Just
before exiting the Queensboro Bridge Mile 15, there was this pack of 5
runners sporting similar yellow shirts with the Achilles logo who were walking
(not running) on the bridge in a line thereby creating a human wall and making
it difficult for others to get pass.
Running
Etiquette #1: Run or walk no more than two abreast. If you are walking in
a group, stay to the back of the pack and follow the two abreast rule. Do not
group-hog the entire road/trail width and let others pass.
The
bridge was getting crowded with runners piling up that I tried to pass in a
free and open space between them and just be on my way. Then out of the blue I
felt someone shove me so hard that I almost got knocked down to the ground.
As I turned back to look at the guy, this person then shouts with a heavy
European accent"...we are the Achilles Team nobody cuts between us".
And as if that wasn't enough, he says "Fuck you" 3 times
probably to make a point.
Running
Etiquette #2: Move to the side if someone behind you says “excuse me” or
“on you’re your right/left”. If the person behind is giving you the heads
up before passing, it is proper race etiquette to let that person pass
without blocking their effort.
Other
runners who witnessed the incident gave him odd looks while others shouted some
snide remarks and "bleep" worthy comments of disgust and sarcasm as
only New Yorkers could.
It
is true that runners may occasionally jostle, elbow, and even unintentionally
shove each other out of the way especially at water stops or narrow spots along
the course. This is most common in races with an extremely large number of
participants. But to actually shove another runner intentionally simply because
you didn't want him to pass is the epitome of bad behavior and poor form.
As
much as I wanted so badly to confront him right then and there, it took
every ounce of self control to keep my cool and decide to just let it go
(for now) and continue on my run. After all, I came to NYC to run and not let
some loser dampen my plans.
A
few days later and not wanting to let this issue pass without properly
addressing it, I decided to send an email to Russel K. of Achilles
International where in I relayed the incident and filed a formal complaint
against their fellow member. This was their response :
Apology
accepted case close.
Running
Etiquette #3: Whatever happens during the race course, a bit of
self control and concern for others never hurts. Keep it Calm. Run your
race and just enjoy.
