Is your race runner-friendly?
Consider this:
1. Offering only online registration is not runner-friendly. Many runners can't, or won't, signup online. Even if you don't mail out entry forms, at least post a downloadable entry form on your web site that can be mailed in.
2. A course with lots of turns is not runner-friendly. Design a course with as few turns as possible. Runners like straightaways.
3. A course that crosses lots of bridges is not runner-friendly (unless the bridges are attractive and fit the theme of the race). Bridges are often slippery, some have metal grids instead of solid pavement, and they are like big hills - tough on the heart and lungs going up, and tough on the knees going down.
4. Packet pickup only on race day is not runner-friendly. Many runners want their packets ahead of time so they can arrive at the race prepared, and not have to wait in line then return to their cars to dump t-shirts and other items they don't need for the race (they just need the bib number and pins).
5. Aid station locations chosen for their convenience to the organizers are not runner-friendly. Pre-poured water should be available at least every 2 1/2 miles, but not exactly at a mile marker (runners can't grab a water cup and punch their chronomix watches at the same time). Don't try to double up water stops on an out-and-back course. Place aid stations where they are best for runners.
Always plan your event from the runners' perspective so they'll want to return next year.