Imagine this: “It’s race day! You’re excited and ready to go.” … but so is everyone else. That’s why we’ve put together this article of Triathlon Etiquette tips for race day that all triathletes should keep in mind.

Be sure to practice proper triathlon etiquette on race day and to be considerate to others. This is so important because everyone is just as excited, has trained just as hard and wants to have as an enjoyable, safe and successful a race as you do!

Pre Triathlon Etiquette

• Before the race, it’s fine to ride your bike from the parking lot to transition, but be careful of everyone that is walking. Stay off the sidewalks and wear your helmet. 

• When setting up in transition space is usually pretty tight. It’s best to only have the items you need there with you so you are not taking up too much extra space and maybe leave the bucket at home.

• This race maybe some of the athletes’ first race. Think back to how you felt during your first race, keep that in mind throughout the race and make an effort to be a part of making someones first experience a great one!

Swim Etiquette

• Get there early to line up where you want to be. Don’t be that person rudely pushing through the crowd trying to get to the front.

• Seed yourself correctly. Don’t start in a faster group or towards the front if you are not able to keep up with these athletes. Don’t make athletes have to slow down or try to get around you.

• Sight often. Not only will this help keep your total swim distance shorter by going as straight as possible, but you won’t be swimming sideways cutting other swimmers off.

• Breaststroke is fine to do during a triathlon. Many like to do this to take a rest and to sight. If you plan on using this stroke, get towards the outside away from other swimmers. Breaststroke requires more space than freestyle and nobody wants to get kicked.

• Backstroke can be ok for a short period of time. It’s a good way to catch your breath if needed. The problem is when looking up and not being able to sight chances are you are not swimming in a straight line and possibly cutting other swimmers off. As with breaststroke, get toward the outside to try to prevent issues with other swimmers. 

• Be aware of others and respect their space. There is no reason to be swimming over other people or into them. If you’re sighting enough you can be aware of others and adjust to avoid them.

• If you need to stop and take a break. Do so towards the outside vs right in the middle of everyone. Don’t just stop and become an obstacle for other swimmers.

Bike Etiquette

• The main thing during the bike segment is to be aware of others. Everyone is moving at a high rate of speed and a crash can mean serious injury and damage to equipment.

• Stay to the right unless passing (left depending on race) so other cyclists can pass you easily. This also brings us to don’t ride two abreast during a race. This is taking up a lot of room and making it harder to make a clean pass.

• When passing, notify other cyclists that you are doing so. Announce yourself and say which side you plan to pass on. Say something like “On your left”.

• A lot of accidents happen at aid stations. If not utilizing the aid station, stay on the opposite of the road from the aid station. If just grabbing something quickly and going, slow down to an appropriate speed. If stopping, get out of the way of other cyclists and don’t block access to anything.

• If you have a mechanical issues, like a flat, be sure to get off to the side of the road so you’re not blocking the flow of traffic.

• Drafting is against the rules at many races. So don’t do it and be aware of how far back you need to be from other cyclists. 

• Spitting or “blowing a snot rocket” sometimes becomes necessary for people. Always look around first to make sure you don’t hit someone.

Triathlon Etiquette: Run

• Just like on the bike, stay to the side so faster runners can get around you. Also, don’t be the ones going side by side chatting. Odds are you are making it difficult for people to pass. 

• Don’t be negative during the run or any part of the day. During the run portion, many people will talk. A positive vibe will help everyone vs a negative one coming from someone who may not be having a good day.

• As with the bike segment, stay out of the way of others while at aid stations. If you need to stop to refill a water bottle or spend a little extra time getting some food, step out of the way of other runners and don’t block the tables.

• As the finish approaches try to avoid blocking others from getting a good finisher pic. You can say something to anyone near you or just speed up or slow down a little to give a little bit of space between each other.

Good Etiquette Rules To Remember

• Throughout the whole day always thank the volunteers. Without them, there would be no race.

Bottomline: Keep Race Etiquette At The Top Of Mind

On race day, remember that everyone wants to have their best possible race. That means they want to feel welcomed, safe and respected. By thinking about others, and treating them the way you want to be treated race day will be a better and safer experience for everyone.

Know someone who is getting ready for a race who might be feeling nervous about triathlon etiquette? Share these triathlon race day etiquette tips with them!

Have a race coming up?

Download our free guide on how exactly what you should (and shouldn’t!) be doing during the week prior to race day. By following this guide you’ll be doing everything you can to have your best possible race and crush your PR!