A recent angry outburst at MOE Evans Stadium https://www.stomp.sg/trending-now/run-club-accused-colonising-moe-evans-stadium-track-over-25-people-across-7-lanes involved a frustrated runner calling out members of a local running club for allegedly hogging all the lanes. And honestly… if you’ve ever tried to do intervals while dodging a human wall, you probably understand the frustration.

But it’s not just stadium tracks. Park connectors and parks can sometimes look like obstacle courses too. We’ve all seen it: giant running groups spreading across the entire width of the path like they’re leading the National Day Parade, or runners suddenly stopping in the middle of the path for an impromptu catch-up session with friends. Meanwhile, everyone else has to zig-zag around them like they’re playing hop-scotch.

Photo credit: Safra Running Club

To their credit, some running clubs were quick to respond by issuing reminders and etiquette guidelines to members, such as those from the Running Department and SAFRA Running Club.

Still, do we really need clubs — or worse, the authorities — to tell us how to behave while running? Surely a bit of common sense, spatial awareness, and consideration for others should already come bundled together with our running shoes… right?

Here are a few simple reminders so we can all coexist peacefully without someone ending up rage-posting on Facebook.

General Path & Trail Etiquette

Don’t Form a Human Roadblock

Be mindful of the width of the path or trail. If you’re running in a group, stick to single file or at most two abreast. Taking up the entire path may make you feel powerful, but it also makes everyone else feel like they’re trying to overtake a moving MRT crowd during peak hour.

Give a Friendly Heads-Up

Before overtaking someone, a quick “On your left!” or “Passing!” helps avoid startling walkers and slower runners. Nobody enjoys getting suddenly zoomed past by a sweaty stranger breathing like Darth Vader.

Don’t Emergency Brake in the Middle of the Path

Need to tie your shoelace? Take a selfie? Reply that “Where are you?” text? Step aside first. Abruptly stopping in the middle of a crowded path is basically the running equivalent of slamming your brakes on the PIE.

Spitting, Nose-Blowing & Gel Pack Carnage

If you absolutely must spit or blow your nose, check your surroundings first, move aside, and for everyone’s sake, look downwind. Nobody signed up for a surprise hydration mist.

And please — dispose of gel wrappers, cans, and bottles properly. The trail is not your personal rubbish bin. If you can carry it full, you can carry it empty.

Your Music Should Not Become Our Music

Not everyone shares your love for Teresa Teng at 6am. Use earphones and keep the volume low enough so you can still hear cyclists, traffic, and the occasional uncle shouting, “RUN SO FAST FOR WHAT?”

Running Track Rules

Follow the Direction of the Track

Most running tracks operate counter-clockwise. Running the wrong way may seem rebellious, but it mainly causes confusion and near-collisions.

Know Your Lane

Generally, lanes 1 and 2 are for faster runners doing intervals or speed work. If you’re walking, jogging slowly, or having a full-length conversation while running, the outer lanes are your best friend.

Pass on the Outside

When overtaking, do so from the outer lanes. And if you’re cooling down or stopping, don’t drift across the inner lanes like you’re changing lanes on the expressway without signalling.

At the end of the day, running is supposed to reduce stress — not create new enemies on the track. A little awareness and courtesy go a long way in making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Because no one wants to become that runner everyone complains about in the group chat later.