Running etiquette

[cheapandcheerful]

Hiya,

I used to live up a horrendously anti-social hill so never really saw anyone when I was out running. Since moving house though, I occasionally come across pedestrians or even other runners...so...what are the rules?

1. If pedestrians are walking in front of me and don't get out of the way, what do I do? Run around them? Cough loudly? Say excuse me please?

1. If a pedestrian voluntarily steps out of the way, do I say thank you?

1. If I run past another runner, do I say hi? Smile? Ignore?

What other unwritten rules are there when it comes to running etiquette?

it may be 'bad form' to scowl at them when they attempt to make eye contact and smile....I find that happens to me fairly often with other women runners

I had to navigate around a woman with dogs today who was rather confrontational, since she was easily twice my size I just carried on cycling

It often feels like a case of, slight woman = easy target
I'm sure people would be much more polite if I had a large man with me, I dont really have the budget for bodyguards though

I must be lucky here as every runner /walker acknowledges me in some way. Lots of camaraderie. Dog walkers also fine. It's the groups of parents and kids that get in my way, just pick a side of the path and stay that side!!!