Event Information

Turkey Trots often mean more race-day registrations and packet pickups, along with participants looking for a fun, family-friendly holiday experience. In this Timer Tip Tuesday session, we’ll share tips and best practices for using RunSignup’s Real-Time RaceDay technology to make your Thanksgiving events run smoothly.

We’ll cover:

• RaceDay CheckIn App for fast bib pickup, dynamic bib assignment, last minute adjustments, and swag distribution.
• RaceDay Scoring for quick, accurate results, even with lots of race-day entries.
• RaceJoy for custom thanksgiving themed audio experiences, cheer messages, and family engagement—even for those at home cooking the feast.
• Results & Photos to keep participants and families connected and engaged right after the race.

Learn how to handle the unique race-day dynamics of Turkey Trots and elevate the experience for everyone.

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Summary of Webinar 

What You’ll Learn

• How different AI tools fit different jobs (ChatGPT, Gemini, Vercel/V0, Cursor)

• Quick wins: branding results pages, cleaning messy CSVs, planning splits/locations

• Extending RunSignup results with simple AI-assisted apps (using the public API)

• Prompting tactics that prevent “runaway” code changes and reduce hallucinations

• Post-race reports: using AI for visuals, insights, and sponsor-ready PDFs

Key Takeaways

• Use the right tool:

  • ChatGPT → content, color extraction, quick visuals;

  • Gemini (Google Workspace) → spreadsheets/data cleanup;

  • Vercel/V0 → fast web utilities;

  • Cursor → code analysis/fixes.

• Prime AI with examples/screenshots/specs to get accurate, formatted outputs.

• Ask for a plan first, not code. Approve steps before letting the agent edit.

• Branding + insights = perceived value. Small polish + clear data stories win.

Fast, High-Impact Use Cases

1) Brand your results pages in minutes

• Upload the race/school logo to ChatGPT → extract RGB/hex palette.

• Upload a screenshot of RunSignup theme fields → ask for recommended values.

• Result: on-brand results (no designer needed) that feel premium.

2) Clean messy registration data (Gemini/Sheets)

• Map columns from “ugly” CSV to your import template.

• Normalize date formats, trim extra commas, fix shifted columns, detect dup bibs, convert ALL CAPS to Mixed Case, find bib range gaps, flag mismatched shirt sizes.

• Ask in natural language; let AI perform bulk transforms quickly.

3) Plan timing locations & splits

• Use Google Maps/Street View for exact placement and road width estimates.

• Have AI turn rough drawings into clearer parking/equipment diagrams for crews.

• Expect iteration—image tools may need multiple prompts.

4) Extend results with lightweight apps (no deep dev required)

• Common ideas: awards lookup, split checks, selfie station, result receipts.

• Use RunSignup API (public endpoints like get races and get event results) so you don’t need backend auth.

• Start from existing examples in Vercel/V0 → Remix/Duplicate → brand/customize.

• Tips:

  • Set the correct year/date range for results data.

  • Some fields (e.g., division place) are IDs—use “Try It Now” on API docs to see outputs.

  • Tell the AI: “Explain your plan, don’t code yet.” Approve, then execute.

  • If things drift, rollback to a previous version and try again.

5) Post-race wrap-ups that wow

• Have AI produce charts and a 1–2 page PDF: finish-time distribution, density peaks (staffing/clock planning), returning vs. new participants, add-on purchases, RaceJoy engagement, geo radius around the venue ZIP.

• Apply the race color palette for a unified, sponsor-ready look.

• Great retention tool and differentiator for your timing business.

Prompting & Workflow Tips

• Provide examples/screenshots/specs; be explicit about formats.

• Use personas (e.g., “expert race planner”) for consistent answers.

• Keep conversations scoped; start new chats for new tasks.

• For code tasks: “plan first,” then “implement,” then “explain diffs.”

• Expect a learning curve—iterate and save versions.

Q&A Highlights

• AI inside RaceDay for complex segments? Not an AI feature; improvements are planned as standard product features (better multi-segment/multi-lap tools).

• Personas/GPTs help reduce iteration (e.g., expert race calendar/planner).

• Real-world wins:

  • Compare two last-minute registration files to spot exact differences (avoid risky full re-imports).

  • Build load-balancing tools for staff scheduling.

  • Generate marketing calendars for events.

Best Practices Checklist

• Brand results with logo-derived palette.

• Keep an import template and let AI map data to it.

• Document API endpoints + sample responses for the agent.

• Always ask for a plan first; approve before edits.

• Package post-race insights in a branded PDF each event.