Do you have the best support team?

Almost every runner has their own support team. I don’t mean a coach, physio, massage therapist and nutritionist, though they may all play a role in some runners’ training, but rather I mean the friends or family members that toe the sidelines to cheer as you run by. Here are some tips so that runners and spectators alike have the best race experience possible.

1) Check out the weather the night before.

Both of you should be thoughtful about what you’re going to wear. For runners, layering with clothing that you don’t mind discarding once you warm up is a good idea (most races will collect this clothing and donate it afterwards). Spectators should also layer up and be mindful of the fact that they won’t be warming up as much. If runners don’t want to throw away an item of clothing, tossing them to a supporting spectator is a good way to go.

2) Pick a spot

Look at the course map together and decide where the spectator will be located. This way, the runner will know when to start looking for that friendly face.

3) Discuss goal times and paces

As a runner, be honest with your spectator about what your goal time is (and what your likely time is). Help them to figure out how long after the start you will be running by their location. They will be seeing lots of people go by and it is helpful for them to have a window of time when they should be on high alert.

4) Coordinate outfits

No, this doesn’t mean you have to wear the same thing (but shirts that say “GO _____!” would be pretty cool). Make sure that you know what your spectator will be wearing and they know what you’ll be wearing. Rather than getting lost in a sea of race shirts, pick something distinctive that will catch their eye.

5) Get a free race photo

Races make a tidy profit off those watermarked photos that appear in your inbox a week after the race. Rather than spend the money, get your spectator to snap your very own race photo. They probably know your best angles anyways.

6) Bring the party

Music is a huge motivator for racers during events and many race directors are now incorporating live or recorded music into their courses. Spectators that aren’t located near a designated music area can bring some life to that section of the course by themselves with portable speakers. Chances are, this will get them mingling with other spectators too, in true race spirit.

7) Signage

Come on, who doesn’t love the distraction of those hilarious race signs?

8) Create your own fuel station

As long as you’re not an elite, it’s fine for you to be handed a sports drink or gel from a spectator. So, if you don’t want to carry your fuel and don’t like what is being served on the course, this is a good option.

9) Cheer for others

When I think of my own racing experiences, some of the best support I received was from complete strangers. The fact that they were offering encouragement without knowing me at all somehow made it that much better. So spectators, if someone looks like they’re in need of a boost (or looks like their form is fantastic), let them know.

10) Take turns

No one should ever be forever the spectator. If you’ve done sideline duty for a friend, then next time it’s their turn to support you. Not a runner? It’s never too late to start.

Always remember to say thanks to those that show up to cheer for you. In fact, you can tag them below to show that you appreciate them.