The other day was an unseasonably cool day, hence the increased number of runners out and about on my usual neighborhood trail, which I love to see. The sense of community among runners can be phenomenal; we just get each other. With a little nod or wave, we fellows acknowledge one another like we’re members of a secret club.
Most of the time my waves are reciprocated with a reaffirming nod or a smile. Other times, I’ll pass one who doesn’t dare break a determined pace and stares blankly ahead, seemingly ignoring my gesture. Should I feel dumb or silly for trying? Are these people just plain rude? This got me thinking about unspoken runner etiquette. Do some runners have it and some just…don’t?
Similar to etiquette in the workplace, at dinner parties, and in team sports, runners should hold themselves accountable to a standard of politeness. I know I certainly do, and if you follow my Ten Commandments of Runner Etiquette, you’ll be making friends on the trail in no time. Read more >>