How A Race Director Can Destroy A Race

There’s a lot that goes into organizing a race, and it can absolutely be a difficult job. Race directors are responsible for every facet of a running event, from registration, to permitting, to the post-race party: their decisions can really make or destroy a race. Let’s talk about the things that can ruin a running event.

Ignoring Safety Issues Can Ruin A Good Race

Safety always comes first, and it puts the onus on the race director to make sure the course is secure, that there is enough law enforcement and medical professionals on hand, and that there is plenty of fuel and hydration (this can vary depending on the length of the race). Saving money or skimping out should not be deciding factors in safety measures, and the race director who cuts corners in this area does not deserve their title.

Poor Communication Is Bad News

Race directors should always be quick to communicate about their event, via multiple channels, like emails, website, and social media. Good communication includes registration information, packet pick up details, race day schedules, rules, as well as course and timing info and even the kind of fuel and hydration that will appear on the course. It can be stressful for runners to have to dig deep for this kind of information, and there’s no reason a race director can’t keep the communication flowing openly and frequently.

Not Having Enough Swag And Medals Is Pretty Discouraging

So how does a race run out of medals and swag? Easy. The race organization and director allow too many entries. Obviously, shirts and medals must be ordered in advance, and numbers may increase by that order deadline, but that’s when directors have a decision to make. They can order enough medals to accommodate the capacity of their event, or they can under-order, and hope they have enough at the finish line. While they may feel like they are saving money, a move like this absolutely alienates slower runners, who pay the same as everyone else, and don’t get to collect their bling at the end. Not cool.

Changes Should Be Infrequent And Necessary

When people register for a race, they do so based on the information they receive from the event. Maybe it’s because of the course, or a special zip up sweatshirt as the giveaway. Maybe the medal design pulls them in, or else the post-race entertainment is the draw. Whatever the case may be, these promised amenities should not change unless there is an extreme emergency (like dangerous weather). If they do change, that information has to be communicated quickly and loudly, so everyone is informed.

How do you think race directors can destroy an event?

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