The Bellin Run Beginner’s Guide to Running Etiquette

May 30, 2014

The 38th annual Bellin Run is open to anyone who wishes to trek 6.2 miles. It’s welcoming of all ability levels – from elite athletes to casual runners and walkers – and caters to both the youthful and not so youthful.

Last year’s event drew 20,000 registrants, a record number. This year could draw even more participants. That’s why Bellin Run organizers say they are encouraging runners and walkers alike to practice common sense safety measures and be courteous to ensure their personal well-being and the well-being of their fellow Bellin Run participants.

This year’s race is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, June 14.

“We’re all excited to participate in this yearly event and I’m sure everyone wants to have a positive experience,” said executive race director Randy Van Straten. “If we each do our part, we can ensure that we and others around us have the pleasant, memorable and fulfilling experience that we expect at the Bellin Run each year.”

Here are a few tips to help ensure a positive experience at the 38th annual Bellin Run:
• Arrive early on race day. You’ll be headed to the Bellin Run at the same time as a few thousand other folks. Plan some extra time for traffic, parking, shuttle lines and pre-race preparation. Try and get to the race a good hour before it starts.
• Be honest when providing your estimated finish time. Doing so allows organizers to properly group you in a corral best-suited for your running pace.
• Don’t participate in the race if you’re not an official registrant. It’s just tacky. Besides, runners that are not registered take away from race resources and course support that registered runners have paid for and are expecting.
• Running with a group? Don’t block the course. Try staying single file if you can. Running shoulder-to-shoulder makes it tough for faster runners to pass you.
• Don’t have your music too loud to hear course officials or other participants.
• Don’t throw your extra clothing on the course path. Toss those unwanted layers way off to the side so that your fellow runners have a clear road behind you.
• Don’t drop your water cups, gel packs and other trash on the course. Be courteous and leave a clear, clean path for runners and walkers behind you.
• Look around you before you spit or sneeze. If you really need to spit, do so way off to the side and way out of the path of others. Be courteous.
• Don’t come to a dead stop or suddenly start walking in the middle of runner traffic. If you need to stop on the course, head to the side of the road. Don’t get trampled by those coming behind you.
• Don’t suddenly change directions or cut off other runners. That’s such a rookie move. Glance around you before switching directions or pulling off the course.
• Keep moving once you cross the finish. Up to 20,000 runners are expected to cross the finish line and immediately seek water and refreshments. Grab what you need and keep moving.
• Do have fun. Enjoy your Bellin Run experience. It comes once per year. Make the most out of your training, your race day experience and the post-race events. Most of all, have fun.