I'd aim to arrive about 20-30 minutes before the race begins. You need to pick up your packet (race number, chip if any, shirt + other loot) and attach your number (and chip if used) and do whatever warm-up/stretching that you want. A half hour should be plenty of time.

When you line up the basic idea is not to block anyone who's going to be much faster than you and you don't want to be blocked by someone much slower. There's a little bit of an art to figuring out where that is and the smaller the race the less it matters. Since you've said you're not "serious competition" I'm sure you'll be fine anywhere but the front line. If you're really not concerned with your finishing time then start in back and work your way up as you run (a good way to avoid the common mistake of going out too fast). You'll develop a sense for what place works for you after you've run a couple.

Race etiquette? Don't shoot snot rockets at people you're passing. Pull off to the side to puke. That's about it. Seriously, I can tell you're a considerate person because you're asking two weeks before the race so just use your judgement.

edit: I thought of a more specific suggestion after posting: keep moving when you get to the finish line. Don't come to a dead stop because some people will be sprinting to the finish and you'll risk getting hit. Just move along and you'll be fine.

Have a great race!

http://This message has been edited by trifecta (edited Nov-08-2007).

Stay to the right if you are going slow or need to walk, put your number on the front.
I sometimes start out with a jacket and just tie it around my waist.
Have fun!

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If running were easy, everyone would do it!

Make sure you go all the way to the finish line. It sounds like a no brainer, but I always see people stop before the finish line. Sometimes there are cones or something to guide you in, so maybe that tricks people up. The finish line is at the timing clock.

Also, leave enough time for a trip to the porta-potty. There tends to be lines, and nerves may make you need to use it.

It helps to have someone along to pass off your t-shirt, goody bag, jacket, etc. to right before the start. If you don't have someone to bring along, give yourself time to run to the car right before the start (or find a place to hide your stuff).

Look happy and victorious at the finish, no matter how you feel... you've gotta look good finishing.

A personal one I have (and I think many people share) is not to wear the race shirt in the race. I like to earn mine before I wear it.

Most importantly, make sure you have fun out there.

Go here to read Miss Road Manners' tips for runners:
http://www.johnbingham.com/tips_manners.html[/URL" target="_blank">

quote:<HR>Originally posted by MrPHinNJ:

Pin all 4 corners of your bib onto your shirt.

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The FRONT of your shirt.

Everyone has pretty much covered everything. HAVE FUN!!! There's only one "first" race!

Oh yeah, and post a race report!
Carrie

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ME[/URL" target="_blank">

If you do pin all four corners, DO NOT pin the bottom corner where it says "Do Not Pin Here". If it is a small race, and not using chip timing, they need to rip off the bottom of your bib for timing.

Figure out your pace (mins/mile), then when you line up, ask those around you what their pace is. If you are a 9:00, and everyone around you is a 8:00, you need ot move back!

Most of all, go out there and HAVE FUN!!!

Go through the finish in the center, not on the side.

For your future longer races if they take pictures, you may be only half way viewable.

Have Fun.

http://This message has been edited by mrourke (edited Nov-10-2007).