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Runner's Forum: Running etiquette

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    paulmwestwood
    Hi, I was wondering whether there are any hard and fast rules regarding whether you should run on the left/right in narrow areas (i.e. canal towpaths). I, and 90% of others, appear to run on the left - the same as the traffic here in the UK. However, I was nearly knocked into the Regent's canal this morning by a woman who refused to move over. Am I right to be annoyed by this?
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberdrkonijn
    • CommentTimeJan 23rd 2008
     
    drkonijn
    She was probably American. I tend to just run wherever I please but I always yield, or move out of the way, of anyone who approaches. My wife on the other hand is more like the person who tried to plow you.
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    dazzawoodfordgreenac

     

    I know what Paul means

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    dazzawoodfordgreenac

     

     

    what I notice Paul and this annoys me , is that I do a run along the embankment from Chelsea to the Tower of London 3 times a week , approx 6-7 miles . Each time I must have 20 -30 runners joggers approach from the opposite direction . I say hi or smile at most of them in a way that acknowledges we are " doing the same thing " if you know what I mean ? Out of that amount I would say I was lucky to get a response from say 2 people . OK I shouldnt expect anything but Is it not just politness or courteous to at least respond?

       Of the ones that do it is always the better class club athletes who seem to know what proper running is and not your keep fit plodders. If you see a tall , slim , dark haired guy in dark running gear carrying a rucksack at around 5:30 pm along the embankment dont be scared to smile !!

     

    cheers

    Darren 

     

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberLizzyM
    • CommentTimeJan 23rd 2008 edited
     
    LizzyM

    Going by that description Dazza I would probably turn around and chase you along the embankment! Kiss

    However, you got lucky as I live no where near there..I have only just started running and I smile and puff at other runners if I see them out and about, its like a little club.

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    runner75070

    I hope the rules that govern the side of street cars drive on are not the same for runners on the street or on paths. When running long distance, it feels as if a grove is made in the cartledge of my knees. So I tend to switch sides if the path has a slope to it and I find it more comfortable to run on a different side.

    One the streets I may run facing traffic, to give myself time to jump out of the way if it is late and drivers don't see me. I also may run on a side of a path that has a shoulder on it because I like running on grass or dirt. So when I run, I just run and do my best to keep out of other peoples way. I'll switch sides and go back if someone is running towards me on the same side of the path.

    Also, on busy sidewalks when I have to stop to get by people, I just use it as a form of fartlet. I'll sprint, then stop, sprint some more, stop, etc. Just go with the flow and make any situation as enjoyable as you can.

     

    • CommentAuthorFree Member$RICH$
    • CommentTimeJan 23rd 2008
     
    $RICH$

    When running longer distances I normally pass a higher number of runners particularly on Sunday Morning. Even here in Southern California I generally smile, nod, or otherwise acknowledge the other runners. When I pass someone going the same direction I put a hand out with the (American) peace sign, which is holding up two fingers. Oncoming runners get a fist pump, or more direct acknoledgement and it is recipricated at over 75% in my experience. 

    I am a basketball player by nature, but I have to say that in the year and a half I have been running I would say that runners are the friendliest athletes. there is no gamesmenship raelly or trash talking with runners as there is in basketball. A persons natural competitiveness is all directed to your own strategy and all you have to deal with regarding other runners is finding your pace group and avoiding the first 2 miles of congestion in an event.

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    runner75070

    Good comment Rich, I think runners are friendly people too.  I took up running because I noticed that it turn me into a nicer person. I was a quiet kid growing up and running brought me out of my shell. I'm also much easier going then before.

    I can tell when I don't run too. It's harder for me do deal with work and social pressures. I tend let things, "get to me". It surprises me when some runners get upset with "the little things". Since running is such good way to release stress, we shouldn't  let things bother us so much, like breaches of percieved running etiquette - go with the flow, dude!  

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    wmorrison8278

    Yes, i fully agree with rich.  Throughout my life I have played all kinds of sports where are sometimes nothing but trash talking and fighting.  All through high school I ran, Cross country, Indoor and outdoor track, before each event everyone wishes everyone luck and at the end we all congratulate each other no matter how good or bad he/she did in the race. 

    Even now that im older and starting to a lot of the local races in virginia, everyone just wants everyone else to have fun and do the best he/she can do. 

    It's amazing what kind of transformation running can do to a person's personality.

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