You can't get more free than running, right? Or is there a code of conduct that every self-respecting runner should abide by? Strong opinions welcome!
Running etiquette?: You can't get more free than... - Couch to 5K
Running etiquette?
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TheEditor
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30 Replies
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IrishprincessGraduate
At the least, acknowledge another runner. Even better, smile!
Don't sleep with another runner's wife while he's out doing a distance run.
Yeah - sorry about that...
in reply to Runon
You as well, she was busy that day!
Lol
swanscotGraduate
Acknowledge other runners* - say "Good day", "Hi" or a the very least nod your head. *When running in rural spots acknowledge EVERYONE (it's what we country folks do!) ; this includes walkers, cyclists , farmers, foresters, the postie...
Share the road/pavement/path. When another runner is coming from the opposite direction and seems to be on the same side of the path as you, just move over.
Feel free to use snot rockets or cough up yucky stuff, but aim to the side of the path.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The following are more 'common sense' than etiquette:
When you're running on the road, run on the right side.
Assume all car drivers are not paying attention to the road and don't see you, so be prepared to take evasive action
When running on roads in dim light, wear bright clothing
When running in the dark, wear reflective clothing and a light
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Trail running etiquette has additional guidelines
Give right of way to anyone who is slower than you, ie the faster person should always be yielding. That means bikes yield to runners, runners yield to walkers. Except horses. Horses *always* have the right of way.
Stay on the path - no matter how wet and muddy. If you go off the path you cause erosion of the vegetation
Leave nothing but footprints
BeekGraduate
All dog owners who say 'It's only being friendly, love' when their mutt starts jumping in your face MUST be shot at dawn! Apart from that common courtesy is all that's needed!
in reply to Beek
I'm trying to stop her!!
EjbirdyGraduate
If you're strolling and someone is running up behind you - get out of their way ! They're in the zone , you're not 
Just a personal gripe !!
Totally agree, even more annoying when they are two abreast facing you taking up the entire path and won't shift!
Oh that too ! Yes v.frustrating 
But that's not as bad as fishermen taking up the whole path
in reply to Lovefood1984
...and why do occasional path users look askance at you. Almost as if THEY have a God given right to be there on that day, and you, who use the route almost every day, don't.
Grrrrrr
.......And the runner should indicate their impending presence so as not to startle the pedestrian
Every time I call "Hello" or "Morning" or whatever, when coming up behind a walker when I'm running or cycling on the single track roads, I manage to startle them. Every. Single. Time. I've not managed to perfect the right volume:distance ratio to simply alert someone without making them jump!
Miles_YonderGraduate
Always always always acknowledge and thank anyone who gives way/moves over/does something else nice.
When running very early in the morning or late at night or in desolate areas, give pedestrians a wide berth and make a bit of noise to alert them to one's presence. Absolutely hate making passers-by nervous/jumpy by running behind them in the dark at four in the morning. Been known to cross the road before now when someone in front of me looks clearly perturbed.
In races, leave the music at home. Music for training, silence for racing, in my view. This comes from being a marshal and trying to give instruction to someone with headphones in who was paying no attention at all to what I was trying to relay. Or at the very least, be aware with headphones in!
Also at races or Parkruns, thank/greet the marshals!
In races, if you've an abundance of sweets and/or water you know you don't need, share with someone who has none but quite clearly needs something to avoid first aid!
In races, well, anywhere really but particularly races, do a quick shoulder check before changing direction!
And on a similar note, don't come to an abrupt halt on the finish line!
When marshalling: be interested and supportive. Avoid clichés. If the runner you're addressing has their name about their outfit, use it when addressing them.
I'm sure there's more....
interesting point about the headphones on races, there Miles. I have seen races where the rules state that runners will be disqualified for wearing headphones/ipods etc. Never bothered me as I don't run with headphones ever anyway, but I had been puzzled as to why. Now I know, and it makes perfect sense.
Every day a schoolday, as they say.
in reply to Rignold
Certainly professionals aren't allowed to wear them. Most of the races I've entered say they are "discouraged" but if worn must be worn "in such a manner as to ensure that you can still hear instructions from marshals and hear traffic and other runners".... breach of that is grounds for disqualification...
I am close to losing the headphones but for races I only wear them in one ear so I can hear the marshals and runners coming up behind me with the "on the right", "on the left" courtesy shout out that they're overtaking...
spoonierunningGraduate
Acknowledge other runners, even if it's just a nod and a smile, always thank anyone that gives way to you, always give way to someone faster than you.
If you run with a dog like me and you see another runner call dog back and pop on lead and stand to one side while they pass - not everyone likes dogs - wish more walkers would do this it's very worrying running through a wood and have a big dog run at you or indeed a canal tow path were your only option of escape is the canal.
poppypugGraduate
If you see me runnning, please do not stop me to ask for directions to the nearest shop/garage/pub cos if I stop , I find it very difficult to get going again 
xxx
A smile; a nod; a wave ~ it's all it takes for other runners, walkers, cyclists...in fact all others. For goodness sake, I even shout a cheery 'good morning' to the sheep, cattle and ponies!
If you are coming up behind someone, move over if you have room, and shout 'passing to left/right' in plenty of time.
Always, always assume that drivers are really, really stupid, and you will rarely be proved wrong ~ yes, I do drive as well.
BeekGraduate
This has been a great thread! Thanks Sallycycle.
Clearly all everyone needs to do - runners , dogwalkers, cyclists, walkers - we all simply need to use the polite little niceties which oil the wheels of communication, respect and feeling good. And a pleasant smile is free! Uses fewer muscles, they tell me, but free!
Tattoojunkie30Graduate
People with dogs...DO NOT have them off the leash as having a dog running towards you scares the living c**p outta runners. Oh and if you see a runner MOVE yourself and your dog outta the way, the pavement is not yours alone and there is no reason that you and your dog need to take up a 3 person pavement.
DO NOT think it's acceptable to stop a runner mid run to ask directions.....that is extremely rude and will get you a gobful as most likely they're timing themselves and you have not only ruined the timing, but their pace and zone.
Always thank anybody who does shift over or hold their dog outta the way.
Little wave to any other runner coming towards you, as some of us don't have the breath to yell hello! Lol xxxx
If you're running early in the morning and closing up on a pedestrian from behind then give them a wide berth if they haven't spotted you and just yell morning as you pass them even if you don't have the breath it will reassure them you're not some psycho.
And dear god CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR DOG.....sick to death of having to dodge dog poo when trying to run.
SlookieGraduate
In support of those who don't move out of the way while we jog up behind them ... just accept there is no hope. I ride up behind people strolling along and they don't even hear a hoss clopping behind them with hobnail boots so no hope for joggers. A design fault I think. Hoomans have ears wot seem to point forwards. Perhaps in a million years or so we will have developed the swivel ear to detect heavy breathing from the rear before it startles.
BUT I was jogging behind an even slower jogger the other day and I felt sure my breathing could be heard 10 miles away, but I managed to get alongside before fellow-jogger was startled. Yay!
Totally agree about keeping dogs on lead when you see a jogger. However, if I am not quick enough (see swivel ears above) and the dog sees you before I do, please accept my apology gracefully (he won't bite).
millwalki8Graduate
Shout at idiots who think wearing a hi-viz vest on a bike is OK and therefore dont need lights!! (on the pavement) 
And high 5 other runner (High 6 in Norfolk )
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