Is it wrong to run a couple extra laps at a 5K?

NoOrdinaryOtter wrote:

The course has water and snacks, plus entertainment and stuff, so it will be fun to do it extra times. If people are annoyed that I'm faster than them, is that really cause for concern?

I really don't see any problem with it. But to be fair, people won't be annoyed that you're faster, they'll be annoyed that you (as they will perceive it) continue to run circles around them even after you're finished, like you have something to prove. It could come across as douchey. Why not run off course? I don't see the harm in that. Most people do their cooldowns off course anyway.

Plus you're paying the organizers to let you run 5k, not 10 miles.

This thread is useless without pics.

NoOrdinaryOtter wrote:

but passing 90-year-old grannies is not an ego-stroke.

Do any of you actually go to races?

When I run a 5k,, I run the course as a warm-up, then run the race, and then run the course for a cool down. If I really like the course, I run it again after the awards. If I start lapping walkers, I just run on the sidewalk or other side of the road. It's no big deal. Nobody is going to care.

Don't be so full of yourself, running this race will have no impact on finding a cure for cancer.

Back to the topic, are you racing the 5k or running 5k?

Racing or running? Depends on how my legs feel that day, but probably will give it a 9 out of 10 effort. I won't be winning or anything, if that's what you mean.

Yes this is fine. Race courses are like buffets: once you've tried everything, just go back and re-run your favorite parts, such as where the cool Bruce Springsteen cover band is playing. In fact, not even sure why you're finishing the whole thing to begin with, unless you're jonesing for that sick finisher's medal. Just get the waffles and load up on bacon is my suggestion.

Will you increase your fundraising commitment or entrance fee by the same factor of laps you run? if you're going to have water and snacks along three laps of the course will you contribute three times more?

NoOrdinaryOtter wrote:

The course has water and snacks, plus entertainment and stuff, so it will be fun to do it extra times. If people are annoyed that I'm faster than them, is that really cause for concern?

No fundraising commitment on my part, so how about I toss in $5 to cover any extra Gatorade I consume? Though in a 5K, I wouldn't normally be consuming anything, so I still think I'd only be taking my allotted portion anyway, plus the stuff is likely all donated and there will be piles of leftovers.

If there were more self-sacrificing people like you on this earth we would have beaten cancer decades ago. You go for it, NoOrdinaryOtter. I'll be reading your name in the Nobel announcements soon I'm sure!

NoOrdinaryOtter wrote:

so I still think I'd only be taking my allotted portion anyway, plus the stuff is likely all donated and there will be piles of leftovers.

I'd feel uncomfortable doing that. I'd carry my own hydration and run around the area afterward but don't burden the race org and volunteers with your extended run.

Personally I never run races in marathon training unless something like a half where I run at MP or harder or as a fitness test on long run day. I never race before a long run, great way to jeopardize getting to the starting line of your goal race.

I always do one extra lap when I run a 5k on a track.

Well, it was incredibly cold and windy and I placed in the race so I decided to forego extra laps so I could get my medal at the ceremony and not freeze to death. I guess I will have to do an easy long run tomorrow instead.

As a race director, I say go for it, but go for it respectfully as you suggested initially. Leave your timing chip off for your cooldown laps, don't get in anybody's way who is still out there for their first go 'round, and have some fun with it. You're not putting any extra burden on the event other than grabbing a few cups of water maybe that you could have conceivably had waiting around at the finish anyway.

NoOrdinaryOtter wrote:

Well, it was incredibly cold and windy and I placed in the race so I decided to forego extra laps so I could get my medal at the ceremony and not freeze to death. I guess I will have to do an easy long run tomorrow instead.

Congrats and good work.

Thanks!

NoOrdinaryOtter wrote:

Well, it was incredibly cold and windy and I placed in the race so I decided to forego extra laps so I could get my medal at the ceremony and not freeze to death. I guess I will have to do an easy long run tomorrow instead.

Nice job finding a cure to Cancer!

Loop a doop.... wrote:

Do any of you actually go to races?

When I run a 5k,, I run the course as a warm-up, then run the race, and then run the course for a cool down. If I really like the course, I run it again after the awards. If I start lapping walkers, I just run on the sidewalk or other side of the road. It's no big deal. Nobody is going to care.

I also do this. I don't see much harm in it. Although I don't run 5 or 10ks, just halves and fulls.

It's going to take more than three days after getting the money together, but we did raise over $100,000, so who knows, maybe this will be the contribution that funds a breakthrough. You're welcome!