Originally published May 17, 2024. Updated December 1, 2025.
First of all – welcome, new runners! As you are probably beginning to realize, you have joined a pretty darn special community and we are stoked you are here. Participating in your first running race is an exciting milestone, whether you’re taking on the Family 5 km, the ASICS Runkeeper 10 km, the Centaur Subaru 21.1 km, or the Servus Credit Union 42.2 km, the thrill of the crowd, the anticipation at the starting line, and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line are experiences many runners cherish.
However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable race day, it’s essential to prepare and plan ahead. From figuring out when to arrive, understanding race etiquette, or learning the lingo of the start line, knowing these terms will help make your race day less stressful. We recommend (and even insist!) you read the 2025 Race Guide, check out our FAQ page and read ALL your important race emails. This will ensure that you’re informed on how to minimize race day glitches, because the only logistics you should be worrying about on race morning – is making sure your pre-race poop happens when it should!
RUNNING TERMS TO KNOW
Adaptive Athlete: We have participants with varying degrees of abilities and we welcome athletes who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices as well as guides for participation.
Aid Station: A designated spot along the race course (or in our case 12 stations) where runners can grab hydration (water or nuun) and sometimes Xact fruit bars (way better than gels IMHO). Aid stations are manned by volunteers – say thank you if you are can!
Bag Check/Bag Pick Up: A designated area at the start line where participants can leave any items they don’t want to run/walk with. These items can be picked up, using your bib number, when you have completed your run/walk in your designated spot.
Bandit: Someone who participates in a race without registering or paying the entry fee. This is generally frowned upon by race organizers and the running community. Anyone caught on course on race day without a bib is pulled from the course and banned from all future events.
Bib: A piece of serious paper with a runner’s race number printed on it, we ask it to be pinned to the front of the runner’s shirt. It includes your Timing Chip to record your running time from when you cross the start line to the finish line (so you don’t have to worry if there’s a big crowd – your time won’t start until you cross the timing mats right at the start line).
Cadence: Your running cadence, or stride rate, is the number of steps you take per minute. As a runner, your cadence will measure how quick and efficient your stride is. For many runners, the average cadence is 170-180 steps per minute, but keep in mind there is no single best cadence for everyone.
Chip Time vs. Gun Time: Chip time is the time recorded from when a runner crosses the start line to when they cross the finish line, thanks to an electronic chip on the bib. Gun time is the time from the race start signal (the “gun”) to when the runner crosses the finish line. Gun time does not account for the time it takes to reach the start line after the race begins (for example, if you are in the back of a corral).
Cool Down: A period of light exercise or stretching after a run to help the body transition to a resting state and recover more effectively. Take advantage of the recovery zone at the Festival Site!
Course Marshal: A Volunteer out on course who makes sure you stay on course, take the correct turns, and ensures that no spectators and/or vehicles interfere with runners/walkers on course.
DNF: Stands for “Did Not Finish” and refers to a runner who starts a race but does not complete it.
Dynamic Stretching: A movement-based type of stretching. It consists of active movements where joints and muscles go through a full range of motion. It’s different from traditional “static” stretching because the stretch position is not held. They can be used to help warm up your body before exercising and to increase flexibility and range of motion.
Easy Run: This is the backbone of marathon training. Comfortable and relaxed. Breathing is smooth. You can talk in full sentences. Your legs feel loose. You should finish feeling like you could easily keep going.
Elite Runner: Someone who runs for a living, or who is very serious about running, and anticipates finishing with the top runners and winning a prize. They line up at the very front of the start line and you can watch (and cheer) for them as they double back on you along Memorial Drive or on the stage at The Awards.
Fartlek: A Swedish term for “speed play,” is a running training method that involves alternating between periods of fast running and easy jogging or walking.
Goal Pace: Your intended race pace. Used throughout training to build comfort, rhythm, and confidence for race day.
Hills: Hill workouts use incline to naturally increase muscular demand, raise heart rate, and improve running mechanics without needing to run fast on flat ground. Most hill workouts work best on a moderate incline. Aim for a hill between 4 and 7% incline.
Long Easy Run: Your weekly longer duration run completed at an easy effort. You should be able to stay relaxed even as the duration builds. When done well, this run feels sustainable rather than draining. *Fueling is essential if the run exceeds 75 minutes.
Mileage: The total number of miles or kilometers a runner covers in a given period, typically a week or a month.
Negative Split: Running the second half of a race faster than the first half. This is often a goal for many runners as it suggests a well-paced race.
On: In a fartlek (see above) workout, “on” refers to the faster segment of the interval.
