Event Information

WHEN

ON DEMAND

New to RunSignup and want a little extra help? Setting up your first race and running into questions? No problem, we’re here to help!

In RunSignup 101, we will show you core features that make up RunSignup and help you successfully set up your event and start taking registrations.

Key topics include:

Initial Race Set Up
Payment Account Troubleshooting
Accessing Your Race Dashboard
Simple Race Website Updates
Using the Free Email Builder
And More!

This session is designed for newer race directors, but even experienced users might learn something new. We’ll answer questions throughout the webinar and wrap up with live Q&A.

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Summary of Webinar

Overview

This RunSignup 101 webinar provides a high-level onboarding guide to the platform’s core features, walking race directors through the complete lifecycle of setting up and managing a race. The session covers the Race Wizard step by step, explains payment account setup and common verification issues, highlights best practices for dashboard navigation, and introduces key tools like participant reporting, donations, coupons, race websites, and Email V2. Designed as a starting point, the webinar emphasizes practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and how to build a clean, reusable race setup that supports growth year over year.

Getting Started on RunSignup

After creating your first race, a member of the RunSignup onboarding team will contact you
Onboarding team members are available to:
- Answer setup questions
- Help troubleshoot issues
- Provide best-practice guidance

Dashboard Navigation Basics

Accessing the Dashboard

Click your profile icon → My Races
Click directly on your race name
Access via your profile page

Helpful Tips

Enable Always Expand Menu for full visibility
Use Menu Search to quickly find tools (e.g., QR Codes, Waivers)
Search participants directly from the top-right search bar

Race Wizard Overview (7 Steps)

Step 1: Race Basics & Events

Use a short, memorable race name
Keep the race description brief and high-level
Always include a physical location (even for virtual races)
Choose a reusable URL (avoid year-based URLs)
Set up separate events for each distance
Select the correct event type (Run/Walk vs. Nonprofit)
Choose how processing fees are handled
Enable flexible gender options
Add your timer for seamless data access

Step 2: Event Details

Set accurate distances for search visibility
Keep event-specific descriptions minimal
Avoid placing logistics here (use website sections instead)

Step 3: Registration Periods & Waivers

Use tiered pricing (early, regular, late)
Avoid overlapping registration periods
Customize the waiver format and content
Add additional waivers if required (e.g., USATF)

Step 4: Giveaways

Used only for items included with registration
Commonly t-shirts
Set sizes and availability per event
Do not use for items being sold (use Store instead)

Step 5: Branding

Upload race logo and banner image
Customize banners and event terminology
Establish consistent branding early

Step 6: Payment Account Setup

Choose entity type (individual, business, nonprofit)
Complete onboarding application fully
Common verification requirements:
- Bank statement (preferred)
- Voided check
- Bank letter
Avoid common mistakes:
- Blurry images
- Redactions
- Incorrect documents
Accounts may require manual review by RunSignup’s risk team

Step 7: Recommended Settings

Automatically enabled unless unchecked:

Event insurance
Referral rewards
Incomplete registration emails
Price increase emails

Key Dashboard Features

Participant Management

Participant Report is the primary data source
Customize visible columns
Export data for timers or reconciliation
View waiver status, coupons, transfers, refunds

Donations

Enable during race setup
Customize donation levels and descriptions
Use checkout donation add-ons to increase totals
Small preset amounts ($3–$10) perform best

Coupons & Discounts

Create under Financial → Pricing → Coupons
Support dollar or percentage discounts
Always set expiration dates
Control eligibility, usage limits, and discount scope

Additional discounting options:

Age-based pricing
Family/multi-person pricing
Membership and club discounts
Multi-event discounts

Best practice: use one or two discount types to avoid confusion.

Race Websites

Legacy Race Website

Automatically created from the Race Wizard
SEO-optimized
Supports unlimited custom sections
Pulls key information dynamically

Customization options include:

Navigation layout
Color schemes
Countdown clocks
Social media integration

Website Builder V2 (Preview)

More advanced layouts and styling
Unlimited pages
Image galleries
Improved menu structure

Upcoming Webinar:

RunSignup 101: Website Builder V2 – October 16

Email V2 Overview

Drag-and-drop email builder
Mobile-responsive templates
Unlimited contacts and custom lists
Dynamic replacement tags
Automated emails:
- Incomplete registration
- Price increases
- Registration follow-ups