My coworkers are putting together a team for this year's Race for the Cure which is in a few weeks. I did that event a couple of times but haven't done it for several years.

At that event here, a lot of early finishers go back along the course and walk back towards the start line. They're usually walking in the grass, beside the road where the runners are, and they have their bibs on and are drinking their Evian - it's obvious they've finished. They don't cheer for the remaining runners or say "you're doing great!" and there are lots of them.

Is this a common thing? I've never seen this at the 10K's or half mary events. Very few (if any) participants walk back towards the start line, and the ones who do cheer on the runners who are still on the course. Isn't it bad sportsmanship to - well, kind of - "showboat?" Or maybe a better way to put it - Isn't it good sportsmanship to show respect for your competitors'/other participants' efforts?