Forums/

Anything Goes

Patrick O.
Patrick O. Sendmail

Running Etiquette

posted 4 months ago | Report

When you pass walkers or runners from behind do you always say "on your left" or give them a heads up?
I used to but would seem I was never loud enough and then I didn't want to buy to obnoxiously loud so I just quit doing it.
What is everybody's thoughts on this?

Respond

9 posts

scroll to bottom
  • Dan C.
    Dan C. Sendmail

    When running I just move over and go by.....generally I'm slow enough and huffing and puffing loud enough, they know I'm there! When cycling however I always try to warn those I'm overtaking....while still attempting to be ready for them to react irrationally and move in my path.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Joy R.
    Joy R. Sendmail

    The only time I say "on your left" is if I'm running with my youngest in the jogger and that's because plowing them over with that would be far worse than shoulder to shoulder contact and even then it's primarily out of a selfish desire to protect my kiddo from going head over heels.

    Otherwise I just migrate over, pass and then migrate back and go on my way.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Jan
    Jan Sendmail

    I almost always say "good morning" or if there are a people taking up the trail something like "on your left" or "coming by on your right".

    Often people are either listening to something or, more often in my experience, deep in their own thoughts and it can be really startling and irritating to have someone suddenly right behind you on the trail/sidewalk. I know I really appreciate a heads up.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Kevan T.
    Kevan T. Sendmail

    This is really a tough issue. If you are the faster runner and you don't want to be hindered you definitely need to let someone know you are closing a good distance before you get there if they haven't noticed. If they did notice and cleared your path a "Thank You" is in order and you should say it!! The best is to say which side you will be passing on. In turn the slower runner should understand they need to be observant for other runners and not be upset at getting passed...it isn't just their path. In the age of the ipod though it may just be a moot point to try and warn someone!! It is kind of silly to get mad at being startled when you are on a trail or path.....does someone really think they are the only one using it or something....you should expect it and be aware of it!! It is your own fault if you zone out and get snapped back to the real world suddenly!!

    posted 4 months ago | edited 4 months ago

  • Patrick O.
    Patrick O. Sendmail

    Kevan, that's kind of my thoughts to. There's definitely more walkers than runners on my trail. Half the time there with somebody else in a conversation and aren't paying attention anyways plus walking down the center of the trail.

    posted 4 months ago

  • John R.
    John R. Sendmail

    I always try to give a heads up when passing someone whether they are walking or jogging. I most definitely do so when that person has a dog on a leash so it allows them time to reel them in if need be. Most pups are friendly but I have been lunged at by a few unfriendly ones. When folks have the ipod plugged in its a coin flip. Sometimes I try to warn them with a raised voice and sometimes it works. I apologize to anyone I startle but I do agree you must be aware of your surroundings when on a public trail.

    posted 4 months ago | edited 4 months ago

  • Reverend Run V.
    Reverend Run V. Sendmail

    I give the "on your left" heads up. If their music is too loud and they don't hear me, it's their problem, not mine. I once really surprised some cyclists on the trail by alerting them that I was going to cross in front of them; they were shocked that a runner told them and didn't just dart in front of them.

    posted 4 months ago

  • Ted
    Ted Sendmail

    I usually say "passing on your left". I found that if I just say "on your left" they will move to their left! Then a friendly "thank you" or "good morning" . If there is a lot of room to go around, I might just blaze by though.

    posted 3 months ago

  • FegrigPRO
    Fegrig Sendmail

    Patrick the whole question of communication between runners is so variable. I only cough, to alert people I'm there nothing worse than scaring a woman who didn't hear me then I will slow if required. Usually say excuse me please ad thank you. Manners maketh the man.

    posted 3 months ago

Similar Discussions in General - Anything Goes