Event Information
WHEN
ON DEMAND
New to RunSignup and want a little extra help? No problem, we’re here to help! We will show you core features that make up RunSignup and help you successfully set up your event.
Key topics include:
- Race Set Up
- Race Dashboard
- Race Website
- Email Builder
- And More!
Summary of Webinar
Overview
The RunSignup 101 webinar offers an in-depth introduction for new race directors learning to navigate the platform, set up their events, and confidently open registration. Led by the onboarding team, this session walks through each step of the Race Wizard, explains payment account setup, demonstrates how to manage participants from the race dashboard, and introduces key marketing and website customization tools that help make races stand out.
The goal of the webinar is to ensure that new users understand every element of the setup process—from naming their event to verifying bank information—so that their race is ready to go live quickly and seamlessly.
Race Setup Using the Race Wizard
Step 1: Basic Information
New races can be created from RunSignup.com or directly through your race dashboard. The setup begins with naming your event, providing a brief race description, and entering a valid physical address (even for virtual races).
Best practices include:
Keeping race names short, simple, and memorable.
Avoiding year identifiers in URLs for stronger long-term SEO.
Setting up multiple events for each distance (e.g., 5K, 10K, 1-Mile Fun Run).
Using appropriate race types like “Run/Walk” or “Virtual Race” to improve search visibility.
The step also allows organizers to assign timers, set flexible gender options, and configure processing fee preferences—whether fees are paid by participants, split 50/50, or absorbed by the race.
Timers are strongly encouraged for even small events, as they provide accurate, chip-based results, ensure clean participant data, and can offer valuable partnerships for logistics and supplies.
Step 2: Event Details
Organizers define event distances, race types, and brief descriptions for each race option. The age calculation date can be customized (most commonly used in triathlons), and event information is displayed on the event details page. Keeping text concise ensures a cleaner experience for participants browsing race options.
Step 3: Registration Periods and Pricing
The team recommends setting three distinct pricing tiers:
Early Bird – Create urgency and excitement early on.
Regular Pricing – The default registration window.
Late or Race Day Pricing – A final tier that encourages early registration.
This section also allows for customizable waivers—including additional waivers added later through the dashboard—and multiple agreement formats such as checkboxes or digital signatures.
Step 4: Giveaways and Add-Ons
Organizers can provide giveaway items (like shirts or bags) as part of registration or create paid add-ons for optional purchases. RunSignup recommends using giveaways only for included items and add-ons for anything that requires extra payment.
Step 5: Branding and Personalization
Event branding plays a key role in participant engagement. The Race Wizard allows users to:
Upload a custom logo and banner image (minimum 2400×800).
Adjust event display wording (e.g., “waves” or “corrals”).
Hide closed or full events from registration displays.
Organizers can later expand on branding using the race dashboard to create a cohesive event look.
Step 6: Payment Account Setup
This is one of the most important and detailed steps in the onboarding process. Races can:
Create a new payment account,
Use an existing one, or
Send setup instructions to another team member.
The payment setup process ensures all financial details are verified through Adyen, RunSignup’s secure payment processor.
Tips for smooth approval:
Start the process early—it may take a few days for verification.
Upload accurate and recent documents (dated within 60 days).
Ensure the legal entity name matches the bank account name exactly.
Accepted verification documents include:
Voided check (preferred and fastest method)
Recent bank statement (first page only)
Official bank verification letter (on letterhead, signed, dated)
Online banking screenshot (least reliable—must include all required details)
Common issues include blurry photos, mismatched names, outdated documents, and used checks. The onboarding team reviews any flagged applications manually, often resolving them within hours.
Step 7: Recommended Settings
After completing setup, RunSignup automatically enables tools designed to boost participation and retention:
Event Insurance: Provides participants with cancellation protection while strengthening a race’s “no refund” policy.
Referral Rewards: Encourages registrants to share the race for potential cash back.
Incomplete Registration Email: Automatically invites users to finish a started registration.
Price Increase Notifications: Alerts past participants before upcoming price changes.
These features are all optional and can be toggled off individually.
Navigating the Race Dashboard
Once the Race Wizard is complete, directors are introduced to the powerful race dashboard, which serves as the event’s command center.
Dashboard Navigation & Search
Users can access the dashboard via the profile menu or directly from the race website. Within the dashboard:
Use menu search to quickly locate settings.
Use participant search to find entries by name, bib, or email.
Track live registration totals, revenue, and comparisons to past years.
Participant Reports & Management
The Participant Report is the go-to tool for viewing and editing registrations. Directors can:
Filter participants by event, date, or custom fields.
Manage transfers, deferrals, and edits.
Export custom reports in multiple formats.
Key Dashboard Tools
Custom Questions: Add fields like emergency contact info or t-shirt preferences.
Donations: Create donation tiers and customize fundraising descriptions.
Coupon Codes: Offer targeted discounts by percentage or flat rate.
Advanced Pricing Tools: Configure age-based, multi-person, or membership discounts (RunSignup recommends limiting to one or two active discount types to avoid conflicts).
Building and Personalizing Your Race Website
RunSignup automatically provides a free race website with every event. Organizers are encouraged to personalize it to enhance branding and participant engagement:
Upload unique logos and banner images.
Customize colors, layout, and text.
Add unlimited content pages for FAQs, parking, packet pickup, or awards.
Use the custom content section to link to guides, maps, or external resources.
Participants prefer concise, scannable information—avoid long paragraphs in your main description and instead use dedicated pages for details.
For more advanced users, Website V2 allows complete design control with modular components, photo galleries, Strava-integrated course maps, and event cross-promotion—but it is recommended to start with the basic setup before moving to V2.
Common Questions Covered
Document Uploads: Why they’re required and how to ensure successful approval.
Finding Timers: How to use RunSignup’s Find a Timer search to connect with verified partners in your area.
Pricing Options: When to use age-based, group, or coupon discounts.
Email Marketing: Using automated and custom campaigns to re-engage past participants and promote registration spikes before price increases.
Website Editing: All website elements can be modified anytime, even after your race is published—no need to unpublish or revert to draft mode.
Key Takeaways
The Race Wizard simplifies the process of setting up events, pricing, and branding—all in one guided flow.
Early and accurate payment account setup ensures smooth approval and timely payouts.
The Race Dashboard offers powerful tools for participant management, reporting, and marketing automation.
Personalization and thoughtful website design are key to engaging participants and building race identity.
The onboarding team is available for one-on-one support to help every race go live with confidence.