♠ Posted by Paul Naylor at 10:34 PM
After training for weeks leading up to a race, one of the worst feelings is getting to the race and not knowing what is going on. Many veteran runners will study a race before the day of the race, so they know what going to happen throughout the weekend.
Most of the race information is posted on their website and social media page. If you don’t see information that you’re looking for, you can always send in a question to the race director.
Here is some information that you would want to look up before the race:
Race fees: If you can, register for a race early. Most races have better prices for early registration. But if you can’t enter the race that day, knowing the fees will allow you to plan your budget.
Race start time: Most races start early in the morning, and knowing the start time will let you know when you need to be in bed the night before. There is not a more worse feeling than waking up after the race start time.
Parking: This can be tricky in some races, especially in bigger races. Get to know the parking for the event, and what times parking lots open. If you can, carpool with friends or family. Try to get to parking early to avoid traffic.
Packet pickup: This happens mostly at Race Expos days before the race. Your packet will consist of your race bib, race shirt and final instructions. You will also receive other race information and swag from sponsor companies.
For most races, packet pickup is only avail at the expos and not the morning of the race. So make sure you know this information, because if you cannot make it to the expo, then you can arrange someone to pick it up for you.
Course: Knowing the course is very important. This not only allows you where you are going, but also the elevation changes. Some might think that they’ll “just follow the other runners”, even though that is true and can work, its always better knowing the way yourself.
Water Aid stations: The page that has the course usually has the aid stations mapped out as well. Knowing how far the aid stations are from each other is something you can practice in training.
Provided energy: Along with water stations, energy gels may also be provided. If they are providing products that you are not familiar with, purchase a few and test them on your training runs. See how your body reacts to them. If your body does not digest them well, then may want plan carrying your own.
Starting line shuttles: Some races have you park at the finish line, and then shuttled up to the start line. This happens long before the start of the race. Make sure you know the time and place to board the shuttles to the start. These races will not allow runners to drive themselves to the start line if they missed the shuttle.
Spectator areas: Some races have designated areas for friends and family to cheer you on. Pass this information to them so that they will not run into race road blocks.
Gear bag storage: If the race shuttles you to the start line, then they allow for you to take a gear bag to place your belonging at the start line, such as clothes to keep you warm before the start. And this can be picked up at the finish line. See what their guidelines are for these gear bags.
Pace groups: Most races provide pacers for participants. See what pacers they have for the race, then you can look for them at the start line.
Race rules: Always look over the race rules, every race has them. These rules are in place for runner and spectator safely. Even if some of the rules seem silly, be sure to follow them anyway.
FAQ page: Most of your questions can be found on their FAQ page, these pages are usually compiled from the questions they receive. However, if you don’t see an answer you’re looking for, then you submit a question from their “Contact Us” page.
Pictures: Most races provide pictures from event photo companies. These companies usually charge for pictures. If its out of the budget to buy pictures, then let friends and family who are cheering for you take plenty of pictures.
These are the items I look for to get to know my race better. It’ll help you better prepare your race and have a far better experience.
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