Running is not always synonymous with performance. Many events around the world highlight the playful side of sports practice and like to offer a festive atmosphere.
But for some marathon organizers, competition is a serious thing that requires discipline and the respect of sometimes surprising rules. The American edition of Runner’s World magazine has listed around twenty of them, showing that laughter, eccentricity or relaxation are not always seen with a good eye.
– Punished language: Boston’s regulations are clear: « No cursing » (Editor’s note No swear words). Runners are encouraged to watch their words and not to use bad words. Vulgarity has no place in very guided New England.
– Do not urinate in public: It seems obvious, but it is quite common to see a few runners relieving themselves against a wall or along a road. Such behavior can lead to exclusion from the race.
– No music for champions: Headphones are permitted for competitors taking part in the popular race and wishing to listen to music during their effort. On the other hand, members of the elite wishing to compete for the bonuses are not entitled to headphones or headphones. This is to avoid remote “coaching” headsets.
– No loose clothing: The rules of the New York Marathon require that runners arrive at the start line with “fit” clothing, as close to the body as possible. Extra-large t-shirts and shorts that are too loose are liable to be rejected.
– Protect the nipples: We do not joke with health and minor injuries in Boston. Any runner seen with bloody nipples (the friction of the T-shirt and the sweat sometimes causes irritation and bleeding) will be invited to seek treatment, even if he wishes to continue to preserve his time.
– Politeness of spitting: Runners have the annoying habit of spitting or emptying their nostrils. The regulations state that such behavior cannot be penalized and that it is necessary to pay attention to other competitors. But in New York it is recommended to do it in a “Empty spectator area and at least 3 m from another rider”, under penalty of disqualification.
Don’t hold back other competitors
– Doping control for all: If the fight against doping is usual for elite athletes, several American and Japanese marathons reserve the right to draw bibs among ordinary participants in order to invite them to pass the doping control. The use of Ventolin can even be a source of disqualification.
– Mandatory photo: Official photographers and videographers are present at all races. When you register, you have no other choice but to allow them to immortalize your race.
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Hydration vests and belts are not allowed during marathons, which also offer refreshment areas. © Julia / Sportpoint / Fotolia
– No vests: The Minneapolis Twin Cities Marathon, Detroit, Mississippi or Baton Rouge Marathons do not allow vests, jackets, belts or hydration packs.
– Prohibited alcohol: New York is not as tolerant as the Medoc marathon. Alcohol is prohibited before the race, during, or just after the finish line.
– Watch your laces: In Boston, America’s oldest marathon, care should be taken not to interfere with other runners. If you take the risk of stopping in the middle of the course to remake your laces, a volunteer or a member of the organization can make the decision to put you out of the race.
– No fireworks: Since the double bombing of 2013, the Boston Marathon has not messed with safety. Previously tolerated, individual fireworks brought by relatives of participants are no longer welcome. A decision imitated by other American marathons.
– Punctuality: A wake-up call failure can cost you your participation. Being late at the start line may result in refusing to let you run.
– Blocking prohibited: Fair play is a golden rule. Any attempt to block a competitor who tries to overtake you will result in your disqualification. This rule is particularly strict during the Great Wall of China marathon where some portions are narrow. A “video referee” service is even possible in Boston over the last 500m. Competitors can lodge a complaint in the event of a “zig zag” by another runner wishing to slow them down or block them.
– No bib swap: Exchanging a bib with another competitor (common practice of runners asking a faster friend to sign a significant time) is prohibited and may mean being banned from any competition.
– Visible bib: The bib is your identification number and sometimes contains the electronic chip allowing you to record your time. It also helps the organizers to ensure that you are registered for the race. This number should always be visible on the front of your jersey or shorts. A bib placed on the back may result in disqualification.
– Dossard intact : Last rule related to the bib, it must not be folded, cut, or crumpled.
– Controlled waste: Drinks, gels, energy bars… are offered during refueling. But the packaging and cups should not be thrown away anywhere. The regulations stipulate the obligation to place them in the garbage cans or in an area of twenty meters around the refreshment tables.
– Taxes: If you are an elite runner, this line of the rules has not escaped you: in the event of a winning bonus or a paid classification, the tax administration of the country where the event was held will take part of it from you.
No Batman, no snake
– Do not deviate from the course: A pressing need or a temporary fatigue? Better to wait until you reach a medical tent or temporary toilets set up by the organization. In Boston, Los Angeles, and Chicago, if you decide to stop by a coffee shop or store, you will be considered out of the race.
– Minimum speed: According to the “event rules” (Editor’s note) of the Chicago marathon, participants are required to maintain a minimum pace of 15 minutes per mile, or 9.25 “per kilometer. Competitors must finish under the time limit of 6.30 am , under penalty of not receiving a medal.
– Definitive registration: Take the time to read the rules for the marathons you want to participate in. Most of them do not offer refunds in the event of injury or inability to take the start.
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Unlike 5K, 10K, or some half-marathons, strollers are not permitted during marathons. © Stéphane CUGNIER
– Strollers prohibited: Bad luck for parents who like to share their efforts with their offspring. While it is common, especially in the United States, to see fathers and mothers jogging with their child in a stroller, this is however prohibited during the main marathons, starting with those in Boston, New York and Chicago. It is even forbidden to be accompanied, even briefly, by a friend or member of the family riding a bicycle, skateboard or rollerblades.
– Inline skating: Contrary to the above rule, the Berlin Marathon allows fans of inline skating, individually or in teams!
– Animals excluded: The races sometimes allow the presence of animals (dogs, cats, even snakes!), But not the marathons.
– Costumes prohibited: Many themed races are organized all over the world. But the Mario Kart outfit, Tyrannosaurus disguise, Superman or Batman outfits… are not permitted during World Majors.
– Flying objects prohibited: The Chicago Marathon says “drones and flying objects” are not allowed in races.
– No selfie rod: Much like drones, selfie rods are not allowed. They are indeed potentially dangerous for other runners.
– Know the rules: The Washington Marine Corps Marathon has a rule about … rules. On the day you collect your bib, a member of the organization can ask you a series of questions to ensure that you have read the rules!
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