Fire halts race
The Western States Endurance Run, in Squaw Valley CA, was forced to cancel its 35th annual race because of raging forest fires.
Natural disasters are just one of the problems race directors may have to deal with. Here's how this race communicated its decision.
Bird attacks
A runner shared an experience that should be considered by race directors.
When charting a race course, avoid bird sanctuaries and known nesting areas (sometimes these are obvious).
You may not always be able to anticipate the actions of territorial-minded birds, but it's a good idea to avoid areas that are routinely used by local and migratory birds.
In some areas, signs are posted warning runners (not just racers) to stay away. Also, don't plot a course through a maze of beehives.
Sponsor fit
Here's a sponsorship that some people thought was not appropriate.
We've talked about sponsor controversies in the past, but race directors' concerns may need to go beyond that.
Companies selling tobacco and hard liquor are almost never solicited as sponsors of races. Events involving schools don't sign beer sponsors. Other categories might also require a more critical review.
Should a company that produces a fatty dessert be a sponsor? What about an automobile manufacturer that produces gas guzzlers? Is a fast food purveyor an appropriate sponsor? What about a polluter?
It's tempting to take cash from anyone who offers it. But don't wait for people to complain. If you think a potential sponsor isn't a good fit for your event, just say "no."
What good is logo placement?
Logo placement and signage are the most common sponsor entitlements offered by races. But, what value do they provide sponsors?
When was the last time you bought something because you saw a logo on a banner, t-shirt, or application? Probably never.
Professional soccer teams are marketing logo placement because games are televised, providing substantial on-air time to companies whose logos appear on players' jerseys. The logo, which is widely seen, reinforces existing marketing campaigns.
The Chicago Marathon once sold a sponsorship to Timex and placed the corporate logo on clocks at all of the mile splits. The race was televised and included frequent shots of the clocks, displaying an important use for the product.
If your race is not televised (that's 99% of all races), logo placement and signage may reinforce the marketing message of the company. They may not be considered marketing messages when standing alone.
When crafting sponsorship proposals, view the event from the sponsor's perspective and create marketing opportunities that benefit the sponsor. Sometimes, logo placement and signage will be valued - very often, it won't.
Insurance
You must have insurance for your event to protect you against a potential law suit. The waiver of liability that runners sign is not enough. Also, the waiver only applies to participants who have paid an entry fee (or invited runners who don't have to pay). It does not cover spectators or other non-participants, such as occupants of baby strollers.
Insurance policies offered by individual companies are likely to be wildly expensive. If you are a YMCA or a municipal government, your umbrella policy may cover events on public property. General liability policies usually do not cover races.
Contact USA Track & Field (USATF) and apply for a "sanction" (that's different than a course certification). A sanction enables your event to fall under the protection of USATF insurance.
Another option is Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) insurance. You will need to join RRCA and then purchase the insurance. Membership is available to events, as well as to running clubs and other groups. This is a good buy for organizations that produce more than one event during the year. Insurance will cover all of your events.
Don't try to save money by avoiding insurance. The small cost today can protect you against major expenses later.
There's always something
There are lots of ways to draw attention to your race.
The Short Race on a Long Day, in Frankfort IL, and the Longest Day 5k Race, in Fulton MI, capitalize on taking place on the day that yields more daylight hours than any other during the year (one of these actually takes place a day early).
There's always something you can say to make your race stand out.
Doing the Half
Here's an organization producing a series of stand-alone half-marathons (13.1m) in Chicago IL, Atlanta GA, Miami FL, and Fort Lauderdale FL.
Half-marathons are the fastest growing events of any distance. If you are considering one, however, be sure you have the necessary resources.
You'll have to pay higher permit fees for a longer course. You'll need more course marshals, split timers, clocks and timing devices, mile markers, traffic barriers, aid stations, water, fluid replacement, volunteers, emergency vehicles, and medical personnel, even if the field is small.
It's tempting to want to cash in on a growing niche. Be sure you are prepared.
Timing chip fads
Many small races are using chip timing because they think it is a sign of quality.
Well, it's not.
Chip timing is one technique you can use to capture finish times of runners. Use it because it works for you - and especially for the runners - not because you think it makes your race appear better.
Here's a good explanation of chip timing. Think about how it affects the runner before you commit to the expense.
Priorities
The Cornbelt Running Club, in Davenport IA, and the Cedar Valley Running Association, in Cedar Rapids IA, are just two of the organizations forced to cancel running events because of the disastrous flooding that began last week and continues today.
The New Orleans Track Club resumed its activities as soon as possible in New Orleans LA after Hurricane Katrina. It was felt that returning to routine activities would provide a morale booster to the community after such an overwhelming, natural disaster.
Sometimes, though, people feel differently. Many homes and farms in Iowa (and, now, Illinois and Missouri) are flooded and local resources have been stretched beyond capacity just to maintain community health and safety.
When dealing with a huge disaster, it may make more sense to cancel the race and contribute to recovery efforts, not because of the absence of local resources, but because of the importance of just helping people to survive.
Strict rules
The Comrades Marathon, an 87 kilometer, point-to-point race in the Republic of South Africa, adheres to strict time limits for runners.
At various locations along the course, runners slower than the designated pace are disqualified and ordered off the course. Rescue buses are available to transport them to the finish. No exceptions are made.
You may not want to employ this method in your race but it is a good example of race organizers implementing published rules.
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