Thursday, September 19, 2013

Should Phones Be Banned During Races?

I wanted to share with you a tragedy in the world of marathons. If you happen to be traveling to Hong Kong to run the marathon in February, you had better put away your phone. That is because marathon officials have banned cell phones at the race (or are at least majorly discouraging their use). Why you ask? Because last year some woman stopped to take a selfie and everyone got backed up and started falling all over the place. True story (article HERE).

Yeah, it might be a tad crowded to stop and take a selfie

Maybe I am in the minority but I do not understand taking pictures during a race, particularly of oneself. Are you running a race or are you sightseeing? When I run a race it is all I can do to stay upright, not crap myself and not die. I cannot imagine pulling out my camera and documenting myself in this condition. Frankly, I just wouldn't have the energy.

There is a reason that there are photographers along the race course. So that you don’t have to bring your own camera!!

In all honesty, I can’t say I’ve ever been inconvenienced by someone taking pictures while running. I’ve never had someone stop right in front of me or get in my way. I also have not been in many races where I’ve seen people taking pictures. Usually everyone around me is doing what I am doing, which is trying to get to the finish line as fast as possible.

Now, I understand that logistically it makes a lot of sense to carry your phone with you during a race if you need to find someone after, etc. But to actually use the phone to take pictures or to tweet seems odd to me. Run your race, discuss it later. Not every life experience is meant to be lived via your smartphone.

You can disagree and you probably will.

Now, animals taking selfies, well that is just completely acceptable, any day, any time:

IMAG2023

Heidi has some work to do in the selfie department. Good thing she has a lot of spare time between sleeping, sleeping, eating, sleeping, eating and pooping.

Do you think races should ban phones/cameras? No. Maybe there should just be a rule about stepping to the sidelines if you have to take a picture. In other words, get the f%ck out of the way.

Do you carry a phone while you run races? Do you use it for pictures/selfies?

SUAR

92 comments:

  1. I carry my phone. We take pics before and after. I use the phone for my Galloway Run/Walk intervals.

    I stopped to take a picture once in my first RnR Vegas. I was passing my wedding chapel. I wasn't worried about time and I got all the way off the course to take the picture.

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  2. I used my phone once. The half I was running was on an extremely hot day, the aid stations ran out of water, and I only lived about 5 minutes away. I called my husband to have him bring me water. (A few of my friends actually got heat stroke at the end of the race, so I was grateful he came, and glad for my decision.) Otherwise, my phone is ONLY used for music - at a VERY low level, so I can hear those around me if needed.

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  3. I have stopped to take photos. They are never selfies and usually are during non-timed events (ie. Electric run, memorial run for Boston). I try not to stop and take it in the middle of the road and I try to be cognizant of
    the rest of the crowd.
    It was an amazing sight to see the sheer number of people who came out to run the memorial run after being scheduled 3 days before. It is also pretty impressive to see all the glowing people running in the dark (this is pretty dangerous in of itself).

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  4. I carry my phone but only use it for my tunes and to take pics before and after the race. Like you, I could never take a photo while running, I'd probably fall all over myself!

    One of my pet peeves is people who stop for any reason without moving over to the side! It's like they have no clue they're in a race....yeah this looks like a good place to stop and stretch!!

    I don't want races to ban phones, but yeah people need to be more considerate.

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  5. I don't think banning cellphones is the right way to go (I use mine because I run with my Charity Miles App on to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America). But I do believe that there should be some etiquette respected on the race course. Like step aside if you want to take a photo.

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  6. I never carry my phone during a race...i carry my iPod and my gels, that's bad enough.I have no shame asking a perfect stranger to use their cell if I can't find my family...its happened before. Its bad enough the race photogs capture me looking like I got ran over by a truck...

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  7. I carry my phone since my running app is on it. It's also nice to have it along in case of an emergency. It never crossed my mind to stop in the middle of the race to take a picture of myself, seems a wee bit vane if you ask me.

