RunSignup 101: Websites V2

Webinar Summary

The RunSignup 101: Website V2 webinar provides an introductory walkthrough of how race directors can build and customize a race website using RunSignup’s Website V2. The session covers dashboard navigation, Website V2 branding, pages and navigation, content components, FAQs, event tiles, course information, and a live website-building demonstration. The central message is that race directors do not need to build an overly complicated website; Website V2 makes it possible to create a simple, branded, participant-friendly site that clearly communicates essential race information and drives registration.

RunSignup Dashboard Tips & Navigation

Before getting into Website V2, the webinar reviews some RunSignup dashboard basics. Race directors can access their races through their RunSignup profile, My Races, Director Links, or directly through the Race Dashboard.

Once inside the dashboard, features are organized in the left navigation menu. Selecting Show More expands the menu to display additional functionality. The presenter emphasizes that race directors should not feel obligated to use every available feature. Instead, they should determine what their event needs and select the RunSignup tools that support those goals.

Two search tools can also make navigating the dashboard easier:

• The participant search can quickly locate a registrant so the director can manage their information, such as changing a shirt size.
• The menu search works like a search engine for RunSignup. Directors can type terms such as “coupon,” “reporting,” or “QR code” to find the relevant dashboard feature.

What Is Website V2?

Website V2 is RunSignup’s newer website-building platform designed to improve both the registration and participant experience while giving events more control over their branding and content.

The builder uses a more visual, user-friendly approach comparable to drag-and-drop website builders such as Squarespace or Wix. Website V2 has become the standard website experience for races on RunSignup and can turn a standard race registration page into a more complete event website.

The webinar emphasizes that Website V2 is:

• Included with RunSignup registration at no additional cost.
• Designed so race directors do not need website development experience.
• Customizable to match an event’s branding.
• Simple enough that a basic website can be created relatively quickly.

Moving From a Legacy Website to Website V2

Existing RunSignup customers still using a legacy website can migrate to Website V2. Some existing content transfers automatically, while other content may need to be recreated or reentered.

The webinar points existing users toward RunSignup’s migration resources and their account manager for guidance on understanding what will and will not transfer.

Branding Your Website

The first step in creating the website is establishing the race’s visual identity.

Website V2 allows race directors to upload a logo and choose from predefined color schemes or create a custom color scheme using existing brand colors. Stock imagery is also available, although the presenter recommends using imagery or a logo that helps distinguish the race whenever possible.

Directors can further customize the website with:

• Homepage banner images.
• Separate banner images for additional pages.
• Different page layouts and spacing.
• Social media links.
• Font themes for headers and body text.
• Custom footer content, including sponsor information.
• Text alignment and other layout settings.

The webinar stresses that these advanced options are available but not required. A logo, colors, strong banner image, and clearly presented information can be enough to create an effective site.

Keep the Website Simple

One of the strongest recommendations throughout the webinar is to prioritize simplicity over using every available feature.

The website’s primary job is to give potential participants the information they need to decide whether to register and make the registration process easy.

At a minimum, participants should quickly understand:

• Where the event takes place.
• When the event takes place.
• What distances or event options are available.
• Where they can click to register.

Beyond those basics, the site should include a few strong images and a concise explanation of the event and why someone should participate.

Building the Homepage

Inside Website Builder, the Info page serves as the main homepage and is an important place for custom content. Race directors can add new sections to the homepage and continue editing their website’s theme at any time.

Sections act as containers for the content that appears on a page. This makes it possible to gradually build out the homepage without needing to design an entire website at once.

Website Navigation & Menu Options

Website V2 automatically creates a navigation menu containing relevant RunSignup pages. Depending on the event’s setup, this can include pages for event information, participant lookup, refund policies, and other system-generated content.

Race directors can customize the navigation by:

• Adding or removing menu items.
• Hiding pages they do not want participants to see.
• Adding external links.
• Creating dropdown menus.
• Linking to third-party pages, stores, social communities, or other resources.

Again, simplification is encouraged. Removing unnecessary navigation options can make it easier for participants to find the information that actually matters.

System Pages vs. Custom Pages

Website V2 includes two important types of pages: system pages and custom pages.

System pages pull information directly from the RunSignup platform. Because their content is driven by race settings, they are edited from the appropriate area of the Race Dashboard rather than directly inside Website Builder.

Custom pages give directors more flexibility. They can be created for specific purposes and filled with custom sections and components. For example, a race could create a dedicated page for course maps or additional event information.

