People say that runners are a different breed and I wholeheartedly agree. However, there’s an even more puzzling animal out there known as the race spectator! Who are these people? Unfortunately, after the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, we’ve gotten to know more about them. In the Runner’s World tribute issue, there was an amazing article titled Standing Ovation by Mark Remy about what a spectator means and it got me thinking. I know, a rare occurrence so bear with me.
The girls of Wellesley aka “the wall of sound!”
At more then one race, I’ve often thought it odd that people will line the streets and just stare at the running mob passing them by. It kind of makes me feel like a circus freak. And, if you happen to run in some questionable neighborhoods during a race, it can get even weirder. Is that a word? Probably not but it perfectly describes the feeling. I usually think that if these people had one of those cartoon bubbles over their head it would say: “What the hell is wrong with these people?” or “Shit, I didn’t know there was a stupid race today! Now it’s going to take me and extra 20 minutes to get to Aunt Martha’s house!” Yep, we’re trouble makers.
Spectators come out, no matter what the weather! PS – that’s me in the green jacket…
Luckily for us, cops line the way or are at major intersections to ensure our safety. You will see lines of cars just waiting to cross the race route with the stoic cop blocking the way. I once heard a driver in such a situation arguing to a cop that he needed to “get to the methadone clinic, now!” I almost wanted to stop to hear how that ended. Almost.
Speaking of those who protect and serve, they usually stand there, stone faced. Some runners thank them for their time (I usually do until I run out of breath and can’t even muster a thank you) and the officer usually politely nods or offers some other discreet acknowledgment. Except for this one time…
It was at the same race where I overheard the “methadone clinic” remark. There was a cop around mile 10.5 of a half-marathon (13.1 miles total) who was cheering. Loudly! And he was hot. Talk about motivation!!! Holy shit. And not just the run of the mill “good job, way to go” crap, this guy knew his stuff. He was shouting things like “great pace!” and “most people couldn’t run one mile at this pace, be proud!” and “down this hill and then you turn onto Main Street and it’s less then 2 miles to the finish!” Was he a mirage? WOW. I have never before or since seen a police officer do that. Thank you officer hottie. You are an awesome spectator and, I’m guessing, a runner.
Another great thing you spectators do is hold signs. The best one I ever saw was at a half-marathon in Hartford: WORST PARADE EVER! OMG. Hilarious. In that same race I also had someone yell at me “That Mexican girl runs like a rabbit.” Well….thank you? But I’m not Mexican. I’m Cuban. And Italian. I get it, but really?
It never gets old…
Here’s some other gems:
Yeah baby! Get some!
Take THAT!
Priorities.
Oh shove it Mckayla!
I’ve looked into the faces of total strangers with an overwhelming-on-the-verge-of-tears gratitude for spraying me with cold water from their hose on a particularly hot race day. Or to the kids who set up thier own water stations and get so excited if you take a cup. Or the people who blast amazingly motivating music! Even if it’s the Rocky theme for the 110th time, I still love you for it!
And then there are the spectators who are there for US. The moms, dads, brothers, sisters, friends, husbands, kids and every other possible relationship you can have with another person. Knowing that they are on the route or will be at the finish line is a feeling I don’t think I can put into words. There have been countless times in countless races that I’ve thought to myself (insert name here) is at the finish line waiting for me. Or, so and so will be at mile 20 so all I have to do is get to mile 20 and she will lead me to the finish! My personal fans have suffered along with me though all kinds of weather. The year I ran the Boston Marathon (2007) there was a freakin’ Nor’easter and they almost didn’t run the damn thing. Was my family out there in it? You bet they were! My dad even ran up the sidewalk with me on Heartbreak Hill and it’s a moment I will never forget! I think he almost had a heart attack and my step mother was screaming at him to stop but it was definitely worth it!
My personal cheering section. Love you guys!
Me and my dad at the finish of the Boston Marathon. Best. Moment. Ever.
In another love I have, pro football, there is a saying about the crowd. They liken themselves to be the 12th “man” on the field. That’s the way I feel about specators at races. They don’t know me and I have no clue who they are, but they cheer me on, they encourage me and they absolutely help me to the finish line.
So, for all my “fans” both who know and love me and only know me by a number pinned on my race bib – THANK YOU!!!! I appreciate the hell out of you!
How do you feel about spectators? What’s the best sign you’ve seen at a race? Do your family and friends come to watch you?
I don’t really run those big races. Actually I don’t race much anymore. My weekends are usually taken up by kids sports. But those signs are hilarious! I run an 8 miler every year right by my house. It’s not a huge race, but we also have Fair Days at the same time, so people do line the finish line and yell for you. It’s always nice to hear someone cheering for you!
Sometimes those smaller races have the best crowds!! And yes, those signs had me cracking up!
I saw the “Worst Parade Ever” sign in Philly. There was another sign I saw that day – I think it was about the marathon taking longer to run than Kim Kardashian’s marriage lasted – or something like that – all I know is is that it made me laugh and kept me going – which is why I love those signs and those crowds!
Love the line about Kim K!…and so true.
When we host runs her for the league, I always sign up to be the cheerleader! My sign says “you can do it’! Very cheesy!!! I don’t ever run seriously, maybe run walk to support the cause!
That is GREAT and not cheesy at all!! Just seeing that at the right time can make a huge difference. I’m sure your “cheerleading” is much appreciated.
