1. One Time Excuse
Beginners in their first marathon race are given a certain amount of latitude. Other runners can spot a newbie a mile away and smile as they watch you bumble and excuse yourself and commit the faux pas that experienced runners avoid. Showing up early to a race and learning the route and the runners' expectations will cut down on some of the first-time blunders. Also, you can use the opportunity to remain dumb the first time and learn as much as you can.
2. Take Turns
Running behind another runner creates a sort of draft and reduces some of the headwinds. Upright humans are not very aerodynamic, so every bit of draft you can cut, the easier it is to conserve energy for the long haul. Take turns being in front and behind. It is only fair that you not drag on the same runner, but give her an opportunity to run behind you sometimes.
3. Pass if you Must
Since you have 26 miles to pass the other runners, it is not very sportsmanlike to pass your competitors in the last 500 yards of the race. Certainly if you have been close to another runner the whole time or if you are running for a big prize or a qualifying place, then go for it. However, in most marathons, it is the steady, reliable runners who receive the praise, not the show-offs.
4. Encouraging Shouts not Required
When you are standing on the sidelines watching a marathon, keep the advice to yourself. Runners do not want to hear how far it is until the end or how close they are to passing an opponent. They usually know these things and are concentrating on their form and their physical condition. Often, erroneous information can be more damaging than helpful too. Keep the sideline comments silent and stick to clapping.
5. They'll Party Later
Marathon groupies, who can't get it together to actually run, will stand along the sidelines and pass drinks to the runners. While the race committee will set up water stations along the race route, observers are discouraged from handing drinks or food to the runners. In some races, runners have reported receiving cups of beer or wine and been thrown off their stride. If you are not official, keep the beverages until after the race and don't smoke along the sidelines. Runners do not need any more challenges to their lungs.
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