1. Invest in event banners. You’ll need to let racers know where important spots such as registration and the finish line are located. More importantly, if you’re holding the race to raise awareness for an issue or disease, you’ll want onlookers and passers-by to know what you’re doing. Find a large banner with a simple font so that it is easy to read. If your race or charity has a logo, use it. Have informational pamphlets on hand for anyone who sees your banner and wants to know more about the event. Encourage the bystanders to cheer on your runners.
2. A lot of racers means you’ll need a well-thought-out registration procedure. Divide the registration paperwork alphabetically, and then make sure that each group has a clearly marked place to go. Have a separate line for last-minute racers or participants whose paperwork seems to be lost so that each line moves quickly and smoothly.
3. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll need signs to mark the running course. This is especially important in parks or public areas where there isn’t just one running path. Run or walk the course before the runners arrive and make sure that there is always at least one sign in your line of sight. Put a volunteer with each course sign to encourage runners and point them in the right direction.
4. You’ll need a lot of volunteers. Make sure that there is a special volunteer section marked off, and then have tables with supplies. This is also a good place to store first aid supplies and extra registration equipment. Runners and volunteers should both know where medical help can be found in case anything goes wrong. Have sunscreen on hand as well in case any runners need it. Volunteers should be looking for signs of fatigue in participants so that they can help immediately.
5. Do not forget to supply your runners with water or even snacks. If you don’t want to provide bottled water, bring some coolers that have been filled with clean, cold water and bring small cups. Have a dedicated snack area that is clearly marked, but you should also have volunteers with water at different points on the course. If your event includes snacks, have healthy foods that will help the runners recover. Bananas are excellent because they also reduce cramping. Healthy oatmeal or grain bars, apples or protein bars are also good choices. For charity events many local businesses may be willing to donate post-race snacks to the cause.
It’s no surprise that races are becoming more popular. They encourage fitness, they’re social events and they draw the attention of everyone who sees one. They are a great fundraising tool because runners can find sponsors to pledge money based on their distance or speed. Consider planning a race as your next event, but don’t forget all the details.
As a long time active participant in the advertising industry, Tarla covers many topics related to both online and offline marketing, such as traditional branding with the use of business signs and building signage to how to be found in the online space through websites and display advertising.
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