Crash course in cheering: The runners are counting on you!

Whether you’re going to support your sporty brother, your fanatical colleague, that one neighbour with her happy running selfies, or random participants — cheering properly is an art. And it can also go spectacularly wrong. But don’t worry. After this crash course, you’ll be a true running motivator.

Step 1: Choose your spot strategically

Supporting at kilometre 3 or 4 is nice. But your runner is probably still fresh as a daisy there. Want to really make a difference? Find a spot a few kilometres before the finish. Where the mind wants to give up and the legs have long forgotten why they’re doing this. And then there you are, thank goodness!

But remember: rain or shine, you’re there! Don’t let yourself be put off by rain or wind. The runners don’t either!

Step 2: Be present — well ahead of time!

Cheering starts with being present. Sounds obvious, but you won’t be the first to underestimate your favourite runner and show up too late.

So if you say you’ll be at kilometre 30, make sure you’re there before the runner. And not after! A runner friend is looking forward to seeing you. If you’re not there, they’ll have questions. Unfriendly questions. In their head. In CAPITAL LETTERS.

So ask what pace your runner is targeting, in minutes per kilometre. Choose your spot and calculate exactly when your runner will be there. Then be there at least fifteen minutes early. You can cheer on some other runners in the meantime — they need you too!

Step 3: Choose your words carefully

Clapping is good. Clapping and cheering is better. But you need to say the right things. And that’s trickier than you think.

Five phrases that work:

• You’re looking great!

• You still look fresh! (Probably a lie, but who cares? Worth its weight in gold!)

• Go NAME! (Use the name on the bib number. The runner forgets during the suffering that their name is often right there. It gives wings when a stranger seems to recognise you and cheers you on.)

• Come on, smash it to the finish!

• Great job, you’ve got this!

Five phrases you’d better avoid:

• You’re almost there! (While the runner isn’t even halfway. DON’T do this. No really, seriously: DON’T.)

• Only 30 kilometres to go (Also NOT funny)

• Come on, my grandma runs faster (That grandma should sign up then…)

• You could go faster (No explanation needed)

• Ooh, are you okay? (No pity needed — after the finish a runner has already forgotten the suffering and is signing up for the next race)

In any case, always make yourself heard! Nothing is worse than not clapping, saying nothing, and just letting the runner pass by…

Step 4: Banners and signs — art and danger

A good banner is worth its weight in gold. A few suggestions:

• Go NAME! (Fill in your favourite. Simple, but not exactly original of course)

• Pain is temporary, pride is forever!

• You’re stronger than you think!

• Think of the beer at the finish!

• Tap here for energy! (And let the runners tap your sign)

A pun can work too. But be warned: humour is at your own risk, especially at kilometre 35!

Step 5: A good high-five is half the battle!

Considering giving high-fives? For optimal results, proceed as follows:

Stand firm, feet slightly apart, slight bend in the knees. Hand at shoulder height, fingers spread, make eye contact. And then… BAM! Deliver that high-five with precision. Not too hard (we don’t want injuries), but not too soft either (we do want to create that feeling of victory).

And of course you also cheer the runner on vocally, see step 3.

Step 6: After the finish

Did your runner cross the finish line? Then proceed very carefully.

Definitely don’t come up with:

• Another lap?

• So what shall we do this afternoon?

• Did you see that fast Kenyan? He finished two hours ago!

What you should say:

• I’m proud of you

• You were amazing

• Can I do something for you? (And of course you actually do it, right away!)

And then you stay quiet. Preferably until Monday.

In conclusion

Cheering is more than just clapping and shouting a bit. You can make or break the runner’s result, so make sure you give it your all. If you’ve carefully followed the steps above, you’re a hero.

Well… a little bit. Because the real heroes are of course the ones running. Never forget that!

Text: Mathieu Hilgersom

Also cheer on your runner with a video message, click here.