That's funny!  Last spring in a 10k with about a half mile to go, some nice volunteer yells, "You're over halfway there!" I still wonder if he was really a runner just saying that to mess with people.

Earlier this fall I passed a boy about 10 or 12 years old on a hill (he was a participant, not a spectator) in a fun little trail race. As I went by him he said "Good job!" and I thought that was really cool for a youngster. Every time I've been watching a race it's been as a volunteer, and usually I just yell "Woohoo!" or "Way to go!" because you're right, I hate "Almost there." "Good job" seems kind of patronizing from a spectator - I don't know why! Funny, isn't it.

I think it doesn't really matter what you're saying, as long as it is words of encouragement.

When I go to cheer for my son's cross country team, I cheer for everyone by name.  Usually telling them something like they look strong or they can do it or go pass so and so.  They've never complained...  Of course, I'm the wacky parent that brings them food and drinks, so maybe that gives me a pass for being annoying...

I will say that the teenager who told me the finish line was just around the corner at my last mini marathon was more than just a little annoying.  The finish line was still over 3/4 mile away!  Which I pretty well knew from my GPS watch.  But it still threw me off a bit.

If people are encouraging me in some way I accept it. Their hearts are in the right place. I feed off their support, to be honest.

EDIT: Though I will say the guy that said "just one more mile" after I went under the bridge near the MCM finish (about half a mile to the end) almost crushed my soul .

I am one of those runners that really thrives off of any kind of support (it's almost like I NEED the spectators). So, whether it's a band or just a sign, i try to say thanks to everyone coming out to cheer someone on.

for me- I like to say things like "You look awesome-great job!" or "You've come so far, keep it going!" I've even had friends say things like "2 more miles until beer/bath/food (insert whatever you want) time."

I very much appreciate all of the kind words of support, even if they're trite & overused.

I like it all. It's the heart that counts. If you want to yell to me "You're almost there!" halfway through my race, then I thank you mightily.

One thing that a woman at about mile 25 yelled to me on my first marathon was "Okay #1944! This is your day!" She really sounded like she meant it. Like she knew me. It was pretty awesome.

I always make sure I try to say "Thank you!" back to the cheerers, or even the cops or course marshalls as I run by.

When I cheer for other racers at the finish line, after I have finished my race, I usually go with "All right!" and clap. I used to yell "Yeah!!", but that seemed a bit crude to me. I may be worrying too much, but I did not want the female runners to think I was yelling "Yeah!" about some of their "jiggly parts". Oh well...

Hey, Urbster...Thanks for stopping to cheer!

                                                                    Paul

I usually just tell people to keep it up - the beer is right around the corner

That would be seriously cruel of me if there wasn't! Then again - I haven't found many events where there hasn't been beer around the corner! Gotta love a nice cold one at 8 or 9 in the morning