Race Etiquette

People attend our race for many reasons, to compete at top level, to enjoy a run with others or to undertake a personal fitness challenge. All of you runners are welcome and we encourage you to do your best and enjoy the event. However for the event to function smoothly, there are some rules and guidelines that should be followed.

Firstly, the race is run under UK Athletics Rules and is a bona fide Athletics event. Entrants must be at least 15 years old on the day of the race. Be realistic about your expected finish time and line up accordingly, there will be pace boards at the start.

As per UK Athletics rules, due to the fact this event is not a fully closed-road event and we run on single carriageway roads with no pavement, the wearing of headphones is prohibited.

It may be useful for first time Racers (and some old timers) to get some tips on how to act during a race…

At The Starting Line

  • Line up according to how fast you plan to run or walk. Slower runners and walkers should move to the back of the group.
  • Pay attention to the pre-race instructions. What you hear will not only help guide you through the course but will also keep you safe. Examples are: stay on the left side of the road, or stay inside the traffic cones, or watch the course marshals (they control traffic to make your race a safe experience) for which way to go at road junctions
  • Pin your race number on the front of your shirt. This is where it is most visible for race officials. We can’t tell who you are in results and photos if it is covered by your tracksuit top, it’s pinned to the back of your shirt or generally not in easy view.
  • Attach your race chip to your trainer.
  • If you drop something just as the race starts, don’t stop and pick it up. You’ll endanger yourself and others. Trust that a race official will get it, or move to the side and wait until everyone has crossed the starting line and then retrieve it.

You’re Off!

  • Pay attention to what is going on around you during the race. Just as in real life, expect the unexpected. Think loose dogs, lost kids, low branches, and looming potholes. There are no road closures on the course so we have to share the roads with other cars/bikes/pedestrians. Though most drivers are fine, there are those who resent you blocking their important trip to the supermarket or DIY store by 10 seconds and will cut you up, swerve in front of you and generally behave like idiots. Ignore them and keep safe, it’s not worth a violent exchange and if karma has anything to do with it, they will get mouldy mushrooms in their shopping or a terrible shade of paint…
  • If you are stopping at the 5k water station, move all the way over to the table, grab water, and move away from the table so others may get water too.Run no more than two abreast. Other runners will want to get by you. If you are running slowly or walking in a group, stay in the back of the pack.
  • If you want to stop and drink, move to the side of the road, out of the way of other runners. If there’s a rubbish bin, by all means use it. If not, don’t go too far with your cup. The race volunteers will be collecting the cups and will appreciate not having to go on an extended “litter patrol”.
  • Even those of us who perspire instead of sweat may have to deal with bodily functions during the race. If you need to spit, move to the side of the road and do it there; same goes for throwing up. If nature calls, pull off the course and check for a public loo or kind homeowner, or, as a last resort, a discreet clump of bushes.
  • Move to the side if someone behind you says; “Track” “Excuse Me” or “Coming through!” Yes, you are about to be passed and the person behind you is giving you a heads up. It’s proper race etiquette to let that person through.
  • If you need to tie your shoe, or stop for any reason, please move to the side of the road. People coming up behind you are still moving and if you stop in front of them, the scene is set for a collision.
  • Feel free to shout words of encouragement to other runners. The other runners will appreciate your cheers.

Approaching The Finish

  • Make sure your race number is clearly visible!
  • We don’t allow your non-registered friends and relatives to run with you in a race. No one who hasn’t officially entered the race should cross the finish line.
  • Follow the instructions of the race officials at the finish line.
  • You must have the chip on your trainer removed after the race.

After You Have Finished

  • Don’t run back through the finish line! EVER!
  • Get a drink of water to rehydrate
  • Get warm clothes on BEFORE you get cold.
  • Collect your momento.

8am, 11th February 2024 Chessington, Greater London