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St. Patrick's Day 8K Etiquette
Race Etiquette
Some tips to make everyone's experience more enjoyable.
Manners Are Important in Races, Too
With more than 5,000 runners expected to participate in this kick-off of the spring racing season in Washington, DC, it is important that runners observe a bit of etiquette and be considerate of our fellow runners. Here are a couple of things to be aware of in this race.
Bag Check: We will offer a bag check service at Freedom Plaza for those runners who wish to leave a bag of dry clothing near the finish. However, with the number of runners expected, a bag check operation will quickly become overwhelmed if everyone tries to take advantage of this service. So, please, if you have a car in the area and can get back to it in a reasonable amount of time, or a friend or spouse accompanies you to the race, leave your bag there and help make the task of the volunteers at Bag Check a reasonable one!
Start Line: Seeding signs will be held by volunteers indicating the proper location to line up at the start for various per-mile running paces. Please do not crowd to the front or line up ahead of your pacing sign. With the ChronoTrack timing system, every runner's individual time is started when he or she crosses the starting line. Age group awards are based on "Chip time," so please line up appropriately.
Course: With so many runners on an out-and-back course, it is very important for runners to stay alert to their surroundings and fellow runners. Please do not bring your dog or your personal stereo system. If you stop running for a walk break, please move to the side of the road before slowing down. When you see the lead runners coming back toward you, please move to the side of the road and let them pass.
Finish Line Corral: After crossing the ChronoTrack mats at the finish, keep moving forward and walk around in the corral to catch your breath and cool down. The exits will be in the rear, channeling runners toward Freedom Plaza and the water station and food tent. Please do not linger in the corral or wait for your friends there. The runners coming in behind you need the space. Exit through the rear gates only; do not climb over the barricades.
Post-Race Refreshments: Please be considerate of people finishing the race behind you, and take only one or two items at the food tables. We have sufficient quantities for everyone, but not if the early finishers load their backpacks with food. After everyone has finished the race, please come back for seconds!
Thank you for taking a few minutes to read this page. We hope you have a great race!