Page Settings & SEO

Custom pages include settings that allow directors to control how the page is structured and discovered.

Options include:

• Search engine optimization (SEO) settings.
• Custom page URLs.
• Page titles.
• Navigation settings.
• Section heights, borders, and padding.
• Background and layout options.
• Multiple-column layouts.

While these tools offer significant customization, the presenter recommends sticking with defaults when advanced customization is unnecessary.

Website Content Components

Once the page structure is established, directors can add components that provide the actual website content.

Components are grouped into categories such as event information, featured components, layout/design, video, and data. The builder also includes AI functionality for more advanced users.

For a basic event website, the webinar recommends focusing primarily on three components:

• Text: Add race descriptions and essential event information.
• Buttons: Direct participants to registration, donations, or other important actions.
• Event Tiles: Display event options along with details such as pricing and registration buttons.

The key is to create a straightforward path that takes participants from learning about the event to registering without unnecessary confusion.

Event Tiles

Event Tiles are particularly useful when a race offers multiple distances or registration options.

A tile can automatically display information such as the event name, pricing, and timing while providing a Sign Up button. This creates a clear visual call to action without requiring the director to manually recreate registration information throughout the website.

The webinar also recommends making buttons visually distinct from their backgrounds so registration calls to action are easy to identify.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ component is another feature strongly recommended even for Website V2 beginners.

RunSignup provides common race questions that directors can select and then answer, rather than requiring every FAQ to be created manually. Directors can also add their own custom questions.

An FAQ can address common participant questions before they turn into emails to the race director, making important race information easier for participants to find.

Additional Website Components

Website V2 includes many additional components for directors who want to build a more advanced site. The webinar does not recommend using all of them simply because they are available, but highlights several possibilities.

These include:

• YouTube videos and playlists.
• Spotify and Apple Music content.
• Fundraising progress bars.
• Countdown clocks.
• Group/team information.
• Sponsor displays.
• Content cards for highlighting charities, sponsors, event history, or other information.

These components allow directors to expand the website as the event grows without requiring a separate website platform.

Strava Course Maps

Website V2 also includes a Strava component for displaying race courses.

The presenter recommends using this feature when an event has a course available in Strava because it gives participants an interactive way to explore the route before race day. The component can be placed directly on the homepage or on a dedicated course page.

Live Website Builder Demonstration

The second half of the webinar demonstrates the website-building process directly inside RunSignup.

From the Race Dashboard, the presenter navigates to Race → Website V2 → Website Builder and demonstrates the difference between system and custom pages. A system Event Info page, for example, directs the user back to the dashboard because its information cannot be edited directly within Website Builder.

To add custom content, the presenter creates a new single-column section and then selects Add New Component. From there, Website V2 provides options for text, buttons, images, FAQs, event information, and other components.

Adding & Customizing Images

The demonstration shows how directors can upload images, organize them into albums, control alignment and size, hyperlink them, and adjust their appearance.

The presenter encourages users to experiment with these options because content can easily be edited as the site evolves.

Slideshows & Event Experience

Website V2 also supports slideshows. For established events, directors could use a slideshow of previous race photos to give prospective participants a better sense of the event experience before they register.

The demo combines these visual elements with Event Tiles and FAQs to create a more complete homepage.

Editing FAQs & Default Content

During the live demo, the presenter shows how existing FAQ questions can be edited and how completely custom questions can be added.

Website V2 also includes default content such as the Contact Form and Event Location, which directors can keep, edit, or remove depending on their website needs.

Remember to Save Changes

An important practical reminder from the demonstration is to save frequently.

Changes made within Website Builder do not appear on the live site until they are saved. The presenter recommends saving more often than seems necessary, particularly while adding or editing multiple components.

Final Takeaway

Website V2 is designed to give race directors a free, customizable website that integrates directly with their RunSignup event and registration experience. A useful website does not need to be complex: a strong banner and branding, clear race details, event tiles, visible registration buttons, useful FAQs, and a few engaging images can provide the foundation.

From there, race directors can expand their site with custom pages, course maps, sponsors, fundraising information, videos, slideshows, teams, and other components as needed.

The webinar’s central recommendation is to start with what participants actually need and build from there. Website V2’s value comes from making essential event information easy to find, keeping registration calls to action obvious, and giving the race a branded look and feel—all without requiring a separate website platform or advanced web-design experience.