Ultramarathon Etiquette: How Not to Be ‘That Runner’

Key Takeaway

Proper ultramarathon etiquette includes following Leave No Trace principles, helping other runners, being self-sufficient with mandatory gear, respecting other trail users, and taking responsibility for your crews and pacers. Big no-nos involve playing loud music, expecting personal service from volunteers, and using others' water supplies. These guidelines preserve the supportive community spirit that defines ultrarunning and ensures safe, positive experiences for everyone on the trail.

Running 100+ miles through the wilderness requires a special kind of commitment. But beyond the physical and mental challenges, ultrarunning is built on community, mutual respect, and shared misery that creates lasting bonds.

Whether you're tackling your first 50-miler or you're a seasoned 200-mile veteran (maybe you’ve even run some Destination Trail races!), these guidelines will help you be the kind of runner others are happy to share the trail with. Good etiquette isn't just about being polite — it's about preserving the sport we all love and ensuring everyone has the best possible experience.

The Do's: How to Be the Runner Others Want to High-Five

Do: Leave No Trace

The wilderness doesn't need souvenirs from your race — especially not the gross ones. Please pack out all your trash, including gel wrappers, tissues, and anything else that isn't naturally occurring. Aid stations will have trash cans you can toss it in too.

When nature calls (and unfortunately, it will), please follow your race guidelines. For example, we require runners to use wag bags, use our portable toilets, lugaloos, or campground toilets. Proper waste disposal is non-negotiable.

Store your food properly at aid stations and sleep areas. The bears don’t need your leftover trail mix, and we’d hate to ask volunteers — who are already doing so much — to clean up preventable messes. Please stay on the trail and don’t disturb wildlife.

Do: Help Other Runners in Need

This is where ultrarunning gets magical. See someone struggling with navigation? Point them in the right direction. Notice a fellow runner having a rough patch? Offer encouragement or share that extra electrolyte tab.

We're all out there facing the same challenges of distance, terrain, and mental fortitude. A kind word at a crucial moment can make all the difference in someone's race. Trail karma is real — what goes around comes around, usually when you need it most.

Do: Be Self-Sufficient

Race directors didn't create that mandatory gear list because they were bored. Every item serves a purpose, especially when conditions get sketchy. Pack your emergency shelter, first aid supplies, and navigation tools — and know how to use them. Make sure you have the course map downloaded on your navigation device (we recommend the Gaia app on your phone).

And, ultimately, make sure you know what you’re in for. Longer distances — like our 200+ mile Tahoe 200, Moab 240, Bigfoot 200, or Arizona Monster 300 endurance runs — are no joke. Have a plan for sleep and fueling yourself – inadequate sleep is the biggest issue our medics see on the course.

Keep in mind that aid stations might not have everything you need. They're stocked with essentials, but your specific nutrition, preferred electrolytes, and lucky socks? That's on you.

Make sure you read the runner’s handbook before the race – arguably our most important tip – as it’ll have valuable information specific to your race.

Do: Respect Other Trail Users

You'll probably encounter other trail users who aren't part of your race, like day hikers, casual runners, mountain bikers, and families enjoying the outdoors.

A friendly "good morning" goes a long way toward maintaining positive relationships with land managers and other trail users. Let people know if you’re about to pass them, especially if approaching from behind on a narrow trail. Remember to step aside to let faster traffic pass and to yield to other hikers when going downhill.

Do: Take Responsibility for Your Crew and Pacers

Your crew and pacers are extensions of you on race day. If they're rude to volunteers, leave trash, use a restricted vehicle, park illegally, or block traffic at aid stations, that reflects on you. You could even get disqualified for their poor behavior. Brief them on race etiquette before the event starts.

A problematic crew can get you — and potentially other runners — banned from future events.

The Don'ts: How to Avoid Trail Infamy

Don't: Play Your Music For All to Hear*

Your personal soundtrack might be motivating to you, but other runners didn't sign up to hear it for hours on end. What energizes you might distract or annoy others who prefer the natural sounds of the trail.

If you need music to stay motivated, use headphones or earbuds. Keep the volume reasonable so you can still hear approaching runners, volunteer directions, and important environmental sounds. Always check race rules first, as some events prohibit headphones for safety reasons.

*A key exception to this is when you’re running at night. Some runners find comfort in playing music in the dark, and it can also alert wildlife that you’re coming. 

Don't: Expect Aid Station Volunteers to Wait on You Hand and Foot

Aid station volunteers are incredible people who've dedicated their time to support your goals. Most of the time, they haven’t had much sleep either, so please be kind.

While aid station volunteers will certainly offer to fill up your bottles or bring you food, please don’t expect it. And remember, they could be home watching Netflix, but instead they're cheering you on at 3 AM. This is where “please” and “thank you” goes a long way!

Don't: Use Water Caches You Find on Trail

Those unmarked water jugs and bottles you stumble across? They belong to other runners, thru-hikers, or trail crews who stashed them for their own use, so please don’t drink them.

Using someone else's emergency water supply could put them in a dangerous situation. If you're concerned about water availability between aid stations, carry more or plan differently.

The Bottom Line

Ultramarathon etiquette comes down to treating others with respect and taking responsibility for your impact on the trail, the environment, and the community. Help when you can, stay humble, and remember that everyone out there is pursuing their own challenging goals.

The trail running community's strong reputation for support and camaraderie didn't happen by accident. It exists because generations of runners have chosen to lift each other up and maintain high standards of conduct. Be part of that positive legacy.

Now get out there and run far (maybe even tackle one of our epic long-distance races) – the trails are ready for you!