Event Information

This webinar kicks off a series designed to help timers keep their races. We’ll walk through the mindset shift that separates timers who lose races to turnover from those who never have to worry about it — and the practical, no-cost steps you can take right now using tools already available to you inside the RunSignup platform.

We’ll cover:

• Why “good timing” is table stakes — and what actually creates race loyalty
• Free features and tools in RunSignup that timers are underusing (and that race directors love)
• How to start communicating your value before, during, and after race day
• What to do when a race director is new — and how to make them feel like they can’t imagine working without you

No upsells, no new software to buy. This is about using what you already have, doing it intentionally, and showing up as a partner — not just a vendor.

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Summary of Webinar

The first webinar in the Race Retention for Timers series focused on one key message: great timing alone is no longer enough to retain races. While fast and accurate results are the baseline expectation, timers can strengthen client relationships by offering additional services throughout the race lifecycle—not just on race day. The session highlighted how RunSignup’s free tools can help timers add value, demonstrate their impact, and make it much harder for races to switch providers.

Key takeaways

Today’s minimum expectation is more than results

Race organizers now expect:

• Fast, accurate real-time results
• Participant notifications via text, email, and apps
• Sponsor integrations
• A polished participant experience before, during, and after race day

Reliable timing is the starting point—additional services are what differentiate timers.

Expand your services with RunSignup’s free tools

The webinar highlighted several free features that timers can package into their service offerings:

• SMS & Email Notifications
  • Send automatic results and split notifications.
  • Encourage organizers to promote notifications before registration opens.
  • Share post-race notification reports to demonstrate participant engagement.
• RaceDay Photos
  • Deliver instant participant photos directly in results.
  • Add sponsor watermarks for additional sponsor exposure.
  • Report photo views and engagement metrics back to organizers.
• Announcer Services
  • Provide announcer feeds with live participant data.
  • Use RaceDay Mobile or RaceDay Scoring to power finish-line announcements.
  • Build relationships with local announcers to improve the overall race experience.
• RaceJoy Predictive Pace
  • Offer premium participant tracking without requiring runners to carry their phones.
  • Create additional sponsor opportunities through RaceJoy banner ads.
  • Share RaceJoy usage reports to demonstrate value.

Support races year-round—not just on race day

Timers can become indispensable by helping with registration and event management throughout the season.

Suggested services include:

• Building or upgrading race websites to Website V2
• Setting up AI Chatbots and FAQ pages
• Providing participant customer support
• Managing packet pickup and check-in operations
• Creating and scheduling Email V2 campaigns
• Advising on pricing, referrals, coupons, and registration strategy

These ongoing services strengthen relationships and make timers part of the race’s operational team—not just its timing vendor.

Show your value

One of the biggest mistakes timers make is assuming organizers know everything they’re doing.

Instead, create post-race reports that highlight:

• SMS and email notification usage
• RaceJoy participant and spectator engagement
• Photo counts and views
• Sponsor impressions
• Check-in statistics
• Demographic and participation trends

Use screenshots, photos, and real examples—not just numbers—to clearly demonstrate the value your services provide.

Build stronger relationships

Race retention ultimately comes down to communication.

The presenters encouraged timers to:

• Regularly remind organizers of services they already provide.
• Introduce new RunSignup features throughout the year.
• Check in during the off-season.
• Use workshops and one-on-one training to continue improving their offerings.
• Think beyond race day and position themselves as year-round partners.

Final takeaway

The best way to retain races isn’t by lowering your price—it’s by increasing your value. By combining excellent timing with services like websites, email marketing, photos, announcer support, RaceJoy, participant communication, and post-race reporting, timers can become trusted partners that races don’t want to replace.