My fave races to be a spectator at are the city cross country ones for my kids. The run starts at the beach, they run along the sand (brutal) and then to the board walk. I ranges from 1- 5K. I tell you, it is the best feeling in the world to be cheering for those kids! Just to be surrounded by a crowd with so much energy! Spectators, I think, can really make a runner’s experience so much better! I have only run one 5 K (doing another in September ), but you appreciate the support!
YES they can!! That is so great that you love cheering for you kids so much…I can only imagine (mine are only 4!) of someday cheering for mine. I can’t believe they run through sand! That is serious. They need a lot of cheering to make it through that! What a great mom you are. Cheer on!
I am still cracking up about the ‘Saturday morning runs’ sign. AWESOME! I love it when there are spectators lining the course and cheering you on, especially for longer races. And, you’re absolutely right, there is no better feeling than knowing your loved ones are waiting for you at the finish line. I can’t wait to see my girls waiting for me when I cross the line in Richmond this fall!
Seriously!! I can’t get over that one and the grin on the face of the guy holding it. Classic.
I know you know that feeling I’m talking about and what a gift for your girls to see mom crossing the finish line! YAY!!!!
Those people are the best!! Yay for officer hottie, knowing what to say and when to say it. And he was cute? I am here for it.
I love those signs especially Mikayla. I know the race is long and hard but when you have got random supporters cheering you on it has to give you a boost of adrenaline. Even though I run short races, I can sometimes get in my head when its all deserted…I would love some sideline encouragement!
I’m curious to know how the meth story ended too! 🙂
They are definitely an added benefit and I feel like I’ve seen it all…and now I’m starting to HEAR a few interesting this as well! The meth story and officer hottie were both happened at a race that is coming up on Labor Day. I’ll have to give an update! Ha ha!!
The best sign I saw was .3 miles from the finish line at the 2011 Stockadeathon: “if you haven’t pooped yet, you’ve already won”. Indeed.
OMG that is perfect!!! And SO true! You should definitely pin that one:-)
Why a great post! Spectators are integral to racing in my opinion. They help you get by. They motivate you when you want to quit. They are really the unsung heroes of the race. Thanks for highlighting!! I love your stories!
Thank you so much! I really do appreciate all those strangers who have helped me through so many miles!!!
What a great post!!
I don’t race much any more – too many injuries but I think that spectators play a huge role in races.
I’m so glad that you checked out my blog today so I could find yours – clearly we follow a lot of the same blogs because I read just about all of the blogs from your other comments!!!
I know! So funny. Glad we finally connected!
{Melinda} I don’t run races, but I DO have people who cheer me on and support me in various areas of my life! We all need that! Being a mom is hard work and it can get discouraging sometimes. So glad I have some great friends who uplift me just when I need it most. 🙂
What a great perspective…and SO true! I have “everyday” cheerleaders as well, without whom I wouldn’t make it through some days. Great comment!
The part about your dad at the Boston Marathon just cracked me up. I love that he was so excited for you that he ran up to you. And I could just picture your step mom yelling at him to stop. I’ve only been in two raced. One was super small and local and there was no cheering so it was kind of sad as I really enjoy the people cheering you on. The other was the Bank of America 10K in Chicago and it was totally overwhelming! Since it was my first race I really can’t recall the signs as I was just happy to make it through.
Yep it was something to see for sure! He was so funny about it. My dad had never been to a “big” race, let alone the Boston Marathon, and I think the importance of the event just hit him. By the time he saw me, he was ready to run! I can relate to big races being overwhelming too. It’s only been within the past few years that I’ve been able to view the crowds and read signs. Before, I had a singular focus on just finishing! I would LOVE to someday run the Chicago marathon – it’s such a great city!!
i love this post and all your pictures to go along with it. i love spectators…there have been several races where i have been glad for a high five, a cheer and some encouragement! i always think it’s amazing that people actually get up to support like that!
Thank you!! I’m amazed by it as well. The kindness and encouragement of strangers can be extremely motivating!
hides head…I’m so one of those people that complain about the races…but that’s because they are always right on my street and I can’t go anywhere.
I am now going to cheer from the stands…never thought about how it might look to a runner when a spectator just stands there.
Some of those signs are epic….and oh man if we had a hottie cop cheering us on for anything…I would always do better, lol
Ha ha ha!!! Don’t be ashamed. I completely understand how you feel…and how the others feel when a race messes with their day. I’m glad this post could give you a different perspective:-) And yes, everything seems a little more do-able when you have some eye candy!
Crying with laughter at those signs!! The parade one made me BURST out laughing! Great post Allie!-Ashley
I know, right?? Laughing while running fast is not easy!!
Those are some awesome signs! I’ve seen the parade one often… it always makes me smile. 🙂
I love how creative some people get! I can’t wait to run my fall races & maybe see some new ones!!
I love that “worst parade ever” sign! I can’t run myself due to an old playground injury but I used to help out with the local triathlon. Whether I was handing out water, directing them where to turn, or just cheering them on everyone always seemed to appreciate it.
It is definitely very appreciated! I could write another post just about the amazing volunteers!!
I think it’s awesome that you’re talking about the spectators – people don’t really think about them do they? 🙂
That’s why I wanted to write this. I think about them…a lot!!
I haven’t seen any signs, but there have been people blowing at us in their cars and cheering us on and they are stopped along the route! I LOVE the Garmin and Mickayla signs! I LOL’d at both of those! LOL!
I know, right? Those all cracked me up!!