Headphones, dogs and interference from spectators.
These are just a few of the items that were of notice at the July 4 Easley Firecracker Frolic 5,000-meter run.
Why headphones should not be permitted
Read the RRCA's running safety guidelines by clicking here.
Dogs
Nothing against dogs, but for their safety and the safety of participants, they do not need to be in a race, as none of us want to see a flattened dog or fallen runner.
Interference from spectators
Looking both ways before you cross the street needs to be adhered to more often at road races. At the finish line of the Firecracker Frolic a young male runner made a swift right hand turn as one spectator made an attempt to cross the course.
And of course this person was not fully aware of the surroundings and was almost not able to react fast enough.
So now, we have a frozen spectator on the course while other runners are trying reach the finish.
In conclusion, come to a race to compete, meet with other runners and learn from each other.
Bring your family members, including your dogs, but leave the dogs off the course, where the spectators need to stay also-until the last participant finishes.
Everyone in a race is entitled to crossing the finish line without having to avoid other non-participants.
And use your radio or other electronic before the race, to get motivated, but then again, spend that time to meet and learn from area runners and maybe walkers.
And to conclude, someone also covered the course in rollerblades, but this skater was towards the back and did not cross the finish line, but was close.
It doesn't stop there however, driving around Greenville earlier this week I saw two runners within 15 minutes, doing none other then wearing headphones and running alone.
Be safe out there and have respect and be aware for all runners and walkers.
To read about race etiquette go to this link on RRCA.org.
Read more about spectators and staying off the course in a previous article to your right.