Does your track seem…extra crowded lately?
Writers, marketers and influencers have tracked the multi-year running boom from endless angles. But it really sunk in for me this past winter, when I showed up to my local oval on one of the coldest days of the year, and saw dozens of runners knee-deep in their morning workouts. Hard to argue with that.
My track is part of a public park in North Brooklyn, so it hosts more demographics than its 2020s influx of running regulars. There are also walkers, soccer players, rollerbladers, kids on tricycles. Not to mention: a revolving door of massive run clubs, dripping in bespoke merch.
I’m no grouch, but many of these people, as they’re walking or running around the track, unwittingly stomp all over certain tenets of track etiquette. Which…is definitely a thing. There is a right way to behave at the track, and a wrong way, and I see the wrong way at least three times a week.
To that end, a helpful (and occasionally crabby) guide: 10 important rules to keep in mind when running at your local track, whether it’s public like mine or part of a high school campus. From the correct lane to be in when someone’s having a workout, to a definitive answer on how to deal with run clubs, find the full list below.
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Why do we run counterclockwise around a track? The internet has some ideas: it’s easier for right-handed people to lead with their left foreleg, the Ancient Romans had chariots race in that direction, all sorts of mumbo jumbo about centrifugal force and gravitational pull.
Whatever it is, counter-clockwise is the status quo at tracks. Don’t be the person — there’s always one — running directly into oncoming traffic. Turning in one direction won’t over-stress your body (unless this track is less than 400 meters), and even then, just mix in some road-work with your track session. If you’re really worried, run counterclockwise on the infield. Just mind anyone doing dynamic warmups ahead of their intervals.
2. Carve a Little Spot for Yourself
Track-goers have a tendency to pile their belongings on the turf just to the left of the start line, where they begin their runs. They like to stretch in this general area, too. If you’re also going to use this area, make sure you don’t put any bags or articles of clothing right next to stuff of the same color or style. Exhausted people are liable to grab the wrong crap.
3. Don’t Subject Others to Your Tunes
This one’s a bit subjective. Not everyone has a fancy pair of wireless, Bluetooth headphones to wear to the track. If that’s the case for you, feel free to listen to your music or podcast from your phone while making your way around the oval. Just try to keep your pace at at least a brisk walk or jog; people shouldn’t have to listen to your audio if you’re coming up on them slowly. Oh, and no speaker systems. This is a rare half-hour that people found time to come down, get their act together and sweat. Spare them your power hour.
4. Do Drift into the Second Lane
Easily the biggest gripe you will hear from serious runners on the topic of track etiquette. It’s understandable that most people, regardless of ability or pace, would prefer to be in the first lane at all times. But when someone — let alone a full group — is holding a workout or time trial, it’s your responsibility to momentarily cede the primary lane.
To be clear, few runners will actually expect you to follow through on this, so you’ll be a hero for your decency. Just don’t wait until the last second; they may have already committed, annoyed, to passing in the second lane. It helps to take stock of who’s at the track, and what their intentions seem to be, before you begin your run.
5. No Racing!
Plus, in that vein, never abruptly change your pace to try and compete with someone in the midst of a workout or time trial. I could see a couple runners possibly embracing the challenge, but for most, it’s disruptive and could prove completely destabilizing. Either they have to dust you in response, compelling them to burn energy earlier than intended, or you dust them, which wasn’t really fair, considering you were only halfway through jogging your first lap.
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Don’t cheer for people, ask them what time they just ran or stop to watch every time someone whizzes on by. If you did any of that anytime someone squatted something at a gym, people would probably be freaked out.
That’s not to say the track isn’t a place for community. I’ve chatted about the weather with people at my track. I’ve also shared the details of my workouts. But just remember that for many, the grind is personal. Save your vibes for Marathon Sunday. People deserve to feel anonymous at a track, if that’s what they’re looking for.
7. Mind the PKs
This could just be my local track, where there’s always a group of guys taking endless rounds of penalty kicks on the soccer net, and the ball often soars past the goal, bouncing directly into the track. Watch out for that. In fact, be mindful of any funny business going on on the field. Think: kites, drones, rogue toddlers. It’s in your best interest to look up from your feet once in a while.
8. Wardrobe Accordingly
If you’re on school property, try to keep your shirt on.
9. Leave the Bike at Home
Tracks take a pretty big beating throughout the year, from snowstorms to thousands of metal spikes during meets each spring. Top-notch tracks can handle it. But adding bikes to the picture won’t do the polyurethane any favors. Try to keep the track a place for walking, running and HIIT workouts.
In fairness, it’s a pretty great place to teach a little one how to ride a bike. As long as that’s contained to the outside lanes, at a not-so-busy time of the day, that’s okay. But there’s zero reason for an adult to bring his or her bike to the track.
10. Learn the Run Club Schedule
I know to never visit my track on Tuesday mornings, when it’s swamped by the biggest run club in my neighborhood. I know run clubs are getting a lot of hate these days — and some of it is deserved — but look, you’re not going to win a turf war against 45 people. It’s not worth the mental angst of trying to share the track. Just back another day when there’s more room to breathe.
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