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    1. Hi sis! I agree. Not every race is for time, and having a phone for an emergency makes sense. I find it hard to make race memories if I'm preoccupied trying to capture it on my phone. And I think it just looks tacky. Scenery? Fine. Selfie? Love yourself a little less because 99% of the people who end up seeing that picture on Facebook won't care.

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  8. I would say just make the rule that you have to get off the course

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  9. I carry a phone at races - usually to connect afterwards with friends running it at different paces, and take pictures before or after, and for long runs over 2 hours or so, for safety reasons.

    A few times I have stopped during a training run to take a picture of something interesting (a pretty sunset, or ducks crossing the road, for example), but I don't think I'm physically capable of taking a selfie while running. I'm not very coordinating at taking selfies anyways (I think my limbs are slightly short in comparison to my overall height and torso), and although I'm slower than the average person at a race, I'm putting in a lot of effort to run at that pace! And I'm certainly not going to add onto my already-slow time to stop to take a picture, of myself or scenery, during a race!

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    1. I carry a phone during my long training runs mostly for safety reasons, but I definitely take pictures during those.

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  10. I carry my phone, just to catch up with people, I have taken pictures with it, of other runners or tshirts, never of my self, and not in a year. After watching someone take a digger phone in hand, it became obvious this was as stupid as texting and driving, one thing at a time people, one thing at a time. We should be able to carry our phone, but not use it (see above texting and driving / texting and running). I do think people should just get the F*CK out of the way when they are going to stop or take a selfie or start walking I have a hard enough time running on my own feet I don't want to have to run on someone elses or up their Achilles tendon...

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  11. I carry my phone, its my music player. I have only ever stopped to take a pic during a race once...my first 1/2 marathon trail race through 14 inches of snow. HAD to capture the insanity and fun...but trust me, I was all alone out there at that point. :)

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  12. I use my phone for music, the ChiRunning app and in case of emergency. Like you said, I'm running! not taking pictures. Those are for later.

    April

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  13. I carry a phone and can certainly understand carrying it during a race for a running app or music, etc. but there is a huge difference between using it for that purpose and those out there who take endless selfies or use their phone to "live Tweet" while racing - this especially seems to happen during the Disney races, as certain bloggers I read do these crazy thing to keep "connected" with all the social media outlets. Who - besides maybe their mom? - cares THAT much about their race that they need to know what is going on LIVE instead of reading a recap later in the week? Ridiculous and certainly danger potential there.

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  14. I do carry my phone since it has my tunes and it does come in handy after the race to track people down. Furthermore, the hubs and I have the findmyiPhone app (aka spouse stalker) which is nice when I'm running on my own and so he knows when to haul his butt out of Starbucks to find me during a race. Though, every now and then, I does ring while I'm running which makes me crazy. Hey, I'm running here!! Haven't I informed EVERYONE who knows me that I'm running a race today?? What nerve.

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  15. I carry my phone on my arm for safety reasons. Plus, I'm without a fancy Garmin (I accept gifts), so I use it to log my runs and what not. I don't take pictures, though. That's bizarre. I do take pictures when I'm running by myself, but just of the pretty surroundings I find myself in, not to show the world my nasty, sweaty face!

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  16. I carry a phone with me when I run primarily because I listen to music and use the MapMyRun app from it. I also use it in case I can't finish my runs and need someone to come pick me up. ;)

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  17. Yes, ban cell phone use during the races!
    I carry my cell phone on longer races, but I would only take it out and use it while in the ambulance. Just run and enjoy the race!

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    1. Totally agree to the ban. It's a race people. If you are not racing, why pay the fee?

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  18. I'm in the minority here, but I take pictures during races, while I run, so I don't stop. These are rarely selfies though. I also take pictures before and after the race, but this time with my hubbs, friends or the medal. How else could I have material for my blog? I love documenting for the memories, I'm not running to win. There is rarely a post in my blog that doesn't have pictures, so it's in my blood. If I were trying to qualify for Boston, it would be a whole different story, until then, us slow pokes can afford wasting some seconds to enjoy the sights through the viewfinder.

