Editors Note: This is a guest post by Amy Shigo. After seeing my recent blog entry on gym etiquette, Amy thought a post on race etiquette would be a great way to kick off the 2010 racing season.

The popularity of triathlons and road races has exploded in the last decade (Ironman and marathon distances especially) and the chance of encountering “newbies” or unschooled, yet accomplished renegades increases every day, every race. Being a good sport and knowing a few simple rules makes the race better for everyone.

As an Ironman triathlete, as well as a member of one of the most prestigious triathlon teams in the country, Team Psycho, I have learned from the best. Race rules exist for many reasons, such as safety, fairness and liability; race etiquette is more about common courtesy.

My pet peeve is the use of iPods. We all know music can motivate us to run faster, but in terms of etiquette, it takes you out of the race by preventing you from hearing what is going on around you. If you are in your “zone,” accompanied by AC/DC, you can’t hear someone running at a faster pace, nipping at your heels and trying to pass. On a personal note, I think you miss out on the atmosphere and sounds of the race. (If you must use music on race day, make sure to keep the volume low enough to stay aware of your surroundings.)

I asked a few of my Psycho teammates to list some of their race do’s and don’ts and here’s what they had to say:

Spence Cocanour (age group 35-39, Team Captain, Armed Forces Triathlon Championships 2008, Ironman Florida 2007 – 9:59):

“Know your place and pace when you line up for the start line. Seed yourself properly. I don’t have a problem running around someone who is slower, but when there are five people abreast walking/running, it becomes an obstacle course.”

Karen Smyers (professional triathlete – 3-time World Champion, 7-time National Champion, Hawaii Ironman World Champion, USA Triathlon Hall of Fame Inductee):

“No cutting the porta potty line. On a similar note, do not pee on people’s lawns. It just takes one person to ruin it for everyone.”

Roger Little (age group 70-79, All American 1996-2009, Worlds (Long Distance) Australia 2009 – 2nd, Ironman Hawaii 2001 – 12:10):

“Pass on the left and spit on the right.”

Alicia Kaye (Professional triathlete, Lima Continental Cup 2010 – 1st, currently ranked 76th in the world):

“If you are not going to get water, stay away from the water station to make room for those who do want a drink.”

Sportsmanship might not be on a race application, but it is an important aspect of competition and life in general. Every race has rules; read them ahead of time and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Have a great 2010 racing season and train hard!

Amy Shigo is a four-time Ironman finisher, three-time marathon finisher and in 2008, she successfully summited Mt. Kilimanjaro. Amy is also a regular contributor to SaavyAuntie.com.