Questions about attending my first organized race
Running my first 10k this weekend. I’ve run for fitness for several years, just never entered an organized race of any kind. For context The race is a 5k/10k/half marathon. The course is out and back with the 5k turning around first, 10k turning around later, and half marathon doing the 10k loop twice plus a little extra. All 3 races start at the same time.
Is there some kind of Etiquette for being at the front of the pack at the start line? I’m hoping to run a 10k PR which would be sub 38 minutes. Obviously it would be better to start near the front but I’m just wondering if I’m going to look like a d-bag cutting my way to the front of the start line before the race or how to handle that politely? Ive also read somewhere that age group awards are given based off of who passes the finish line first, not your chip time so for that reason I’d like to start towards the front as well.
My last question is it mentions something about lead bikers but doesn’t elaborate much. Is it typical to have a lead biker for each event or will there likely be a single lead biker for the half marathon or how does that usually work? The race is in a semi major city in the southwest. Any other input I might find useful I would appreciate too. Thanks!