Runners going off course

Posted on 05/22/2007 at 11:18:01 PM by David Patt

Runners turning in the wrong direction is one of the worst things that can happen in a race.  It's bad enough in a short race, but several hundred runners at the 30th Annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon ran an extra 2.7 miles this past weekend.

You can do your best to prevent this from occurring at your race by riding the course on race morning to ensure there are no unexpected barriers awaiting runners. 

Assign a car (ideally, a police car with flashing lights) or a bicycle as a lead vehicle and place another bicycle just ahead of the second pack of runners, since they often lose sight of the lead runner and may go off course.  Be sure that occupants of all lead vehicles are familiar with the course and know the correct location and direction of all turns.

Post visible directional signs and station informed course marshals at all turns on the course.  Place course maps in all runner packets and post enlarged maps in the registration and packet pickup area.

Some race directors will say it is the runners' responsibility to know the course.  Realistically, runners are in their racing "zone" and merely following the people in front of them.  Give them correct directions so they don't go off course.

Posted in Problems
1 Comment
Posted Jun 07, 2007 3:27 PM by Scott Ellison
I am the Race Director for the Byron Bank 5K in Byron Center Michigan. Last year we added a 1/2 mile Kid's Fun Run that circled our downtown business district. Two high school runners accepted the task of leading the youngsters through the course. Unfortunately, a Police Officer, on his own, decided to jump in at the start on his motorcycle and ride along with the kids. Unfortunately he decided to peel off the course about half way through and the kids followed him instead of following the high school runners. Needless to say, it was a train wreck, but fortunately we got them all back on the course and everyone took it in stride. This year, I will definitely make sure the Kids know who to follow!!

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