Tips and What to Expect

Some of these tips are for kids, some are for parents. Please read and discuss these tips with your racers.

1. Please keep your race number that is issued in your packet in a safe place. You will need to bring this number to all of the races for the series. If you lose your number or need a new one, just let us know.
2. Parents/Kids – on race morning, pin your number (bib) to the front of your shirt at the top and bottom of the number with safety pins. Please wear your Rouge Runners shirt, if possible. This will help us keep up with you and keep things safe.
3. Have a light breakfast at least one hour before you run. You do want energy but don't want to overload your system. Also, the day before your race drink lots of water and sports drinks (like Gatorade).
4. Layer your clothing so that if you get hot, you can shed something. Remember, even on a cool day, you will get hot when you run.
5. If it’s raining, a lightweight, breathable nylon jacket (windbreaker) can keep you dry and a cap with a brim will keep the rain out of your eyes. We will not run if there is thunder or lightning in the area, but a little rain doesn’t scare STRONG KIDS! You may want to bring a change of clothes for after the race.
6. A cap and sunglasses are helpful if it is sunny. If it’s going to be a hot day, avoid dark colors - they absorb the heat!
7. Double knot your shoelaces.
8. Parents - plan to arrive early enough to not be in a rush. Races can have enough stress without having to worry about missing the start, or not having time to warm up. Please watch for special instructions on where to park. We will distribute maps with designated parking areas for each race, so that we can block off the race area from traffic.
9. Once you arrive at the race site, if you need to register or pick up your race packet, please find the registration area, near the start/finish line. We will plan to close the registration table at 7:30.
10. Please stay close enough to the starting line that you will hear the announcements over the PA system, calling the age groups to gather for warming up.
11. We will have an invocation just prior to the start at 8:00.
12. The ½ milers (ages 8 and under both boys and girls) race first. The 1 milers (ages 9-12) will start next, and depending on the race, we may start the 2 milers with the 1 milers. Please listen for announcements on this.
13. Your age on the date of the first race will be your age category for the full season of races. You will not change age categories during the series, even if you have a birthday.
14. Parents, older siblings, or coaches - feel free to run with your kids. Please start at the back or off to the side of the pack, so that other kids are not obstructed. Help us teach good sportsmanship to your child while you are out on the course. As you approach the finish line, peel off before you get to the finishing chute and meet your racer on the other side of the finish line, so you can help them fill out their white finish line card.
15. Kids - learning to pace yourself takes some time and practice, and it is hard to stay under control, especially at the beginning. This is where training and practicing between races can really pay off!
16. Don’t start out too fast; you will be excited and probably start too fast. Hold back! It will help you towards the end of the race. If your heart is thumping and you can hardly breathe, you’re running too fast!
17. If you notice your shoe is untied, don’t just stop in the middle of the run! Pull over to the side of the street to tie your shoe. If you stop in front of other runners…you might get run over.
18. Stay to the right. Try and pass to the left of slower runners, and leave enough room for other runners to pass you on your left. Also, there will be some parts of the course where other runners will be running past you in the other direction on the other side of the street.
19. There will be one water stop on the course. If you walk when you drink the water, do so on the side of the road…don’t stray to the left, into other racers who may not be stopping for water.
20. When you get to the finish line, listen to the instructions from the volunteers. You will need to stay in the order you finish until you are given a white finish line card. You will need to fill that card out and turn it in at the registration table, so you can get credit for the race and so we can determine and keep a record of your correct finish time. Please stay in the line until you have that card, and listen to the instructions. Don’t be shy about asking for help filling in your card, if you need it.
21. After you get your finisher’s medal and your finish line card, keep moving. Don’t just stop or sit down….walk around, stretch.
22. If it is cold or wet, put on some dry warm clothes.
23. Drink lots of water and enjoy the food and drinks while we tally the race results.
24. After everyone is finished, we will have an awards ceremony, where we will give out a first, second and third place medal or trophy to the top three finishers, both boy and girl, in every age category.
25. At the last awards ceremony, a special reward will be given to those who have run all the races.
26. Most of all, have fun! All of the Rouge Racers are STRONG KIDS!