How to be a great race day spectator: 5 tips that help your runner

A great race day spectator picks a spot after halfway, holds a sign with three big words, shouts the runner's name, photographs from the side and collects the photos on the same day. If you do those five things, your runner will remember seeing you for years.

Spectating looks easy, but runners pass in a few seconds. Also, courses stay closed to traffic for hours, so a plan matters. Here is a simple one.

Tip 1: Where should a race day spectator stand?#

Stand after halfway, on a straight and open stretch, just past an aid station. The start is crowded and over in seconds, while the second half is where legs hurt and a familiar face helps most. So plan for two spots: one after halfway and one in the last quarter.

Roads near the course are closed, so walk or take a train between your spots. The official London Marathon spectator guide says the same: walk between parts of the route where possible, and arrive early at the busiest places. For the pace maths, read where to stand to watch a marathon.

Tip 2: What should a race day spectator write on a sign?#

Write three to five big words and the runner's name. Use thick black letters on white board, because a tired runner has about two seconds to read it. Before you leave home, test the sign from 20 metres. If you cannot read it, the runner cannot either. For more help, see these race day sign ideas.

Tip 3: Why should a spectator shout the runner's name?#

A name cuts through the noise better than a general cheer. Runners hear "Go, Sam!" over a crowd far more easily than "Go, runners!", and it feels personal. Shout as they approach, not after they pass. Also keep it positive, because "Looking strong" lands better than "Only ten to go". After all, ten kilometres is still a long way.

Tip 4: How can a race day spectator photograph a fast runner?#

Stand a little ahead of where you wave, so you can frame the runner early. Then shoot from the side, not head-on, and use burst mode if your phone has it. A ten second clip often beats a still. However, never stop a runner for a photo, because the best pictures show the effort.

Tip 5: What should a race day spectator do with the photos?#

Add them to one shared place on the same day, while you still remember where each was taken. Photos left on a phone are rarely seen again. A group chat shrinks pictures and buries them, so use a shared album instead. For example, Google Photos lets you share photos and videos with a link.

RaceTale goes one step further. The runner shares one link, and friends add photos, clips and cheers with no app and no account. Then each moment lands on a timeline and on the route, next to the finish time.

What should a spectator bring?#

• Bring water, layers and a charged phone, because you may stand for hours.
• Pack a sign, tape and a stick.
• Write down the runner's goal time, start time and the spot you agreed on.
• Wear something bright, so the runner can find you.

Frequently asked questions#

How can I be a good spectator at a marathon?#

Choose a spot after halfway and tell the runner exactly where you will be. Then hold a readable sign, shout their name and stay on the same side every time.

Should I cheer at the start or the finish?#

Both are crowded, so the middle and late miles matter more. Build your plan around those, and treat the start and finish as extras.

Can I see my runner more than once?#

Yes. Pick two points you can reach on foot or by public transport, and add a margin of 10 to 15 minutes. Where to stand to watch a marathon shows how.

How do I collect everyone's race photos?#

Ask on the same day and use one place. See what to do with race day photos for the steps.