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What Do Race Spectators Need to Know?

Whether you’re part of an enormous crowd or the lone cowbeller at a small event, you’re making a difference.

Sandie asks: What do you think race spectators should know?

First and foremost, spectators should know how much they mean to runners. After big races, you always hear runners say that “the crowds were awesome” and “I couldn’t believe all the spectators along the course”. Just because many runners may not acknowledge spectators – especially in the later stages of a race – doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate you.

There’s no other sport where spectators can have such a huge impact on performance. When I was running Boston with everyone else, I always picked up the pace a bit whenever I hit key pockets of screaming fans. If we put timing mats at the beginning and end of this stretch, I’m sure we’d see just about everyone hitting their fastest paces of the day thanks to the immense crowd support.

Spectators can also help more directly: Take, for instance, the 2012 Boston Marathon, when it was close to 32  degrees Celsius throughout the race. Spectators came out with water, ice, cold clothes, spray hoses, and even icy poles to help cool down the runners – and it worked! Many runners said post-race that the spectators did the most to keep them safe and moving forward through the finish.

If you’re new to spectating, think of what you might like to hear (or not hear) at any given point in a race. Experienced spectators know not to say “you’re looking good” at the 35th kilometre of a marathon, as none of us are really looking too chipper at that point in a race – ha! Or, they know not to say “you’re almost done” when there are still six kilometres to go – that is still a long way when you’ve already slogged through 35 kilometres.

The power of the spectators cannot be underestimated. Although they may be there to cheer on a family member or friend in the race, they end up cheering for everyone. The least we runners can do is to thank them as we run by, high-five them, or at least flash them a friendly smile if you can muster one up. Acknowledging the spectators helps them know they’re making a difference, and the gesture can actually help you feel a little better, at least for a moment!

 

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