Last week we shared 9 mistakes race directors commonly make when dealing with the planning and people aspects of their races. This week we’re taking it one step further and have 11 more mistakes to share. These slip-ups all revolve around the promotion, technology and race course – they are just as important to keep in mind as you put all the pieces together for your event: Continue reading
Those cones don’t get out on the course by themselves, do they? Being a race director can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also hard work. We’ve pulled together advice from race directors who have been in the business for years so you can shorten your learning curve and avoid major mistakes. Here are the top 9 people and planning mistakes you should avoid as a race director: Continue reading
We all hear the buzz about social media, but how much does it really matter? If you had any doubt before, take a look at the incredible statistics below and you’ll realize that it matters quite a bit. If you and your event aren’t already taking advantage of these channels to connect with participants, it’s time to get hip to the trend because it only promises to grow in 2012: Continue reading
Whether you’re an avid runner or just bought your first pair of Nikes, you probably know the name. Bart Yasso has done it all – he’s completed races in seven continents and been inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions. As the chief running officer at Runner’s World, it’s safe to say that Bart knows what it takes to put on a great endurance event. Here are his top ten tips for race directors: Continue reading
From Colorado Springs to Houston…we’re jumping on a plane from the USAT Symposium and heading straight to the Running USA 2012 Conference tomorrow. Active Network’s very own Mike Reilly, the Voice of Ironman, will be emcee for the event. Here’s what you won’t want to miss: Continue reading
Background
Founded in 1987, approximately 1200 athletes participate in the Pat Griskus Triathlon Series each year and over $190,000 has been raised for charity. In 2011, the Pat Griskus Olympic Triathlon was named the USA Triathlon Northeast Regional Championship.
Challenge
For the first 13 years of its existence, the triathlon relied upon a manual, paper-based process to register participants for the event. When Tom Wilkas assumed the mantle of race director in 2000, he knew unquestioningly that the event had to be upgraded to online registration.
“We needed to move quickly and processing so many applications by hand was just not going to work.” Continue reading
For those of you traveling to Colorado Springs for the USA Triathlon Race Director Symposium, we’ll see you there! The schedule is jam packed with some great events—here are just a few of the highlights:
Thursday, January 12
Registration check in is open from 4-7pm. Come pick up your attendee packet and look for an Active Network gift inside!
Friday, January 13th
The legendary Dave Scott will be hanging out at Active Network’s booth from 12:30-2:30pm. Come say hi to this six-time Ironman World Champion and get his autograph. Plus, Dave is offering a sweet 50% discount on one of his training plans via Active.com. You can ask him more about it at the booth or check out the virtual coupon in your iGiftBag. Continue reading
The internet is full of chatter. It’s as much a source of information as it is a source of conversations. Through blogs and social media, each and every person has a voice online.
The reality is that participants are on the web talking about your race, whether you are aware of it or not. There will always be a few squeaky wheels, but most of the comments will be positive and inspirational. Listening in on these conversations will help you figure out what your participants love and what they’d like to see changed—which helps you improve your race year after year.
The question is, how can you find out what people are saying about your race? Continue reading
Since basically everything runs online except for your race itself, many endurance event directors are looking to process registrations and payments over the internet. If you have an online registration provider or are looking for one, here are two important questions to ask providers about their security standards: Continue reading