Race info for first timers

If you’ve never run an organized race before, there are a number of things that you might have questions about and feel silly asking.  Remember, there are no stupid questions!  These are called FAQs because they are asked frequently!

FAQs

1.  What is a Race Kit and why do I need one?
Don’t forget to pick up your race kit at the designated time and place.  Your race kit will contain:

a)  A sheet of paper with a number on it.
What is it? Your race bib.
What do I do with it? With the safety pins included, pin it to the front of your shirt, not the back.

b)  A timing chip, if applicable.
What is it? A piece of plastic resembling a ship from Star Trek that sends a signal whenever you cross a timing mat; there will be a mat at the start line, the finish line, and there will often be others throughout the course.
What do I do with it? If it comes with a strap, you wear it on your ankle; if not, you attach it to your shoelaces with the zip tie provided.  Don’t forget to give it back at the end of the race!  There are usually volunteers with big scissors at the finish to remove it for you.
Bonus tip: there will be a huge mob of people with high heart rates wobbling in place while waiting to have their chip removed; don’t stop and wait.  Instead, politely mosey forward, because I can almost guarantee that while there is a huge line-up for the first row of volunteers, there are at least 4 more rows of volunteers further back; these folks start out by hollering “I can help you back here!” but will eventually get tired and hoarse, sit down, contemplate the pavement, and maybe weep because they are wondering why they came out for this.  Help them feel useful and glad they came!  And say “thank you.”

c)  Your t-shirt or other promised swag.
What is it? Your prize for registering!
What do I do with it? Opinions vary.  Lots of people wear their shirt to the race.  Others feel this is bad luck, or bad etiquette.  It is entirely up to you.

d)  Free stuff!
What is it? It could be anything from hair elastics, to sunscreen, to Cheerios.  Smaller races may only have pamphlets for other races.
What do I do with it? Self-explanatory.

2.  What is Chip-Time?
This is the time that elapses between when you cross the start line and when you cross the finish line.

3.  What is Gun Time?
This is the time that elapses between when the race starts and when you cross the finish line.  This will usually be different than your chip time, and the difference between the two will often depend on how big the race is.  I have been in races big enough that over 7 minutes have elapsed between when the race started and I crossed the start line.  The winners and results are usually determined by gun time (there are exceptions, but this is usually stated in the race info).

4.  This is my first marathon – someone handed me a stick with goop.
What is it? Vaseline!
What do I do with it? For heaven’s sake, don’t stick it in your mouth!  Put it on any chafing body parts you might have.

5.  This is my first marathon, someone handed me a wet sponge.
What is it? A wet sponge!
What do I do with it? For heaven’s sake, don’t stick it in your mouth!  You can squeeze it over your head, mop down your face, wipe your neck, etc.  I have seen some clever people who put it in the neck of their shirt, then at subsequent water stations, re-wet with fresh water.