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    1. I meant to post my comment as a reply to yours' because I have the exact same sentiment.

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    2. I carry my phone during half marathons and fulls and take pictures before during and after the race... I have never stopped to take a picture during a race though... it's always on the move! If I do have to stop (for any reason... stomach cramp, drink, etc) I move to the sidewalk and make sure i'm not in anyones way... because even though we aren't all out there to win those longer races (only 1 person can win and i'm not even close to winning a half marathon) people are still trying to beat their PR or beat a goal time!
      Like a couple people have said... it's nice to have pictures to post on the blog when posting a recap... besides... the official race pics dont follow you throughout the race to take pics of something cool that you see or capture your emotion during the race...
      I saw it's a fine and dandy to take pics during a race as long as you respect your fellow runners and don't interfere with their race! :)

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    3. Also... some of us don't have "personal photographers" (family or friends) at the races with us... the only time I've had any support at a race is during my first full... my half marathons i've been totally alone and it's helped to carry a phone and maybe see people cheering you on via twitter or your blog! :)

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    4. I agree with everyone above, as long as you respect the other runners, I don't see what's wrong with taking pictures. Just be aware of your surroundings, don't walk into a pothole and don't block those who run their own race, for whatever reason. Now, if I look at pictures like the one at the beginning of the post, I don't see how one would even be able to run with all these people around. That is nuts!

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  19. I carry my iPhone more than half the time. Mostly for pictures and partly for communication due to logistics. Apres-run of course. In a half marathon or full, it's not going to slow me down to take a picture. There are some events I'm wound up tight enough to be totally focused on competing. In those events, I'm actually concerned about the weight of my phone enough not to carry it - even though that is probably silly. Still, race pics are a biggie for me. I like the content for my running blog. Official race photos are grossly over-priced, although I still typically purchase them. But I don't like to wait for them to post my post-race blog.

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  20. Just like I think it is rude to spit/toss your full water cup/stop randomly during a race without checking for other runners, I think it's rude to abruptly stop to take selfies during the race in a way that interferes with other people. I personally have never done this (and I never carry my phone because it's just too bulky - I have my Nano and that's it), but I know a lot of bloggers that I read do do this, and whatever - who cares! Take pictures! Just be respectful to other runners/people! It's not hard. For me it's instinct to "check my blind spot" when making a move in a race anyway. Don't these people drive cars?

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  21. Considering how well many racers follow "etiquette" (yes, I have been spilled on and spit on on course, not to mentioned had my heels stepped on, elbowed, cut off, etc.)... I would prefer to say no cell phone use on course. You're there to race, nothing else. If you plug in your tunes, fine. But then into the arm band or pouch it goes.

    Also, anyone who has traveled in Hong Kong or China has experienced how common courtesy there is much different... So I definitely think a ban there is MUCH needed.

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  22. I carry my phone on all runs - races or just plain old loner/group runs. I use it for music and GPS during the race/run and to call people that I need to meet up with (race) or pick me up (regular run if hurt/hot/exhausted/lazy) after the run. I've never stopped to take a photo in a race, and I can think of two times that I've stopped during a regular run to take a photo - and it was worth it both times!

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  23. All it takes for me is to think of Boston and say banning phones is a dumb idea. It just takes one disaster and hoping you can reach a loved one to say phones are always a good idea.

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  24. I always carry my phone with me when I run, for music and GPS, but I've only used it once to make a call during a run. I called my husband from mile 18 at the Chicago marathon to come and pick me up. I was cramping up and miserable. He told me no way and made me meet him at the finish line. Really?! :)

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  25. I never took pictures during a race...until I started mountain trail racing. I figure if I have to walk up the hill, I may as well take a pic of the bigass thing.

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  26. I carry my phone on races that are not my 'A' race. Not every race is run to "race time" ya know. I take pictures before, during and after. Although I'd never stop in front of someone... just like walking or tossing a water cup, you look and move to the side. It's not difficult. And let's not start judging ... everyone runs races for different reasons. Many of my races are to "see" a city. It's amazing what we see when we run that in a car we'd never notice...

