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Meeting up with Friends |  |
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See the Index for more topics, information, hints and tips.
Meeting up with your friends either before or after a large race is very difficult. Consider picking a conspicuous landmark near the start or finish for all of you to gather at. At the start of a race a good spot is near the pace leader for a specific time. They will be holding a sign with their expected race time on it.
Another idea is to wear a distinctive hat or top. This works well in smaller races.
If you aren’t sure where you will be meeting before or after a race or you aren’t familiar enough with the area to pick a landmark, then get a unique helium filled balloon. They are widely available, but you’ll have to pick them up the day before the race. This works really well if you have friends, family, or fans that are going to be out on the race course to cheer you on. All you have to do is scan above the crowds for the special balloon. Picking out a familiar face in a crowd is MUCH more difficult.
Be sure to exchange phone numbers before the race. It would even be a good idea to write them down in case you have to use someone else’s phone to call.
It's a good idea, if possible, to actually visit the spot beforehand so that both parties know it.
There are a number of smart phone apps that allow family and friends to track your location. This is helpful in meeting up with others to start a run, finding each other if you get separated during a run, knowing when and/or where to meet up after a run or race, and tracking progress during a race. They may also be helpful to let others know that you are stopped and maybe in need of assistance (some apps provide for an emergency notification) or that you are taking a different path and may be arriving later.
