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Keeping in the right track:

Rubber track etiquette for dummies

Pumping one’s feet on a rubberized oval, sweat starting to trickle while the stiff cold evening breeze provides the proper aeration can be the most liberating thing a track runner can have. Running laps around the oval at night without the blistering heat of the sun and evading the obstacles during a street jog is safe, sane and surely boosts one’s health.

But then, in the middle of a shin tightening sprint to the finish line, some frisbee player with soccer shoe studs crosses your way in pursuit of a wayward pass: would you flinch and evade or would you just stop and hope the runner behind you does not ride you on a free piggyback. Dangerous. Madness.

Somewhere in lane 3, a jogger has to evade walkers, holding hands and excitedly talking about the day’s rants.

Disheartening.

Where there is disregard to ethics on the track, then accidents are bound to happen.

To keep everyone safely enjoying their use of the rubber track, here are 10 simple guides one can follow to get the most of the tracks and put every user safe.

1. Sprinters and training athletes must use the fast lanes, those are lanes 1 and lane 2. As sprinters and training athletes may have special track shoes with studs, they can go to speeds that are difficult to cause sudden stops or evasive action against any obstacles. This lane must be therefore, off to plain joggers, pacers, walkers and children.

2. Joggers must use lane 3 and lane 4. Yes, there is a lane allocation and this is for safety reasons. As the faster lanes are set for the inner lanes, this simply means one must stay on the lanes assigned. When passing, one should not cross the other lane but pass on the right space within the lane and not squeeze through as this can also be dangerous and accident prone.

3. Walkers and rehabs must use lane 5 and lane 6. While generally taking the lane at a slower pace, walkers however need to be aware that with them in the lane are faster athletes trying to recover and are taking their pace.

4. Rubberized track oval users are advised to run, jog, and walk in a counter clockwise direction. Running in counter flow, not only is dangerous, it can be accident-prone and is thus crazy. And never ever stop on the tracks. Runners behind you may bump you over, or hit you.

5. Bicycle, skateboards, scooters, and baby strollers are not allowed inside the rubberized track oval. Apart from these being obstacles, these can also deal a pretty good damage to the rubber tracks.

6. Absolutely no dogs or other pets are allowed inside the rubberized track oval. Not only can these cause accidents, dogs can also be overly excited to see runners they might just chase and cause accidents. Bring the dogs to another place, never in a track.

7. The use of running spikes may be allowed but the studs must not be over 8mm. This too means the track is off limits to leather shoes, high heels, slippers, clogs, six studs baseball shoes, soccer football shoes and bicycle clipless shoes.

8. Treat the track and infield like you would a road. Look both ways and make sure it is safe to cross at all times. If a faster runner comes up behind and wants to pass, they say on the right. Upon hearing the shout, “track,” move to the outer lanes, making sure it is safe to do so. When passing someone, always give plenty of warning time, wait for them to move over, and continue in your lane. And no spitting please.

9. Never stand on the track, especially in lanes 1 or 2. Always look both ways before crossing the track. When you finish an interval, look over your shoulder and move to the right as you stop. That is because, if you move left, you are more likely to get run over by another runner. Children should be supervised at all times, anywhere within the tracks.

10. Etiquette may dictate not to use headphones or mobile phone on the track or infield. This is potentially dangerous because this may stop you from hearing other track users or safety announcements. Sitting on lane 1 and in the stainless steel gutter is strictly not allowed to avoid accident.

Always remember, the track is designed for athletics! Please keep footballs, Frisbee and volleyball well away and if your animal is a spectator, please ensure that you keep it under control. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)