RaceMT Race Day Etiquette
Runners often arrive at race events with many questions. This page is here to help you understand what happens at a RaceMT event and what is standard etiquette for all runners. If you have further questions after reading through this guide, please email us at info@racemt.com!
Registration
Register EARLY!!!! Please do NOT wait until the day of or even packet pickup day (typically the day before) to register. RaceMT is a small local operation run by all volunteers. Waiting to register until late puts undue stress on the system. We cannot guarantee you swag when you register late because we do not buy any more than what we know we need about three weeks out from the event. Medals are ordered even earlier than that. Race fees go up significantly as the event date nears. So, please REGISTER EARLY!! We do not cancel events based on weather. They WILL go on, rain, wind, snow, smoke, heat, or cold. A good approach to registration is to get registered as early as possible and use your registration as your incentive to train.
RaceMT has gone to online only registration.
Timing
RaceMT events electronically timed by Competitive Timing.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup is usually offered the afternoon prior to the race, as well as the morning of at the event site. Please arrive as early as possible.
Bib Numbers
- Bib’s go in FRONT! You do not cross the finish line running backwards (usually)! 🙂
- Ensure that your bib number is visible throughout the event.
- If you are layering clothing due to weather, put the bib # on the layer you are likely to be wearing when you cross. Some people wear them on their thigh, which is perfectly fine too.
- Pin only through the small holes on the bib.
Starting Line
Line up according to your ability. If you are fast, feel free to put your toes on the start line for your blast off. If you are not a fast runner, don’t crowd the start. Move toward the middle of the crowd. If you are walking… PLEASE line up at the back. Some people who run races are looking for a PR (personal record). They do not want to dodge walkers at the start.
Dogs
For everyone’s safety, please, no dogs on the course or at our event start/finish areas. Service Dogs are allowed. Loose dogs create hazards for runners on the course. People have been bitten by dogs at events. Good dogs have had skirmishes with other dogs at events resulting in injury to either the dogs and/or their owners. Irresponsible dog owners have created unsafe situations for others at events. In crowded, unfamiliar places, even well-mannered dogs can become unpredictable and protective of their owner. Unleashed, barking, or aggressive dogs create an unsafe atmosphere at the race.
Strollers
Feel free to bring your munchkins in their strollers. However, please line up at the back of the pack so that stroller-less runners don’t have to fight to get around you in the crush of the start line.
Ghost Runners
If you didn’t pay to run the event, please don’t run. Also we typically only have enough goodies on hand at the finish line for our paid runners.
Running your friend in if you’ve already finished
It is GREAT that you want to escort your friend across the finish line. But please.. EXIT the course just before the finish rather than crossing the line again.
Use another Runner’s Bib
If your friend cannot run the race and you take the bib, unless you make the correction with us prior to the event your friend will get the credit for the race. We need enough time to make the change.
Walking
RaceMT welcomes all levels of athletes. If you want to walk our events, please do!! You are more than welcome! We only ask that you be aware of the runners and not block their way. As stated above, start at the back of the pack. Move out of their way, to the right, if they do get behind you. If you are a runner taking a walk break, please move to the right as well so you’re not blocking runners behind you.
Finish Line
You’ve Finished! Yeah! Good job!! Go get yourself some water & snacks, enjoy your accomplishment. For safety, we have to keep the finish line area clear of congestion from runners and spectators. Make sure your family & friends are there to see you cross also stay out of the finish line area.
Skates, skateboards, bikes, scooters, etc.
Unless it’s the Tri, No wheels. If it is the Tri, only bikes are allowed.
