Signs rock

The thing about being a race spectator is that most of us don’t do it because we’re busy participating in races. It can be a great way to stay involved if you are injured, training for something else, or just not able to fit training into your everyday life. If you’ve ever been in a race or endurance event of any kind, then you know how much crowd support makes a difference.

With that in mind, here are some tips for being an awesome race spectator.

Race Spectator Tips

Make a sign.

This is probably the best part of being a race spectator because you can go in any direction. There’s the classic rooting for a friend approach like, “Go Heather! Run like you’re running from Frank in accounting!” You can pick a quote or saying that might be particularly inspirational: “EAT LIGHTNING, CRAP THUNDER!” Or you can be like one comedian I saw, who had a straight face the entire time and held a bright sign that simply read, “Don’t poop your pants.” That was at my first race and it terrified me because I didn’t know that pooping your pants was a thing that could happen. In any event, be creative. Get the markers, glitter, foam board or poster board, and put some thought into what to say.

Put together your outfit.

This tip is practical and intended to encourage pieces of flair. You want to make sure that you’re dressed warm or cool enough for the elements. Remember that people are going to keep going with the race even if it rains, and you want to be comfortable enough to keep cheering. Checking the forecast and preparing for bad weather (as well as wearing comfortable shoes) are good ideas. Then you can think about what to wear that will get people’s attention and distract them, if only for a second, from the fact that they probably feel like their legs are going to fall off. I suggest a wig, extra cool hat, or pretty much anything silly. They like it!

Be an accurate shouter.

No one is worse than the guy who over-optimistically tells you that you’re “almost there.” DON’T LIE! If it’s three miles out, in the scenario of something like a marathon, that is kind of “almost there,” but you don’t want to say that they’re almost done until you are in the last mile. Otherwise, the people participating will hate you. If you really can’t avoid being overly optimistic about how much farther participants have, just stand near the end. Then everyone will love you!

Bring a noise-making device.

Or be willing to lose your voice. Most running stores sell cow bells, which are pretty standard for any endurance race. You can also outdo your fellow cheerleaders by bringing something out of the ordinary, like a duck call or tuba. I seriously dare anyone to show up at one of our races with a duck call or tuba. If I hear it, I will give you a prize because that would be hilarious. Plus, you can pair your noise-maker with your sign, like “EAT LIGHTNING—QUACK THUNDER!” Oh man, I’m quacking myself up.

And really, just being there is helpful. Some people travel for races, or don’t have someone that can easily come cheer for them, and it makes a big difference to show support for your athletes. Bolstering athletic events means more support for fun events in your community, more sponsors to help us put on races while keeping costs down, and more people coming to the area to experience everything we have to offer.

Thanks for being spectacular spectators!

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