9 Things You Didn’t Know Could Get You DQ’d

Rule No. 1: Keep your hands to yourself.

Don't turn your triumph into heartbreak
Paul Bradbury

You've worked long and hard training for race day. You've eaten right, gone to bed early, put in the necessary blood, sweat, and tears. Unfortunately, you forgot to read the small print at the bottom of the race's website and now an official is telling you to step off the course. Yes, you've been disqualified.

Hey, it happens—more often than you think, and for reasons that range from "Obviously!" to "Seriously?" To help keep it from happening to you, we combed through the rules for New York, Boston, Chicago, and LA's marathons to compile a list of actions you might not have known could get you tossed from a race (and in some cases banned for life). Avoid these pitfalls for 26.2 miles to make sure you see your name in the final results.

First, the obvious: Don't cut the course.  Don't use banned substances. Don't switch spots with your twin in the bathroom. These will all get you swiftly and infamously DQ'd from any race. But also:

DON'T sneak into a different wave, color, or corral
Maybe you want to run with a friend in another wave, or try to keep up with a faster group to prove your self-worth. Maybe you just want to get an early start on your day. You can make these official requests, but sneaking around on race day isn't accomplishing anything. There are sometimes more than 50,000 other people running, so organizers tend to be very strict. If everyone did what they wanted it would be a mess, so stay put or you could be DQ'd.

DON'T hop a barricade or improperly enter a corral
The last thing officials want to deal with is people jumping fences and injuring themselves before the race even starts. Safety is a concern at every single marathon, so all events strictly enforce the way runners enter the corrals. If you climb over, duck under, or do anything but walk through the main entrance, you might be going home early.

DON'T help injured runners, or carry them across the finish
You’re probably a good person, so when you see a weak runner take a tumble, it seems natural to help carry them across the finish. You might even make SportsCenter. You will, however, probably be DQ’d. Let medical personnel handle medical issues. You’re there to run.

DON'T refuse aid or direction from medical personnel
Of course, maybe it was you who fell down and scratched your knee or twisted your ankle, but you think you’re fine to continue running. Thing is, in major races that’s also not always up to you. If medical personnel stop you or direct you to a medical tent, you better follow instructions or you’re at risk of being DQ’d.

DON'T receive “any assistance whatsoever” from almost anyone
A coach can be a great asset during training, but once you enter the corral you’re on your own. You’re not allowed to get outside help or instruction, including getting paced by someone not officially in the race, or having anyone convey “advice, information or direct or indirect help to an athlete by any means, including technical communication devices.” You also shouldn’t grab water from anyone other than designated race volunteers, but Seinfeld taught us this lesson years ago.

DON'T do pretty much anything with your bib other than wear it
Outside of training, your race bib is the most important thing you’ll need when running a marathon. It helps course officials identify you, track your whereabouts, keep your time, and call out your name at the finish. Do not sell it. Do not trade it. Do not alter it. Do not duplicate it. Do not obscure it. Don’t affix a second timing chip so that buddy/husband/cute bartender can score a BQ. Any of these could get you kicked off the course and possibly banned.

DON'T be underage (or register an underage runner for the race)
Like imbibing alcohol, there are age restrictions for entering most marathons—16 for Los Angeles and Chicago, 18 for New York and Boston (other races vary). And as with alcohol, parents and guardians who help youngsters do something they’re not supposed to can get in just as much trouble. If you enter and run a race with someone who is underage, be prepared to face a two-year ban.

RELATED: Congratulations! You've Entered the Worst Race Ever

DON'T urinate in public or otherwise expose yourself
We know that not all races have enough porta-potties, and when you gotta go you gotta go. Just know that urinating (or defecating!) anywhere but in facilities provided by or approved by the race could get you disqualified, as well as a summons. Unless you’re a world record holder currently winning the race (this is unlikely), you’ll be asked to leave the course and could also be banned.

DON'T swear at, berate, or otherwise offend anyone on the course
“Don’t be a jerk” can apply to most situations in life. A lack of basic human decency usually spells doom for your employment and relationships. On the racecourse, it could lead to a swift DQ. And this isn’t limited to that guy who just cut you off or a confused volunteer. Swearing at spectators can get you banned, too. So don’t be a jerk.

Comedian Rob Riggle offers some questionable race day advice before the 2016 Chicago Marathon.

ALSO, please: Don’t wear headphones, masks, or Camelbaks. Don’t hold hands while crossing the finish. Don't use selfie sticks. Don't use drones. Just keep your hands to yourself, follow the course, and have a good race. 

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