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  27. As long as no one gets in my way, they can selfie away. I'm far too busy trying to kick ass to take pictures of myself. Plus, I already get such amaaaaaazing race photos from the official photographers. :::eyeroll:::

    I don't carry my phone running, either. It's just too big/heavy/clunky. I can barely stand to have my ipod clipped to my shorts.

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  28. There are many things that take place at "races" that don't make them races anymore. Phones. Cameras. iPods. Bands. Spray on color. Fake obstacle courses. Tutus....used to be we ran RACES because we enjoyed RUNNING and going fast. Now it's just another way to be entertained. Boo.

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    1. Isn't there a place for everyone? Maybe yours is at the front going fast but that leaves plenty of room for others behind you.

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    2. couldn't agree with you more, thelongrun, and I'm a mid pack runner. Just run!

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  29. I don't care what others do, as long as they aren't creating a safety concern for others.

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  30. phones are banned in WTC triathlons. They ban all communication devices. You have got to be all old school and have people yell at you on the side of the road how far back you are. I got to help out some of those yelling to their pros at IMKY this year. Fun stuff.

    I think of myself as a pretty old school runner, however, being sponsored and always needing to document my races, if I don't have someone at the start with me not running, I will put my camera in my spibelt, so I can take some pics before the race, and after the race. Now that I have an iphone, I will skip the camera and just use my phone. However, at Boston last year (pre-iphone), I had my camera in my spibelt, and since it was so stinking hot, I took one photo of a sign while running (I had practiced this at a fun run earlier to make sure I was coordinated enough), and then as I approached the finish line, I took several photos of the finish line banner before I crossed, but I didn't break my pace to do it (hence several shots taken). I put the camera away for the actual finish so I wouldn't destroy my professional pictures. Then, once I got my medal, I had a volunteer take my picture with it right there with the finish line in the background. I was really grateful that I did this (and that my spibelt really was pretty waterproof), because I have a super awesome facebook cover photo, and no one can believe that I took it, while running.

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  31. I agree with many of the comments above - as long as people are respectful and don't interfere with other people's experience, I don't care what they do. I carry my phone for logistical purposes and to take pictures before and after. I think I've only ever taken a photo once during a race. It was a trail race when everyone was huffing and puffing up a big hill. Usually, it's too much of a pain to take my iPhone out of the spibelt, take the picture, and put it back in. I'm just not coordinated enough!

    That said, I will most definitely be snapping some photos when I run the Big Sur International Marathon next April. But probably no selfies -- I'm not that vain and (this bears repeating) I'm too uncoordinated!

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  32. Rick B

    If you need the phone for a safety issue, fine. Other than that I find it disrespectful to stop in anybody's way during the event..don't enter if you can't focus/enjoy what you trained for. Does every moment have to be Live on You Tube??

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  33. To me the issue should be less about banning phones and more about behaving responsibly at races in general. I've seen people cause a 'log jam' at races by stopping dead at a water stop or in the middle of the road just to make kit adjustments, tie laces, re attach a race number etc. A lot of people use their phones for music, with tracking apps or to take photos and I have no problem with that providing it's done with consideration to other people.

    A local race to me has banned headphones, claiming it affects people's situational awareness and again it's about using things responsibly.

    Bruce C

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  34. I bring my phone, take pics before and after, then leave it in a checked bag for the actual race. I am busy RACING...I can't take pictures while I do that! IMO, if you're taking selfies, you should be running faster.

    I don't think the problem is selfies, per se. I think it's the self-absorbtion, Im-the-only-person attitude that causes problems (and usually cause selfie-taking). People need to be aware of what they do and how it affects others. So move off the freaking race course to take pictures.

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  35. Ugh, for the first time ever, i have to carry a phone tomorrow during a full so that I can let my husband know when to come pick me up since he's running the half. NOT looking forward to it because it's such a PITA. But know, slow marathoner that I am, I might have to take a selfie just for you and tweet during the marathon. HAHA!

