5. Cheer on Other Runners
Not everyone has someone cheering for them, so cheering for everyone rather than just your runner can make their race more pleasant. Some people will have their names on their bib or somewhere else on their person; if you can cheer by name they're likely to appreciate it. (JL: Sometimes it might be easier to cheer them on by referencing their outfit, like “Go Maniac” for Marathon Maniac gear, or “Go Cap!” for someone running in a Captain America costume.)
Little Rock 2025 finish line video
If not, clapping, cheering, or ringing a cowbell for them is still going to be welcome. Cheering can be especially welcome by those at the back of the pack, so if you can cheer them on, do. (JL: On races where I can recover quickly enough and can walk back to my hotel along at least part of the course while it's still underway, I will cheer loudly, noting how far they have to go “for bling” and hold up the medal for them to see. More often than not, that's very welcomed within the final mile.)
6. Talk to Other Spectators
You're all in this together to cheer on your runners, and in between it can be a lot of fun to talk to others at your spot, especially if runners are coming by at a trickle, so you're not cheering full-time. Asking someone about their runner and sharing about yours can make the time go by much faster while you're standing around. You can discuss any signs they're holding and have a quick and pleasant conversation. This can also be a great chance to discuss spectating strategies in order to improve your own ability to spectate. I always recommend asking about their runner rather than making assumptions about who the runner is to them.
7. Watch Your Runner's Recovery
After your runner has finished a marathon is probably the time where you'll be the most useful beyond the moral support on the course. Your runner is likely to be tired and sweaty, so doing things like grabbing their gear check, if you're allowed using their bib, can give them an opportunity to save mileage on their legs. Grabbing snacks or extra water can also be a help if needed. (JL: Spectators generally can't get anything from the runner's finish area, so this would either be something you brought in advance or purchased from vendors on-site, or is in the runner's checked bag.)
If your runner is struggling they may not be aware of how much so given their fatigue, so watch out for any signs of heat stroke, hypothermia, or other medical issues, and ask them about any odd sensations they look like they may be experiencing. In the many races I've spectated, Little Rock is the only time I've seen Jared have a rough recovery (both times, in vastly different weather conditions, but definitely more this year), so I also was the person to grab some medical help. The medical team was friendly, and they're there to help, so don't be afraid of asking, even if it turns out to be nothing. It's better to have that second set of eyes on someone when you're not sure than to have something bad happen.
Watching your runner's recovery extends beyond just at the end of the race. It can be making sure that they're getting a meal when they're ready, and if you're staying in the same place checking in on how they're feeling the next day.
8. Download the Updated App
Almost every race has a different app, and I have an entire folder on my phone of race apps, so if your runner runs marathons frequently, be prepared to devote some storage space to this hobby. Every app is a little bit different (even year-to-year), and some are much better than others when it comes to being a spectator. I'd recommend getting to know the app a little bit before the race. For instance, where are the splits for timing mats? Every app should have the race course map somewhere, and this is extremely useful for planning your route. Track your runner by name or number in advance, so you can see where they are on the course. This can help you if they're ahead or behind their expected pace to know whether to add an extra course stop to cheer them on or to skip one. (JL: Make sure to talk with your runner about this, because there are some apps, like RaceJoy, where they need the runner to start the app on their phone for the real-time tracking to be active. Lots of runners, like me, won't do this – they might not even run with their phone.)
9. Spectating as a Group
If you're part of a group of spectators there are some additional considerations. The first is that if you're crossing a live course consider not doing so all together. There may or may not be someone directing traffic. If there's not, it's better to cross in singles and pairs than as a large group unless there is a huge gap in the runners. You do not want to throw off someone's marathon because they had to move around you. (JL: I'm inclined to keep running straight. It's on YOU to get out of MY way. Most runners would agree with this, I think.) If you're part of a group, you also don't have to all travel together. You can hit more spots along the course if you split up than if you're all together, which might be better for your runner. I'd recommend trying to all be at the start and finish, if possible, and then break up into ones and twos along the rest of the course. This also means that if someone misses a mile marker it isn't as big a deal for your runner. It's easier to travel as a smaller group, too. You don't have to worry about walking at the pace of the slowest person in the group. You're also less likely to attract attention if one or two people need to stop and use the restroom than if your entire group does. You can all meet up at the finish.
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