First-time @ Running Events: Some Tips

On a sunny Sunday morning of April 10, National Geographic held their NatGeo Earth Day run at Bonifacio Global City. This is my first race after a very long time (like years time). This is quite different by the sheer size of the event – more than 10000 registered and it feels like most of them actually did join the run that day. I’m actually the 10448th to register, two weeks prior to the race-date.

Since this is hosted by National Geographic, the race is quite high-profile with lots of runners and sponsors. I’ve never been to this big a racing event and was pleasantly surprised with what I’ve experienced. Even as an ignorant first-timer, i had loads of fun.
Here are some tips that can help others who are planning to join a running event:

A. Registering

1. If the event is high-profile (popular organizers: NatGeo, popular brands: Nike, Adidas, Converse, popular events/holidays, etc) register as early as possible!
   Apart from ensuring you have a slot at the event, you’ll also be assured you’d get your racing kits in time (particularly your sized shirts).
   
2. If you can’t register yourself (i.e. you cant go to the registration booth yourself) ask a friend or a family member to register for you.
   Most running events allow for group registration or registering for someone else. Just give them your complete information (name, address, telephone), your e-mail address and your shirt size. Of course, pay them the registration fee.
   
3. Make sure you register your correct e-mail address as most schedule updates and announcements are sent through e-mail.

B. Before the Day of Event 

1. Practice your race distance.
   Make sure that you can reach your intended distance in an ample amount of time. If you intend to win prizes, I’m sure you’ll do more than you’re regular laps.
   
2. Keep a constant check of your e-mail for any schedule changes or updates.
   It’s very unlikely that the schedule (date and time) of the race would change but just to be safe. What would likely be changed sometimes, is the race path. There would be times that the organizers might be sending out updated race maps. At least make sure you know where the start-line is and call time.

C. During the Day (before & during the race)

1. Double-check your call time and go there within the schedule Assembly time.
   Assembly time is usually 1 hour before the Gun-Time (that’s when you runners start running, although there won’t be a ‘gun’ involved. hehe. it's usually a countdown timer instead). Be there early especially IF there’s still a need to register or if the event has baggage counters.
   
2. Drink and eat a light snack before going.
   Water stations usually are placed halfway through the race so, you won’t get free drinks after you’ve reached at least 1km. Running events usually happen early Sunday mornings but don’t take a heavy breakfast before the race (we all know why but this is just to remind you).
   
3. Wear your designated singlet and number.
   You can actually wear a different singlet/shirt (for most races) but make sure you at least have your number pinned on your shirt. If you can come wearing your gear already then much better or change in your car. Comfort rooms and Portalets are almost always full.
   
4. Line up in front of the crowd.
   If you plan on winning a place or at least finishing the race early and there are a lot of participants, make sure your at the front of the crowd of runners. This particularly true for short-distance races because if you’re somewhere in the middle or at the tail-end of the participants – you won’t get much chance in outrunning those in front. You’d have a very slow start, really slow start since you’d have to wait for the rest of the crowd to move forward.
   
5. Stretch and walk it out.
   Do your stretching and warm up. Duh. The good thing is the organizers includes this right before gun time. Just follow the rest no matter how cheesy it could get. If during the race you feel some pain or get too tired, remember you can always walk it out – this isn’t the Olympics after all (even there, your health is a priority). Organizers and designated staff are almost always available at every turn to help you.
   
6. Get the markers for every milestone.
   Sometimes running events employ milestone markers are used. These are little tokens given to each runner every time they reach a milestone. It could be a sticker, a bracelet, a flag, anything really. Or, if the race uses barcode scanning, it would be automatically recorded every time a runner goes past a milestone. Just make sure you don’t miss it.
   
7. Use your devices (iPhone, smartphone, etc).
   If you have GPS-enable device, a pedometer or any other device take it with you and use it to record and monitor your run. It’s always great to have a personal record of your race. Most smart phones has this feature, use it along with playing some music.

D. During the Day (after the race)

1. Get the free refreshments.
   Most race events provide free refreshments (sports drinks) apart from the free water at the race paths’ drinking stations. It’s not actually free since you paid for it during the registration.
   
2. Check out the events area for freebies and the like.
   Often you’ll find booths and tents setup for different product endorsements at the end of the finish line. They would often give free magazines, gifts, sports gears (shirts, socks, etc) and sometimes even free pizza. Check them out and even join their games (if there are any). Just try to enjoy what the event has to offer. It’s practically SOP that these events have at least one picture booth, so if you’re with friends you can take a few shots with a setup background and have it printed for free.

There you have it! I’m not an expert runner, obviously but i do hope you find something useful in this post.

Happy Running!