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  36. Oddly enough, I'm not sure I've done a race since I got the phone, though I must have. I think. It always comes with me on training rides and runs.

    One of my hot buttons is people doing the unexpected in a race. Stopping to puke is an expected thing (fortunately rare), and there's usually warning signs. But stopping, then digging in your pants to find a phone to take a selfie in the middle of the course? You deserve to be pushed over and trampled by the hordes.

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  37. The only time I used my camera was at the Boston Marathon in 2012. I brought it to take photos before and after the race. However when we got hit with the heat wave, and I realized I wouldn't be "racing" I used it during the race. HOWEVER, I pulled over to the side, where the spectators were and then took it out. I didn't pull it out on course at all! I didn't cut anyone off getting to the side either. I try to stay very aware of runners all around me during a race (water stations etc).

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  38. I always carry my phone - I use the Runkeeper app and my music. And it is handy to text the husband after to find out where him and the kids are.

    I ran my first (and only, so far!) Marathon in May, and it was the first time I ever texted or facebook updated when on a run. You see, around mile 17 I had the worst leg cramping begin. This had never happened to me on any of my long training runs, so I was concerned. I feared a DNF, but throughout the race, I received inspirational texts from family and friends. Looking down at the phone to see 'You can do this!' 'We are so proud of you', etc, really helped me push through those leg cramps and finish. My goal was to finish around the 4 hour mark, but once those legs starting cramping, I had to take some walk breaks to work them out. That was how I got through miles 17-26. Little walks, with short runs in between. At mile 25 I took a picture of the mile marker and posted it to facebook. My phone blew up with comments - I did not read them all, but heard the 'ding' each time a new comment was added. I ran the last 1.2 miles, despite the pain and finished in 4:26 - not my goal, but better than I had expected once I was forced to take those walk breaks. So for me, having those invisible cheerleaders through the phone really helped me finish my first marathon!
    If people are respectful of others and get out of the way, I don't care if they make videos or take pics or tweet. Just MOVE OVER! BTW, when I was at mile 25 taking my picture, there weren't many runners left out on the course with me. In fact in the picture, it looks deserted!

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  39. Yeah, they probably will eventually ban them (and need to) because the thing is, no one ever steps off the course to do whatever -- they are only focused on themselves and not the people they might be inconveniencing.

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  40. My sister and I recently did a half marathon in Chicago...given the weather conditions that day (really warm with 85% humidity), and the fact that we weren't trained well enough for this one to PR, we decided to make it a "fun run" and take pictures along the way. We took pictures of funny signs; jumped in photos with people dressed in funny costumes; pictures with us and some enthusiastic volunteers; my sister doing a pee-pee dance in line for the porta-john at mile 8; a couple bands along the way, etc. We had an absolute BLAST! I will say we were super careful to get off the course so we didn't interfere with runners actually TRYING, because we've had that irritation in other races too....people hit a dead stop right in front of us...it can be deadly! It might've been the most fun race we've ever finished...not the fastest....but for sure the most fun, and my scrapbook of this particular run is going to be WAY better than the rest! =)

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  41. My selfie would probably be me throwing up on myself. Not a pretty picture. Not something I want immortalized.

    If you're going to do it, move off the course, jump back in.
    banning anything is only so good. I use my cell for music and my GPS tracker. I have communications set up so my family can track me using find my phone while I am at a race. Usually, the back of the pack, but there anyway.

    Just playing devil's advocate here, would there have been a similar issue had the runner fallen and everyone got tripped up over her?
    There's a million reasons why people stop running, I move, but what if she couldn't?

    Amy P. Philly Runner.

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  42. I run with my phone for music and my running app. but in my half i will not use it - at least that is my plan. I want to be able to hear the crowd and be in the moment and not in my playlist. we shall see. is it a bad idea to train with music and then run the race without it?

