Date conflicts
Race directors often lament the competition posed by events held the same day - even in other communities. A regional race may draw registrants away from local events. The impact can be felt as far as runners are willing to travel.
Midwestern marathons seem to have accepted date conflicts as inevitable. There are more events than dates available, and autumn usually offers the best opportunities for long-distance runners - the weather is usually cool and runners have had the entire year to train.
Marathons were scheduled October 7 in Chicago IL, Milwaukee WI, and Minneapolis MN. Those in Indianapolis IN and Kansas City MO will take place on October 20. Detroit MI, Columbus OH, and Des Moines IA will clash on October 21. Blue Springs MO and Grand Rapids MI share the October 28 date.
For runners, it's great to have so many choices. The events, on the other hand, now have to compete for runners, sponsors, and publicity.
Whenever possible, avoid date conflicts with events near your community as well as with those more distant that share your market. Once you select a date, however, it's best to keep it so runners can expect the race to occur at the same time each year. If you conflict with another race, develop the unique aspects of your event so runners will be attracted to what you have to offer.