Yell out what you want as you're approaching, this lets people know that you're in a hurry and hopefully a volunteer will come to you. About all you can do.

Having done IMTX several times (3x) and volunteered there every other year (and again this year), it's not an issue. Skip the first table or two, call out what you need and you should be good.

I agree with this. Skip table one and go for one of the following. If it is really crowded just don't stress, slow down and get what you need. Above all don't be a dick.

And for the love of Mary, say please and thank you.

Absolutely this, general rule of thumb, dont be a dick, and dont kid yourself that by trying to grab that bottle at full speed will save you any time because when that bottle gets dropped its much worse. You may be confident enough to do it, but that volunteer most definitely is not and will panic because people have been slinging bottles at them all day. Just be calm and look for a less crowded area.

I realize now you said run course so not quite the same, but still, keeping calm and being polite is always a good idea!

as others have said. avoid first table. after that just slow down a bit. I doubt slowing for a few seconds will kill your race. I've never had much issue navigation around walkers at the aid stations.

Ditto what everyone says. If it's important to you, you'll slow down to get that nutrition. Just be courteous to others behind you and keep moving. Also, thank the volunteers!

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"Heart Rate, Watts, I have no idea, I race, I don't pace." Andrew Starykowicz