As a company named “RunSignup”, it might seem like we do just one thing…sign people up for runs. And, while “signing up” really is at our core, we work with a wide range of events, not just runs! Between our registration (RunSignup) platform and our ticketing (TicketSignup) platform, we can handle the unique needs of some truly unique events. The ability to BYO domain and fully customize your event website means you can pick your platform for functionality, not branding.
Today, we’re having a little fun and celebrating ten of the most unusual events we saw in 2024!
1. Babychella
This Coachella themed fundraiser to support the Vernon Child Care Partners included a voting competition via TicketSignup. People were encouraged to “vote” for their favorite baby via buying a $10 ticket, with the 3 babies receiving the most votes getting awards at the in-person festival. The best part? The easy Leaderboard website component created a real-time display of which baby was winning, promoting competition to get more votes!
To further boost fundraising efforts, people could also simply make a donation to Vernon Child Care Partners.
2. WAWA Adventure Crawl
The WAWA Adventure Crawl (WAC) used RunSignup registration for a truly unique adventure race. Participants journeyed 50K(ish) to 5 different Wawa’s in the Jacksonville, FL. Each purchase was used as “check-in” to prove they’d made it through the entire course. Limited crew access was allowed, and participants had to find their own way via a GPX file of the course.
Race swag? A themed mug perfect for post-adventure coffee refills!
3. Pack Burro Racing 101
“Racing” is in the name of this one, but the racers were burros and they used TicketSignup to sign people up. A ticket included a lesson on the history of burro racing, hands-on training with a burro, a practice race, and entrance into one of the Clear Creek Burro Races. Running shoes were recommended (for the humans), and all burros and other equipment were provided.
Organizers were able to use TicketSignup’s integrated email to quickly and easily send all class details to ticket holders, including a timely notification when a spring snowstorm required a postponement of the class.
4. Sheetz-to-Sheetz Trail Run
Somewhat shockingly, RunSignup hosted two convenience-store runs, this one focused on Wawa’s rival, Sheetz. While the WAC was a small, lightly supported event, Sheetz-to-Sheetz offered fully stocked aid stations with appropriate treats like s’mores, cider, and soft pretzels. Runners can enhance their event with a wide range of store items, including premium shirts and hooded tees, socks, decals, and more.
The Sheetz-to-Sheetz Trail run offered flexibility to participants, including race shirts as an optional add-on instead of a required giveaway. Additionally, if a participant could no longer attend, they allowed deferrals (for a small fee) and bib exchanges up to a week before race day.
The demand is clear: the 2025 Sheetz-to-Sheetz run sold out quickly. They have opened a waiting list that already exceeds 100 people.
5. Glo-Mazing Adult Egg Hunt
This 21+ event on TicketSignup proves that holiday fun isn’t just for the kids. Adults could purchase low-cost tickets to an evening hunt for glow-in-the-dark eggs, accompanied by music, food trucks, lawn games, and adult beverages.
Our favorite part? The hat contest, encouraging people to wear a funny, creative hat! What better way is there to celebrate as a grown up?
6. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Run
You’ve heard of doughnut races, hot chocolate 5k’s, and ice cream jogs, but this annual food-themed event takes the cake (or at least, the sandwich). The race on RunSignup leans into the theme in every way, from a color-coordinated race website to a store with branded merch.
The Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Run uses a wide range of RunSignup features to ensure an easy and engaging race day, from the free volunteer platform to the integrated photo platform, to RunSignup RaceDay Results.
7. Big Bear HamEscape
This is a little bit of a cheat since it’s technically in 2025, but ham enthusiasts are already scrambling to get their tickets and we decided it’s too good to exclude. The hams in question are radios, not meat, and this escape weekend includes exciting activities, informative seminars, and networking opportunities centered around amateur radio.
They use the store functionality for traditional (and adorable) merch, as well as an opportunity to sponsor youth attendance at the event. With limited capacity, they have implemented date-based price increases that incentivize acting quickly.
8. Gold Ribbon Flag Football
The First Annual Gold Ribbon Bowl was an adult flag football tournament to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley. This 18+ event sold out, using RunSignup’s groups and teams feature to create teams of 5 for competition. Each team could have between 5 and 9 competitors, with 5 on the field at any given time. This was an all-comers flag football game, with two divisions: one for “friendly” competition” and one for “all-skills casual”.
To help manage the event day logistics, they used the integrated volunteer platform.
9. Denim & Diamonds Gala
The Leadership Charlotte program had a unique take on a traditional event: a blinged out yet casual dress code. The official word was “to envision the Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears era of Denim…with a LOT more BLING!” They used their TicketSignup website to evoke the theme and get people excited about the food and music awaiting them!
In addition to selling tickets to the Gala, the event engaged sponsor directly on the event page. To accomplish this, they used a ticket group dedicated to sponsor opportunities.
10. Run Run Santa 1 Mile
We know: a Santa Run isn’t really that unusual. But here’s what makes this one unique: it’s a Santa Suit required Santa Run. The one miler has 100% participation for it’s 1,200+ participants across two locations. For proof, you can check out their participant uploaded photos of race day!
The Run Run Santa 1 Mile also utilized the RunSignup sponsor platform to highlight and support their sponsors directly on their website.
Organizing a truly unique event for 2025? We’d love to feature you next year! Email marketing@runsignup.com to share how you’re using RunSignup, TicketSignup, or GiveSignup for a fun and fabulous event in 2025.