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Spectators actually play a huge role in all of this.
CreativePhotography via Adobe Stock
After every station, Henning-Schulke celebrated each successful hand-off with an emphatic fist pump.
The way he was handling and acting and talking was unbelievable.
But you dont need to be a world-caliber athlete to benefit from having great spectators cheering you on.
And spectating can be magical even if you dont personally know anyone running the race.
If you want to really max out your support, spectating becomes a little more of an active pursuit.
Heres what you should know to become a really awesome spectator.
Make a personalized signor just a really eye-catching one.
Take the time to make a sign thats individualized to your runnerfor example Sub-4:00, Ashley!
or Run Like Hell, Kenny!, rather than a generic Youve Got This!
It really only takes 10 minutes to put one together, she says.
Its a cute way to get people energized.
Plan your food and supplies ahead of time.
To stay energized throughout the effort, Swanson recommends bringingsnacksand plenty of water.
She also suggests bringing cough drops to soothe your voice while screaming for the runners.
Youll also want to do a little research ahead of time for what to expect that day.
Check the weather report, for instance.
If theres even a chance of rain or showers, bring somerain-resistant gear.
Remember, youre going to be outdoors pretty much the whole time.
Sunscreenis another essential to help protect your skin in all conditions on the course.
You may also want to check out which local businesses may be open beforehand.
Most big races take place on Sundays, which means some may be closed.
Track your runner along the course.
Make technology your friend, and use race resources to track your runner.
In many cases, all youd need to know is your runners name or bib number to track them.
The last thing you want is to put in the effort and miss them, Kuzma tells SELF.
Youll be frustrated, and theyll be looking for you.
Use the bathroom or grab a coffee while you wait for runners to pass.
Think decorations that go up rather than out.
Give them a description of what youll be wearing too.
Read the room when cheering.
As for jokes or funny lines?
Its all about knowing your runner.
If you know something will make them smile, go for it.
But Kuzma says jokes arent always appreciated when running.
Jokes arent funny when youre running, says Kuzma, whos also run his own share of 5Ks.
They dont hear them, and if they did, theyd have to think about it really hard.
They wont believe you and it actually throws them off, he explains.
Its not a good way to make runners your friends.
Determine your modes of transportation.
Before you spectate, be sure to study the course map.
With that in mind, planning out how youll be moving along the route is important.
If youre comfortable riding, Kuzma recommends using a bicycle to reach the mile markers.
Be ready to take items from your runner.
Most runners will carry fuel and other supplies with them during the race.
Kuzma recommends designating a hand-off zone ahead of time so you could be ready for the exchange.
Dont forget to take photos.
If you might capture a good picture of a runner, its a really valuable thing.
To this day, its one of our favorite pictures of us, Kuzma says.
Pick a post-race meeting spot.
Because of how densely populated some finish line areas can be, cell phone reception can be notoriously spotty.
He says restaurants, coffee shops, and hotel lobbies are also good meeting places.
Be considerate of the location to ensure your runner doesnt have to walk far to reunite with you.
