PUBLISHED 06/09/2008
It all comes down to this moment . . . the start of the race!
No matter what the size of your race, have on hand a PA system, or at the very least, a megaphone, to ensure that even the back of the pack hears what you have to say. Keep pre-race announcements brief and to the point.
Starting the hour prior to the race and possibly every five to ten minutes, you may want to make the following announcements:
1. Registration is closing in X minutes.
2. No animals, baby strollers, rollerblades, or wheels of any kind (except wheelchairs) are permitted on the race course. Children may not be carried.
3. Be sure your race number is on the front of your body and is filled out properly. No one is permitted on the race course without a race number.
4. Runners are not allowed on the course once they have finished.
Mark the start line with tape, paint, or chalk so that it is visible to runners and they can easily know when to punch their watch to keep track of their actual time. Some races keep a "false" start ten feet behind the starting line, then a couple minutes before race time, clear the beginning portion of the course, remove a barricade, and allow runners to step up to the real starting line.
Be sure to start exactly at the published time. Don't delay your race for those who are late. You needn't bend the rules for them.
At the starting line, you may want to announce the following:
1. Runners, please check around you. If there is anyone without a number, please ask them to leave the starting area.
2. Stage according to your pace.
3. After finishing, walk quickly through the chute and exit as quickly as possible. Do not stop in the chute. Tear off your tag immediately after crossing the finish line and have it ready for a race volunteer.
4. Do not exchange timing chips with anyone. Turn in your chip immediately after finishing.
5. There will be two commands . . . runners ready, and then the gun.
Anything more than this will irritate the runners. Keep it brief, and save speeches until the awards ceremony.
Don't use a countdown to start the race. The starter should stand at the side of the course, in view of all runners, then announce "runners ready," and then the gun or alarm should follow.
