If you’re thinking about planning a first time running race (5k, 8k, 10k, 12k, 15k, Half Marathon, Marathon or whatever) and hope to make that race appeal to mainstream runners, following is a checklist of things to think about. If you’re requesting to have your race listed on the Carolina Runner Blog, we need at least the basics, including a link for registration and/or a registration form. The number of running races has increased dramatically in the past few years which equates to intense competition for participants. If you’re planning a race, you must present your best reason to compel runners to choose your race over all the other options they have on that day.
WHAT, WHEN, WHERE AND WHY
WHAT
- Race description and length. Is the course length certified?
- Course description and/or course map. Pavement? Trail?
- Registration fee – link for online and/or registration form.
- Do runners get a shirt?
- Awards – overall awards, age group specifics, Masters, Grand Masters.
- Timing – how will this be handled? By hand? Chip timing?
- Refreshments – if you have some uniquely yummy refreshments you’re offering, disclose that. It might make the difference.
WHEN
Date and time of the race and packet pickup.
WHERE
Address, directions and map to race location. If there are any special considerations such as shuttling runners from a parking location to race location, be sure to disclose that. If there is a packet pickup in a location other than the race location and/or a day or more before the race, be sure to disclose that.
WHY
Many races are benefits that distribute funds to one or more causes. If that’s the case, describe the cause(s) in some level of detail to help runners know who benefits. Be sure to answer the question – “why should I pick your race over my other options on that day?”
I would like to organize a race in Forest City for the Spring and would like this to become an annual event. I am looking a organizing a color run to benefit out schools. I am currently working on a presentation for this, and can email you the necessary information.
Just wanting to get involved! I am a new slow and over weight runner. I am going to get better and faster. Just wanting to know how I would find out when and where 5ks are near me!
Thank you for your time!
Good for you. We list area races along the left hand side of every page on the Carolina Runner website. We’ll be adding 2014 races during November. So check back as the schedule expands. Also, if you like us on Facebook you’ll see when we post about a new race.
I’m the Event Director for the 2014 Greenway Challenge 5K and 10K run in Black Mountain, NC. Peter Ripmaster is the Race Director, I’m looking forward to another great event benefiting Black Mountain Greenways on April 12, 2014.
I am the organizer of the Pisgah Pavement Pounder 5k. We held our first race last year and it was a nice turnout. I would like an even better turnout this year. The race is set for Saturday, November 16, 2013 @9:00am at Pisgah High School in Canton, NC. I would like to know if we can add our race to your race calendar. I have the info you are suggesting. Thanks!!
Good timing. I happened to be working on the blog when you posted your comment.
http://carolinarunner.com/2013/10/05/pisgah-pavement-pounder-5k-november-16-2013-canton-nc/
Thanks! Looks like a nice race.
I have a timing business located in the western NC area for the past 17 years. We chip time races all over the southeast and would like to know about advertising our services on your site. Could you tell me a little about that and maybe get a contact number to discuss….
Thanks for your time,
Scott
I will send you an e-mail in response to this. Thanks.