Standards
There oughta be a law. Or, at least, a standard.
Many races, either knowingly or unknowingly, fail to follow quality race management strategies. They cut corners or just ignore important elements of a quality event and claim it doesn't really matter.
But it does.
Here are just a few things races should do, but often don't, to provide quality and safety for all participants:
- Provide pre-poured (unflavored) water in paper cups at the start and every 2 1/2 miles on the course (but not at the exact mile mark). Finish line water can be in bottles.
- Place mile markers at EVERY mile;
- Call split times at the 3-mile mark of a 5k;
- Have the course certified so participants can be assured they are running the advertised distance;
- Keep runners and walkers separated on the course;
- Prohibit dogs and wheeled vehicles (other than wheelchairs, which should be kept separate from runners);
- Provide on-site medical support - doctors and/or paramedics;
- Offer awards three-deep in each age group, regardless how many people actually compete;
- Post complete age group results;
- Guarantee t-shirts to the first registered, not the first to arrive on race day.
There's lots more that should be done - even for casual, fun runners. You can contact us for more advice.