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    1. I would maybe try running a few training runs without music. Just to prepare yourself mentally. I did that before my half for a couple of my longer runs and I'm glad I did.. because during the race, my music stopped at mile 12.....

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    2. I agree with Linda. Be sure you have done several runs without music to get used to it.

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    3. Thanks folks! appreciate any and all advice. will give running sans music a shot...

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  43. I always carry my phone -- I listen to music/podcasts on it and in case I need to call someone to come get me or for help. Occasionally I'll use the flashlight on it during a run too.

    Other than that, it stays in my pocket or stuffed in my sports bra usually. Occasionally I'll take a picture while running, but it's rare.

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  44. I carry my phone for safety (Solo runs) and for music. During my first half (RnRSea), I witnessed so many people pulling over to take pics. I guess maybe not everyone runs races for time but I run few enough races where the times all matter to me. I suppose everyone is different in this vein but I def think there should be some "pull your ass over" rule.

    BTW, people who can take selfies and run at the same time are very coordinated. I.. am not one of those people. And even if I was...

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  45. I always carry my phone, it has my running app on it. I start it, stick it in my pocket and forget it, until I get home realize I am short 0.35 miles and then loop the park again. However, people are stupid. Not all of them, but some. I know in Disney races people stop to take pictures all the time, with characters, not of yourself! I hope the woman got a good picture of all the people falling down behind her.

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  46. My sister and I ran the Vermont marathon one year. The last few miles were horrendous and she literally took out her cell phone just to call up her husband and tell him how bad she was doing. I could not believe it! I told her that she had one minute to hand the phone back to me and i hung up on her husband and then shut off the phone. I said "We are finishing this if i have to haul you out on a stretcher!" And of course we did. Was it harsh? Yes. But i think we miss the whole point of running when we whip out our cell phones to call people (yes I have witnessed this at races and it never ceases to amaze me!) and stop and take pictures while backing up other people. I think carrying one for an emergency... yes totally. Taking a picture of something beautiful.... sure, just step aside, make it quick and be aware of everyone else around you. And don't use it to make a phone call! Please! It is a race!

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  47. I carry a phone these days so for emergency contact purposes, my wife and I went and got a separate number for it and share the 'running phone'. This involved tracking down the lightest handset we could find in our old phone draw. I've not used it for photos, I wouldn't know how I've only used its capacity as a phone to call my wife and say "I am around the corner having a long cool down walk, back a bit late sorry".

    I'm not sure I mind people taking their own photos during races, but they have to do it responsibly. I have seen one too many tired runners trip and full face plant into the tarmac, so those doing it have to just plain get off the course (very carefully) before even taking out their phones to give everyone else a chance of avoiding trouble. That said I'm certain many major races are in places where there are lovely bus tours that could be taken pre or post race to take in major sights so that any 'in race' temptation is satisfied.

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  48. The only time I've used my phone during the race is for those races that aren't timed - like the Color Run, where everyone is doing it for the experience and not so much the time. I always have my phone with me though because I use it for music and to meet up with my family/friends at the end.

    I've always said that if you have got time to tweet/take pictures while running, you have time to push harder. I ran the half RnR in Vegas last year and I'm a "slow" person, I had more than a few people practically stop right in front of me to take pictures and that was in the middle of the road.It can be really frustrating.

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  49. I carry my phone in every race. I used it ONCE during a race to call my husband and tell him I was okay. Yes, I was running while calling him, but I kept the call to like 30 seconds because it is hard to run and talk on the phone!

    As far as pictures, the only time I took pictures was the first time I ran the Boston Marathon. I ran w/ a few friends and we took our time... We stopped and took pictures in each town. We stepped off the race course and took them beside all the signs, etc. We had a spectator take our picture and they were happy to help. We weren't in anyone's way. We looked at running Boston as an EXPERIENCE. None of us were trying to PR. In fact, it took us over 4.5 hours to finish the race because we just wanted to soak it all in! What a great day. I am running it again in 2014, this time alone. I do not envision myself racing it, and will take my camera and take a few photos.

