Race Day Tips for Your First Road Race

How to have a successful first running race

1. Pick Up Your Race Packet Early

Pick up your bib, timing chip (if the race is using them) and goody bag the day before the race, if possible. This way, you won't have to worry about rushing to get it on the morning of the race. Also, you're more likely to get your desired race T-shirt size if you pick it up early.

2. Don't Overdress

A good rule of thumb: Dress as if the weather is 15 degrees warmer than it is. That's how much you'll warm up once you start running. If it's cold, you can always wear warmer clothes while you're waiting for the race to start. Many races offer a gear check where you can store your bag with extra clothes for before and after the race.

More: How to Dress for Hot Weather Running
How to Dress for Cold Weather Running

3. Choose Your Pre-Race Food Wisely

Eat a meal at least one hour prior to the start of the race. Choose something high in carbohydrates and lower in fat, fiber, and protein. Stay away from rich, fatty, or high-fiber foods, as they may cause gastrointestinal distress.

More: Should I Eat Before a Run?
Racing Mistake: Not Eating Properly Before a Race
Best and Worst Pre-Run Foods

4. Pin Your Bib

Your race bib goes on the front of your shirt, not the back. You can use safety pins on all four corners of the bib to keep it in place.

5. Get There Early

Arrive at the race site early to make sure you get a parking spot. Regardless of whether you're driving there or not, you'll also need time to pick up your number (if you haven't already), check your bag, take a warm-up jog, and use the bathroom (the lines may be long).

6. Line Up Properly

Don't line up near the front of the starting line. Faster, more seasoned runners don't like to weave around newbie (and likely slower) runners at the start of the race. Some races have corrals based on estimated pace or post pace signs. If not, ask runners nearby their anticipated pace. If it's faster than yours, move further back. It will be easier to fall into your pace if you're around people that are the same speed as you.

More: Road Race Etiquette Tips
Racing Mistake: Lining Up in the Wrong Position
How to Deal With Crowds at Races

7. Use the Water Stops

Take advantage of the water stations on the course. If you've never done it before, here are some tips on how to take water from a hydration stop. And don't forget to thank the volunteers for handing out water!

8. Bring Your Support Team

Invite your friends and family members to support you. Ask them to stand near the finish line so they can cheer you on at the end.

9. Aim to Finish

Don't put pressure on yourself to achieve a really fast time for your first race. Finishing the race and enjoying the experience are excellent goals for a first-timer.

10. Don't Wear the Race T-Shirt

Lastly, you'll most likely get a race T-shirt when you sign up for the race. Don't wear it until after you've completed the race. Not only are there superstitions associated with wearing it in the race, but it also makes you look like a rookie!