Still time to register for any Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon race with code EG2019 and save 10% at checkout
Running a marathon isn't easy. Being a supportive fan during a race isn't either. You have to plan where you want to stand or sit and decide if you want to spot hop around the race or just stay in one spot. Wherever you are you have to know the time and pace of those specific runners you came to see and pay attention for given periods of time with the keenest of eyes to be sure you spot them. Hopefully, the weather cooperates otherwise you can be left standing outside for hours in scalding sun, pouring ran, snow, hail, freezing temperatures or some odd combination of all of these.
Here are some ideas to help the fans out there make their important duties of race day support (yes, this IS important) better and more enjoyable for all:
Bring a chair - this is obvious, but a collapsible chair can be a life saver
Make a funny and topical sign - Signs are usually one of the little things that can bring a smile to the runners faces. A sign that says, "you're almost done" and "you've trained longer than Kim Kardashian's first marriage" are a little played out now. A sign that is motivational to the one runner you came to see is always great, especially for them. If they are a first time marathoner, this will likely help them a ton to stay focused and motivated and find their reason why they are running. A sign with a specific joke to the city or race they are running in is always good. An example of this for the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon could be a picture of Baker Mayfield with the words You Woke Up Feelin' Dangerous, would draw a ton of cheers and high fives from runners. Even better would be getting Baker Mayfield to show up with a sign that says "Are you feelin' dangerous?" I'm sure someone can make the whole Baker thing happen if we tag him enough on social media. Topical and comedic signs are the best, go wild with ideas, of the thousands of runners someone will find it funny.
**Kids with cute and fun signs will get all sorts of attention. Kids with signs are the best!**
Plan your spots you will be a few days before the race - If you want to spot hop, plan this out ahead of time. Marathons will cause a lot of road closures which you will need to account for. The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon provides a good and easy to access course that a fan can easily travel to 2-3 spots, some of which will serve as 2 spots since there is a bit of an out and back to this race. Make sure you also have a plan B and plan C as parking can be tough. If you can ride a bicicyle a few miles, I'd highly recommend that as it is easier to move and can be parked right up on the side of the course. Also tell your runners where you will be, this will help them look for you and make sure they are running when they see you, or plan a surprise for you the fan.
Keep pets on a leash - A lot of people bring dogs, which is great! Just make sure you dog is a on a leash or better yet a harness. Make sure someone who has good control of the dog is handling them at all times (i.e. no kids). This may sound like common sense, but I've seen it go wrong and no one wants that. Also, if your dog isn't the friendliest or has anxiety issues or doesn't get along with a lot of other dogs, please leave them at home. With thousands of runners, more fans, and probably hundreds of dogs, it's not fair to the dog bring a dog who is sensitive to the race. All of that being said, I love watching how excited dogs get when they spot their human in the race. It really is pure unbridled joy.
Bring a bag - Many runners can face difficulties during a race, one of which can be dressing inappropriately. Runners love when they can ditch an article of clothing mid race, especially if they weather changes mid race. Some of these specialized articles of clothing are expensive so when a runner can take it off and not lose it, that is awesome! You can also add in some other odds and ends, in case runners needs them like gloves, hand warmers, etc. These types of personal aid stations can be a God send.
**Be kind and pick up any trash you see. Marathons are great but inevitably they can leave behind some trash. Throw it in you bag or put it in a nearby trash container. Race directors, runners and your community will thank you for this**
Noise makers - "What we need... is more cowbell" - Christopher Walken, SNL
Yes, we need more cowbell! Cowbells are like injections of adrenaline for runners, especially trail runners. Anything that makes noise is encouraged though. Just no fireworks or things that go bang.
Bring drinks - It's always good to have an extra water or sports drink for the runner, but bring some for yourself or others, too. You may help calm down a little kid or save a runner who is dying and misplanned at mile 19. Some people bring adult beverages to races and I've yet to run a marathon or longer distance race and NOT be offered a beer. I've never indulged, but some friends of mine have and love it. I will say there are rules around this so make sure to read them before attempting the adult beverage part.
Bring hand sanitizer or wipes - Most non professional runners will need to use the restroom at some point and so will the fans. While the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon has a lot of port-a-potties, this does not mean they will always have hand sanitizer in them. Some just get used more than others and run out. These little items can really help us feel more human if we have to deal with the gut wrenching possibility of a port-a-potty without these modern day cleaning marvels
Bring a small towel - Again, this is a small thing that can help a runner rain or shine.
Laslty, Bring the NOISE! - Why do we cheer when it's Game 7 of the NBA Finals? Why do we cheer when a game is tied and the away team kicker trots out late in the 4th quarter? We want to intimidate our opponents and motivate our team. In a marathon, the only opponent is one's self and the distance they have left. Since roads don't have ears, cheer on everyone you can. Motivate them! Don't tell them they look pretty or they look good, runners know they don't. Tell them they are inspiring. Tell them that they are doing great. Tell them that they are a role model for the kids present. Tell them they can do it and that they are strong enough. Tell them their ex is behind them and gaining quick. Whatever you do be positive, be uplifting and be a good human.
See you all on Sunday, Cleveland!
Register for any Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon race with code EG2019 and save 10% at checkout
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