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  50. There already is a rule about stepping to the side, it's called the common courtesy and common sense rule- unfortunately most people don't have it.

    Sometimes I care my phone when I run, depends where I am going and how long I will be gone. I have never carried my phone in a race though. EVER.

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  51. I always have my phone with me since I usually go to races by myself and this way my kids can call me if needed (no, telling me that you need me to wash something when I get home is not needed during a race!) I do stop and take pictures occasionally (never a selfie though, ick), or if I need to text an update to the family, but I ALWAYS step off to the side and step off the course if I am able to. I know I will never make Boston, and it won't be because I stopped to take a picture or answer my phone. I am just slow and like to take the time to enjoy the surroundings. Also, my longest distance is the half marathon. Now with all that being said, it pisses me off when people stop in front of me to take selfies. I think it is just common courtesy to step off to the side. You should do it when you need to walk or slow down and when you "need" to take a picture of yourself.
    BTW: the Heidi selfie - Hilarious!

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  52. Always blows me away when an issue like this comes up. Really do we need to ban cell phones? Seems like common courtesy or common sense would have prevented any issues. But it is becoming painstakingly obvious that neither courtesy or sense are so common anymore.

    Heaven help the soul that pulls a selfie stop in front of me on a race course. At that point it will become a serious internal moral debate as to whether or not to exert my Clydesdale status and body check them into next week.

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    1. Hahaha!! I'd love to see your Clydesdale self body check someone!!!!!!

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  53. For a half marathon or marathon I carry my phone. Not for taking pictures of myself (too much of a pain since I keep it in a plastic bag so it doesn't get ruined by my sweat!)...more for music if I decide I need it (Pandora app) or for sending a quick text to my family in the case of the marathon(i.e. "30 minutes until the finish" ). When you are already on the "slower" side and then the marathon starts 30 minutes late it's better not to having someone worrying about you IMO.

    The exception would be Disney races when it's more the norm for people to take pictures b/c they have all the characters, etc throughout the course and areas designated for photo ops. I actually wish I had brought my better-than-a-cellphone-camera for that.

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  54. I bring my phone to races and every run. I never take photos mid-race, but a photo before or after if it's a race I'm excited about. I also like to text them to my daughters who get excited about seeing me at the finish line. I do however take photos of interesting things during my daily runs for my blog, but I am always sure to step away from the path if others are running out of respect. I don't feel there is any need to ban them. People just need to be courteous and respectful on the course during a race. They can take their selfies another time.

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  55. Because I am usually at the back of the pack, I often do races with no real thought to the time (especially mud runs). I have taken pics at these events. Mostly to remember the fun of the event. But I always make sure I'm not holding someone else up (which isn't usually a problem b/c everyone is already in front of me). That said, when I've been trying for a specific time (5K for instance), I leave my phone in the car. But yes, with the congestion in that pic - everyone needed to keep their head out of their ass and not cause a problem.

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  57. I always carry my phone while running for emergency purposes. I have taken many a selfie before and after a race with it. The only time I took during the race photos was during Goofy at Disney when everyone expects it. I certainly used proper race etiquette and moved out of the running course before doing so!

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  58. I've run a few races in Chicago and have almost crashed in the back of people who have stopped dead to take a picture of the skyline. It is beyond annoying, so yeah. I get this article.

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  59. I have not been inconvenienced by a cell phone user. I HAVE, however, had Gatorade that another runner had in his belt SPILLED DOWN THE BACK AND FRONT OF MY LEGS, which caused a permanent scar on the front of my ankle where the tongue of my shoe rubbed from mile 2 to mile 13.1 -- RUBBED IT RAW. Permanent. Scar. I mean, it looks cool and I love the story, but I really would rather that the person who spilled that on me had taken a picture instead of whipping out some Gatorade. AT MILE TWO.

    Are we also going to ban running belts and chews and other drinks and all other possible distractions?

    Silliness.

