The Haas Student Association is forming a team for this year’s Bay to Breakers. So we have a whole bunch of people who have never joined a road race signing up.

After looking at the email exchanges, I think it is time for a first timer’s guide.

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So you want to run or walk a road race. Your friends are begging you to join them for a one. What do you need to do?

1. Discovery. The event would normally have a website. Go to the website and find out more about the event.
2. Date. Are you free on the day of the event? Most road races are held on Sunday, but some are held on Saturdays. So don’t assume anything. I signed up for the Santa Cruz 1/2 Marathon and then realized that it was being held on a Saturday, a day when I had class. It was throwing money away.
3. Distance. Make sure that the distance is something that you can handle, physically and psychologically. Most events have a cut-off time after which the roads re-open for vehicular traffic and all support facilities (drinks, first-aid) are closed. So make sure that you are able to walk/jog/run fast enough for that distance.
4. Race packet pickup. The race packet contains your bib, last minute instructions, timing chip etc. Some races will mail you the race packet if you sign up early enough. Other races will allow you to pick up the packet on race day. Still some other races require you to pick up the packet the day before the race. Some races require a photo ID before they will give you the packet. So make sure that you or a friend can pick up the race packet before the race.
5. Sign up. Registrations are generally not refundable for any reason. So once you are very sure that you can handle the race and related logistics, sign up using the registration link on the event website. In addition to the basic registration fee, you may need to pay extra for transportation to/from the start/end points. So read the race information carefully and make the right choices. You don’t want to be stuck at the finish line and unable to get back to your car…!
6. Pre-race. On the day before the race, prepare your equipment, bib, shoes etc. Make sure you have directions to the parking areas around the start line (if you are driving to the race). Make sure that you plan to start off early enough in the morning so that you have enough time and not arrive in a rush and panic. There may be thousands of people going to the same place, so plan on arriving early to get a parking spot. Drink a lot of water!
7. Race-day. Get your stuff together. Don’t panic. Get down some food, especially if the start time is a couple of hours away. Drink a lot of water. There will always be porta-potties at the race. Most importantly, enjoy the race.