It's all about "ME"
While a handful of partygoers danced to jazz, rock, and other lively tunes played by a very talented band at the annual banquet of the Chicago Area Runners Association, a much larger group stood with their backs to the music, watching the umpteenth replay of a slide show of runners participating in the year's races.
At running expos, the largest crowd can usually be found gathered around a television screen watching clips from previous races - any races. Many running publications, like RunOhio, display more race results than articles.
In races that raise millions for charity, the vast majority of runners don't raise anything for anybody. They are running for themselves.
There's nothing wrong with that. An astute race organizer, however, will recognize that running, for most runners, is about "me." People may run to fulfill their needs for athletic achievement, health and fitness, or social activity. They like to see their names - and others - posted everywhere. They like to see their pictures - and photos of other runners - everywhere. It reinforces their positive feelings for running and racing.
Even if you organize a race to support a cause or to maintain the memory of a loved one, you can still attract runners who don't channel their emotions toward those goals. Focus on the needs and desires of the runners, regardless of your reason for producing the race, and you will be more likely to attract them to your event.
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