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New Race Directors: How to Get Started
Getting your race up and running on RunSignup is a breeze with our Race Wizard. If you have a simple setup, you may be ready to open registration after you complete the Race Wizard, but the customization options are endless. Walk through our initial setup process and then dive into our recommended next steps.
Jump to a Step:
Step 1.
Setup Registration with the Race Wizard
Setting up a run, walk, ride, or other traditional endurance event? Jumpstart your learning with our Race Wizard video playlist and then take a tour of your RunSignup Race Dashboard.
Your Race Wizard: A Walkthrough
Step 2.
Customize Your Race Website
Once you’ve created your race with the race wizard, dive into your race website to enhance the look and add custom content and pages to your race website.
Key How-To’s for Your Race Website
Step 3.
Create Your Marketing Plan
Ready for a launch? Learn how to implement a digital strategy, activate your participants as ambassadors, and track your marketing spend to optimize your results.
Key How-To’s for Your Race Marketing
Step 4.
Set Your Participant Management Parameters
Reduce your customer service with flexible options for self-serve participant management, including waitlists, deferrals, event transfers, bib exchanges, and more.
Key How-To’s for Participant Management
Quick Tip Videos for Participant Management
Step 5.
Communicate Clearly
As you prepare for registrations to come in, dive into your free email platform and draft and automate all your key emails, including the registration launch, reminders about referral programs, and pre-race details.
Key How-To’s for Email Marketing
Quick Tip Videos for Email Marketing
Step 6.
Raise More for Your Cause
Whether your race is organized by a nonprofit or benefiting a local charity, most endurance events include some fundraising. Learn how to supercharge your donations – or even activate Peer-to-Peer Fundraising.
As you prepare for registrations to come in, dive into your free email platform and draft and automate all your key emails, including the registration launch, reminders about referral programs, and pre-race details.
Key How-To’s for Fundraising
Step 7.
Prepare for RaceDay
It’s (almost) game time! Connect with your timer to evaluate the RaceDay tools you need to go paperless, reduce lines, and eliminate stress before the gun goes off.
As you prepare for registrations to come in, dive into your free email platform and draft and automate all your key emails, including the registration launch, reminders about referral programs, and pre-race details.
Elements of the RaceDay Suite
General Resources for New Race Directors
Race directing can be a big job. While there is no one manual – all races are different – there are a number of industry resources that we recommend to help you learn more about the endurance industry and prepare for your event.
1. Race Director 101 from Championship Racing has a terrific checklist and detailed guide.
2. Event Director’s Education from Road Runners Club of America offers practical advice on topics like permitting and insurance. There is also an option for a paid Race Director Certification.
Check Out Event Director’s Education
3. Race Director’s Hub on Facebook is a community of race directors around the world. Have a question? Ask!
4. Race Director’s HQ offers free articles, resources, and vendor listings alongside a paid membership program.
5. Runners for Public Lands has a free Race Directors Guide to help races build community and care for the environment through their events
Check out Runners for Public Land
6. Guide to Non-Binary Inclusion in Running is a free resource for race organizers who are looking to create more inclusive events for non-binary participants.
Need more help? Submit a Support Ticket for assistance! Our highly responsive Support Team is online 7 days a week.
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Guest Post: Runners for Public Lands Vision For More Inclusive Races and Events
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How to Use the RunSignup Website
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