Pace: The speed at which a runner moves, usually measured in minutes per mile or kilometer. Pace times can also be listed as the total continuous time it takes to complete the full distance. For example, our Pace Team Roster is listed by distance, then by total continuous pace time.
Pacer: An experienced runner who will run/walk the event in a specific time and ensure anyone following them maintains a steady pace to reach a finish time goal. On race day, you can find our pacers wearing backpacks with visible flags that they carry throughout the race identifying themselves. Each flag includes the race distance and the total continuous pace time.
Package Pick-up: A designated area where you go to pick up your bib and t-shirt and any additional items (swag) that come with your race entry (also referred to as the Runner’s Expo). This takes place at GMC Stadium and is the kick off to the whole event.
Personal Record (PR)/Personal Best (PB): The fastest time a runner has completed a specific race distance. This is good when you achieve it!
Porta-let/Porta-loo/Porta-potty: Sooner or later you will have to visit one. Please do not go to the bathroom anywhere on the route or venue that is NOT a designated toilet.
Progression Run: A run that begins easy and gradually builds to a 60min effort by the end. Smooth and controlled. Nothing abrupt. By the end you should feel strong and purposeful without feeling like you are racing.
Progressive Warm up: A structured warm up that gradually brings your body from very easy jogging into steady aerobic running to prepare muscles, tendons, and the nervous system for quality work. A good break down would be: 5 minutes jog, 5 minutes easy, 5 minutes steady, then 5 x 20 second strides at mile to 3 km effort with 40 to 60 seconds jog recoveries.
Recovery Run: A low-intensity run designed to help muscles recover from a hard effort or race. Your easiest run of the week – a super easy effort that supports recovery. Breathing is light. Your legs feel like they are moving but not working. We want to finish this run feeling better than you started.
Runner’s Expo: A designated area where you go to pick up your bib and t-shirt and any other items (swag) that come with your race entry (also referred to as Package Pick-up). The Expo also includes a number of vendors who set up booths to give away samples and sell event-themed merchandise.
Splits: The times a runner takes to complete specific segments of a race, often each mile or kilometer.
Starting Corral/Starting Wave: Different corrals/waves are set up at the start line to separate runners into their general Pace in order to ensure safety at the start line. Faster runners are sent out first, with walkers and strollers sent out in the last wave.
Stride Length: The distance covered between the spot where one foot hits the ground and the next time that same foot hits the ground again.
Steady: A sustained aerobic effort that is faster than easy and slower than threshold.
Strides: An easy run that finishes with short, quick accelerations called strides. Start from an easy jog → Ease into the acceleration over the first five seconds → Hold your stride for about ten seconds →Float out of it with a gentle slowdown. Recover fully between efforts with a walk, jog, or standing rest for sixty to ninety seconds.
Swag: Items that come with your event registration. This usually includes a t-shirt and Bib that you pick up at the Runners Expo. You get your medal when you cross the finish line. Please note: You don’t have to wear the t-shirt you receive with this event on race day!
Threshold Run: A run at the pace you can hold for about 60 minutes in a race setting. Usually between 10 km and half marathon pace for most runners. It should feel comfortably hard. You can speak in short phrases. Breathing is elevated but controlled. You are working, but not at your limit.
Timing Chip: The timing device that is glued to the back of your Bib. Usually a piece of plastic that will activate when you cross the start line and record your running/walking time until you cross the finish line. Treat the timing chip carefully as bending or altering the timing chip could render it ineffective.
Volunteer: Someone who gives up time in their day to come out work for free to ensure that your day is amazing. Don’t forget to thank them as much as you can and consider that for every race you participate in, try volunteering for another – it’s how the industry is successful!
Walk vs Run: We want participants to know that everyone is welcome. If you want to come out and enjoy a walk then you would register for the Walk and you would be placed in the last Starting Corral. If you plan to Run or run/walk then you would register for the run and indicate your expected Finish Time so you are place in the correct Starting Corral.
Warm-Up: Activities or exercises performed before a run or race to prepare the body for vigorous exercise, usually including light jogging and dynamic stretching.
Do you have questions about other terminology or phrases? Let us know in the comments!
Comments 2
This is my 1st half marathon. I am nervous and excited. I have trained hard for this. I am 63 and a retired fitness trainer of 40 years. I have ran 5 and 10 k races but never a half. I have a team of physios, acupuncturist, massage therapists, stretch clinicians, and have an IV treatment set up for the next day. My goal is to finish and have fun while doing it. My family will be there to support me. The day before, I will be running the 1,2 k race with my 6 year old grandson. This will be his second Calgary Marathon race participation.
You will have the most amazing time ever – wish you the best of luck with your race!!