Heres how to be that angel.

Decide where you want to be

First, a word about planning.

A marathon is 26.2 miles long, and many races run a half-marathon at the same time.

The half is 13.1 miles, but its course may diverge from the main event.

Be sure to check the races website to know who is running and where, and station yourself appropriately.

Full marathoners are getting tired and trying not to think about it.

Mile 15: Things are starting to get rough.

Most of the runners have been on the course for 2+ hours.

Theyre cramping, theyre hungry, their legs hurt.

But theyre still moving.

Mile 20: This is the low point for a lot of runners.

Most runners passing the 20-mile mark are, or soon will be, exhausted and desperate.

Mile 25: This is the home stretch!

The runners have been through a lot but they know theyre almost at the finish.

With this information, you’re free to decide where to set up, and when.

Since this is a multi-hour event, you may want to find a few spots and move between them.

Consider who will pass by your station, and how they might be feeling.

These are especially appreciated in the later miles of the race.

These folks havent eaten anythingdeliciousall day.

Remember that people will be grabbing the snacks with sweaty hands and little to no coordination.

(They will also be much less interested in cleanliness at mile 20 than at mile 10).

Plan accordingly, and make things easy to grab.

Small portions are better than large ones; people can always take two.

A typical marathon day is cold at the start and warms during the course of the race.

Give motivation

This category is the cheapest, but it can be the most thoughtful.

Not everybody will be receptive to your message, but youll make the difference for somebody.

Seriously, just stand on the sidewalk and hold your hand out.

Ill totally perk up and run across the street for a high five from a kid.

Cheer them on by name, or by description: Lookin strong, pink shirt!

Funny signs, like genuinely funny ones.

I appreciate Most Boring Parade Ever and Seems like a lot of work for a free banana.

Senses of humor vary, but do your best.

If someone is having an especially hard time, consider giving some personal words of encouragement, like so: