Runners: Advice for my first race please!

[bobbynog]

Hi, i am due to run my first race in a few weeks. It is 5k, and i have been training for a while, i just wondered if anyone had any advice - such as what to eat before, race ettiquette, how early to get there etc.
Oh, and will people be offended if i wear my mp3 player? TIA

get there in plenty of time so that you're not flustered. depending on how fast you run, stand in the appropriate place at the start - hate it when people who are obviously going to run for 20m then walk the rest of the way go to the front - just bad manners! Most people wear mp3 players these days - but just be aware of people overtaking you, etc!
I would steer clear of anything spicy the night before, but otherwise, if you have been training for a while, just eat what you would normally the night before a run.
Good luck - and enjoy!

From what I've been reading in Runner's World recently, wearing mp3 players is frowned on a bit in races. I'm doing a race next month and mp3s are forbidden! I guess if the rules of the race you're entering don't mention it then you would be OK.

Otherwise, make sure you are well hydrated and you start in an appropriate place according to your estimated finish time so that you don't hinder faster runners or get stuck behind slower ones!

bobbynog - is it a Race for Life 5k? If so an mp3 is fine. As lalaa says get there in plenty of time - parking can be a problem at the RFL so you don't want to be in a panic - also you'll want to use the loo - you always want to use the loo before a race

Eat what you normally eat before you run and drink plenty. If you have to walk at all move to the side as it's a pain trying to run around people. If you run all the way you'll notice that!

Most of all, enjoy it!

I've not worn my shuffle for 5ks, but have for longer runs. I get bored
good luck

Thanks for the tips - no it's not race for life, it is a local fun run, tied in to a half marathon event. Hope i'm down for the right one!
I think i'll take my mp3 player but keep it in my pocket till i see the lay of the land as it were! Are people generally friendly? I am doing this completely on my own, dh and dcs may be at the finish line if it's a nice day.
Ithink i will start towards the back - as it's my first i have no pb, i will just be pleased to make it round!