Making races even better!

We can help you learn how to produce a high quality race that runners will remember.  Enjoy all  the services of our not-for-profit membership organization - education, information, discounts - when you become a member.Road Runners Club of America 

Our special focus is small, community races.

Our organization was started by David M. Patt, CAE, former Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA).  We know what runners expect and we understand how race directors can meet those expectations.  Join now or click here to find out more. 

Also, check out member discounts and race director links.

Upcoming Educational Sessions

Our trainings have attracted the largest gatherings of race directors in the Chicago and Detroit areas.

You can view details from the February 6 event in Chicago (Park Ridge IL). Information about the Detroit area session (Livonia MI) will be posted shortly. Check out previous sessions.

What's wrong with the picture on the mailing piece?  Click here to find out. 

People are talking about us..

"My brain has been working overtime with all of your suggestions and ideas.  Awesome training session!"  Nancy Smith, UEA Staywell Chairperson, Shelby Township MI

"Great seminar - we picked up a lot of tips and ideas, and had some of our concerns/opinions regarding running a race validated so we can bring the information back to our board members."  Kathie Paravola, CASA Cares, Wheaton IL

"The seminar that I attended in the winter has been the single smartest thing we have done in planning our first 5k race."  Joe Brennan, Grand Rapids MI

"It was a great seminar - I really enjoyed all the resources that were shared."  Deborah Mikula, Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority, Howell MI

"Thank you for the Race Director's seminar this past Saturday.  I am new to the Race Director world and found it to be helpful and beneficial."  Mike Wiersema, Bright Hope International, Hoffman Estates IL

"You have no idea what an inspiration and help you've been.  You'll be hearing more from us!! Thanks, again."  Jan Wilson, Springfield Road Runners Club, Springfield IL

"Thank you for all of your help this past year, you really helped us in a number of ways to become more professional."  Michael Skipper, Lake City Marathon, Winona Lake IN

"Thank you so much, your presentation was one of two that I really enjoyed and found useful."  Chris Cotten, Harrisonville Parks and Recreation, Harrisonville MO

"What a pleasant surprise it was to arrive home a few minutes ago and check my email to find your presentation here already!!  Thank you so much and also thank you for such an informative and well-planned lecture at the convention."  Kate Tarr, L.A. Leggers, Los Angeles CA

Latest Blog Entry

Making fund-raising work

Posted on 02/07/2010 at 05:10:51 PM by David Patt
Most runners who participate in charity runs are not members, donors, or prospects, yet some fund-raisers are intent on converting them. Kent Munro, former race director of the Jingle Bell Run, in Chicago IL, offered incentives to runners, hoping to snare some in his quest to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation. Speaking to attendees of the "How to Produce a Successful Race" program, yesterday in Park Ridge IL, he reported the success of pre-race parties and the peer group pressure and camaraderie derived through team recruitment and team fund-raising. One unique tactic he used was the offer of free parking on race day for runners who raised at least $200 in donations.  While that was far more than the $26 parking fee in downtown Chicago, it was enough to cause some runners to collect donations from friends, family members, and co-workers, and avoid having to spend their own money on parking. Mark Mandel, race director of the Roselle Run for the Roses, in Roselle IL, took a different tact in fund-raising efforts for the Tourette Syndrome Association.  Rather than try to convert people who showed up just to run, he stressed the need to "preach to the choir." Read more...