When heading out on race day the number one concern is the competing athlete and their preparedness, but if you are spectating there are a few things you should consider. One might think that it is easy, shout a few well meaning words and clap until your hands are raw and sore. Having been on both sides, it is not quite as simple as that.
Consider the weather and dress appropriately, taking changes of clothing or layers to accommodate for an early morning arrival which may potentially turn into a scorcher of a day. A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. While your racer may only be on the course for an hour, with prep time, racing, cool-down, changing and potentially the awards ceremony, you might endure the elements for up to four or five hours. With that in mind, running races and triathlons are not static events and do not provide sitting areas so bring along a folding lawn chair or a cushy blanket.
While the fluid and food may seem plentiful at race events, remember it is for the racers and if you help yourself there will not be enough for the paying participants. Pack a small cooler with drinks and snacks or plan to buy items in your host city. Finding washrooms can also be an issue. Unlike the food, the port-a-johns can be used by spectators. Just remember that racers are on a time schedule; the race starts whether they are at the starting line or the port-a-john line. Please be considerate and wait until the gun goes before taking that precious spot in line. You may also want to pack extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
If you have children joining you waiting at the races can be unbearably boring. While you may enjoy seeing all the participants, they only want to see the athlete they know, and maybe disappointed when that chance spotting lasts only a fraction of a second. Bring along some attention distracters, plan a jaunt during the race making it back for the finish, or leave them at home.
Don?t want to just wait around for your athlete? Volunteer. Best seat in the house, you?ll get fed and get a t-shirt.
Locals racing were Kris Bonn the Vancouver Triathlon Olympic distance (1500/37.6/10) in 2:34:53 and Tara Rawluk finishing second in her age group at the Canadian ? Iron distance (2/90/21.1) in 5:36:46. Also racing at Guelph Lake 2 in the Triathlon (750/30/7) were Jay Moxness (1:53:54) and Jennifer Freymond (2:05:34). In the Try a Tri (375/10/2.5) Tanya Eybel crossed the line in 55:11 with Sarah Davis close behind in 1:01:54.
Looking to get out and walk or run for Terry Fox? Belleville?s event happens on Sunday September 13 at 9:30am at east Zwick?s Park. Also on Sunday but at 9am the Trenton event goes from Copperfield?s Fitness Centre. In both locations you can walk, run, and roll which includes bikes, rollerblades and wheelchairs. Pledges can be made at
www.terryfox.org.
