster has a pocket for my key, metro card and some cash. (Bring ID if it's a race that serves beer afterward. VERY important. lol.)

Headphones are a personal preference. I tend not to use music at races - I like to be in the moment.

Good luck!! Also, remember not to eat or drink anything unfamiliar on race morning. If you haven't used GU, Gatorade, or whatever, don't try it. Don't eat a huge breakfast if you usually don't. Don't drink caffeine beforehand if you usually don't. (it can make you pee more.)

[Anonymous]

Also, don't wear anything new. You don't want to find out a shirt itches, or socks ride down, etc. while you're racing.

[Anonymous]

FYI - bring a trash bag to wear. You cannot believe how cold you will be on early weekend morning when you are standing around, and can throw out the bag out before the race starts.