Code of Conduct
At Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon (MGC) events, participants should conduct themselves in a courteous manner, respecting all fellow participants, volunteers, event staff, and members of the community. Participants are expected to follow the Rules of Competition and the Code of Conduct outlined below. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Proper race etiquette is required at all times, including being aware of your surroundings and of announcements and instructions from event officials.
START
Please give yourself enough time to pick up your bib number and enter your corral. Only enter the corral you are assigned to or a slower one, and respect the event staff. Please be respectfully quiet during pre-race announcements and the playing of the National Anthem prior to the start.
HEADPHONES
The use of headphones is strongly discouraged. If you must wear headphones, be sure that you can hear all announcements and be extra-aware of your surroundings, including other participants and any vehicle traffic.
MOBILE DEVICES
The use of mobile devices for photography or social updates during the event is strongly discouraged, as it decreases your awareness of other participants around you. If you must use a mobile device, be sure that you can hear all announcements and be extra-aware of your surroundings, including other participants and any vehicle traffic.
URINATION
In accordance with State and City laws, only use the toilet facilities provided by the event and/or open to the public. Please be considerate in portable-toilet lines; don’t cut in line or into another line. Never urinate in the corrals, along the course, at the post-finish walk-off, or in the post-race venue. You risk disqualification and a police summons if caught.
RUNNING COURTESY
While participating in the event, don’t run in groups of three or more abreast; wide groups become barriers to other runners. Don’t stop abruptly to drink at an aid station or to tie your shoelaces. Watch where you spit and blow your nose to avoid hitting other participants. If someone running behind you says, “On your left,” move to your right to let the runner pass. If someone says, “On your right,” move to your left.
TRASH
Our running events are conducted in public places—either city or state parks or streets. Please deposit any trash in the provided receptacles, including at aid stations. Be careful when discarding cups at aid stations so as to avoid hitting other participants and volunteers.
SAFETY
If you encounter a runner in distress, offer assistance and/or report the situation to the nearest aid station. If it is a life and death emergency, call 9-1-1 if possible.