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  61. Interesting post. I don't carry a phone or camera when running - training or race. A variety of reasons, not the least of which is I sweat and worry that I'll ruin the damn thing. The phone is usually in my checked bag, wrapped securely to protect it. (I do carry my car key during the race - that way if my bag is lost or stolen, I can still get home.)
    True story - Philly Half 2009 - perfect race weather. Half way through I heard a guy carrying on a conversation. It appeared he was talking to himself. Then I realized he was on the phone! I was so shocked I commented out loud, immediately connecting with another runner who was a shocked as I. We stuck together for the remainder of the race, both PRing.
    'Nother true story - Cherry Blossom 10 Miler 2010 - the route is pretty but very twisty, lots of narrow stretches, and runners are too packed in. I can still see and hear the #$@#$ woman who, with two earbuds in, couldn't hear the runners around her and cursed the person she bumped as being in her way.

    So - don't even understand in-race selfies (I look like hell the prof pictures too). Wish more people who need music would limit themselves to one earbud. And judge harshly those who run with a portable speaker set, forcing me to listen to their music.

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    1. I'm still kind of a newbie and only run 9 races, but the portable speaker thing is just ridiculous. I used to wear ear buds turned down so low that I could hear the people breathing around me. But playing music that everyone has to hear is just as rude and obnoxious in a race as it is...well everywhere else (cars, homes, etc).

      It can be motivation to blow past them and leave them in your dust though.

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    2. Newbie here too, so I haven't seen this yet. But people really *do* that!?

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  62. I take pictures along the course at every race I do for my race review. One key thing that I do that many probably would not is I don't slow down. I use a compact camera and probably take 200+ pictures for the full event. Some come out and some don't. I don't look at them until I get home. Keeping pace helps not cause any issues. If I really wanted a clear picture of something, which is unlikely, I would step off the course.

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  63. I take pictures all the time. And I either do what Jeff does or I pull over to the side carefully. And I don't take 'selfies' ...I'll use the commercial guys for that. 8/

    I've never had a problem.

    I take pictures so I can remember the good times more vividly later. Isn't that why we take pictures? To solidify our memories down the road, so to speak?

    This woman was just an idiot and you can protect society from idiots.

    Wearing earbuds in both ears during a race....now THAT grinds my gears!

    The race pictures taken by the event aren't the same thing....they don't show what you see, they show YOU.

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  64. Are you freaking kidding me? Stop to take a pic? Wow is all I can say. If you know it is a packed race, don't stop in the middle of it all...at least go to the side. Take the selfie before? People are ridiculous.

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  65. I have taken ONE photo during a race - but I didn't stop moving to take it! I was doing run/walk intervals during that particular race due to shin issues, and so I used one of the walking portions (when I'd moved over to the side of the road anyway!) to take a picture of the Cherry Blossoms.

    I would NEVER take a picture of myself during a race. I look like crap when I run! LOL

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  66. I don't mind the idea of someone taking a selfie (I read a few bloggers who take selfies and it's pretty cool seeing them run - i don't know why! I guess it's motivating), I think what's more annoying here is the total lack of consideration lots of people have for others. I did a half a couple of weeks ago and people would just stop dead right in the middle of road to start walking, grab a gel, etc. No awareness that other people were getting stuck behind them. Same goes for water stations.

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  67. People talking on their phones during races is so annoying.

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  68. I carry my phone in my belt with my inhaler. It's for emergencies only, as far as I am concerned. And, I will text my husband when I'm about fifteen minutes out so he and the kid can get to the finish line in time. I don't do selfies, ever. But I like knowing that if I get hurt or have to stop around mile 11 (like I should have in May), I can call for help.

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  69. I carry a phone and will still and take pictures if I find something of intrest. That being said I finish in around 5 hours, so I doubt I ever get in the way anyone with aspirations of winning or placing within their age group.
    One thing that may be hard to understand to fast runners, there are some of us who run marathons and ultras for the sheer enjoyment of it and not for trying to run as fast as possible. I also also am wanting to document my journey in running all 50 states.

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