Help Organising a Race

Havana Hope

I am organising a 5k Road Race for Rathfredagh Cheshire Home Charity in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick on Jan 30th 2011.

2010 Event here http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055791200&highlight=rathfredagh

The 2010 was organised last minute and was reflected in the numbers but my aim for 2011 is for 150 runners. In 2010, we gave out prizes for 1st senior men and women and O/40 men and women(Elvery Sports Vouchers) and Junior men and women(trophies).

I have a sponsored budget to cover all organising costs including chipped timing and prizes and the course is a flat, fast 5k loop with great PB potential.

A few questions:

What prize categories should I have to reflect a potential field of 150 and how many places in each category?

What is the most appropriate prize to give (cash, voucher, trophies, etc)?

I want to get the 5k couse certified this year. How do I organise this?

We want to get local beginners to take up the sport and aim for this race. What is the best way to do this?

I was thinking, if there was enough interest, of keeping some of the prize money back for a Boards AC handicap race. The powers that be in Boards AC could decide everybodys handicap and I would have a good prize for the winner. If people would like to make a weekend or an overnight stay out of it, I can organise a real good rate with the local hotel.

I was also thinking of organising a free running clinic for race entries on the Saturday Jan 29th. I know of Catherina McKiernan Chi Running. Any other recommendations?

My sponsored budget is greater than what we will bring in race entries (Euro10 Entry - 100% entry fee to Rathfredagh Cheshire Home Charity) if I get my aim of 150 runners but the aim is to organise a real professional race, promote running for beginners in the local area and to raise funds for the Charity and to hope to increase the entries in future years.


Thanks,


Liam.

RoyMcC

Hi Liam,
Yours certainly looks like a well put together event. It'll please people that you're being up front with details of the contribution to charity (100% entry fees is excellent) as this is often left vague and has been a big bone of contention on here.

I haven't got all the answers to all your questions but

• Suggest no money prizes - that's unusual for a small race. Small mementoes or vouchers. Goody bags for all entrants is a good idea (not medals for a 5k)
• Prize categories - if the prizes are small I'd suggest recognising (a) the first three men & women and (b) first place in each of the vets' groups i.e. M40,50,60, 70 and W35,45,55,65
• Course certification - PM Condo131 or meathcountysec of this parish and I'm sure they'll point you in the right direction
• Beginners will only enter if they're not intimidated. Emphasise walkers/joggers are welcome. There are too few races below 10k that cater for novices.

Best of luck with it - sounds very good.

MaroonTam

Hi Liam, from the perspective of person who was a beginner not so long ago....

If you are targeting beginners for the race, then your advertising campaign will be the key. As RoyMcC says, make it as welcoming as possible.
I would look to target flyers / posters in areas where fitness classes take place (gyms / community centers etc.) that’s where you will find a pool of people with at least some interest in Fitness that would be willing to take up running challenge.
Also, a good supply of tea and cakes for after is always a good selling point.

Havana Hope

Hi Roy,

Thanks very much for the tips. I think I will go with Cups and Trophies with a sports store voucher in all the classes and placings you mentioned with 1st place also for junior male and female and t shirt/goody bag for finishers.

I will PM your recommendations for course certification.

I will get some promotional material together and post under events here when I have everything finalised.


Thanks very much.

ecoli

MaroonTam wrote: »

Hi Liam, from the perspective of person who was a beginner not so long ago....

If you are targeting beginners for the race, then your advertising campaign will be the key. As RoyMcC says, make it as welcoming as possible.
I would look to target flyers / posters in areas where fitness classes take place (gyms / community centers etc.) that’s where you will find a pool of people with at least some interest in Fitness that would be willing to take up running challenge.
Also, a good supply of tea and cakes for after is always a good selling point.

I think this is a good point. One suggestion maybe try approach Meet and train or fit4life groups in the area ( running clubs can be a help here) and try and get them on board. It gives them a target race for there members and you an accessibilty to beginners and make them feel welcomed

Havana Hope

Maroontam/ecoli,

Thanks. I will get some flyers to local gyms, etc and try and organise a meet and train group myself in Newcastle West. 5k is a realistic target for beginners.

The food and drink on the day is second to none:D, huge selection sponsored by local people and businesses for the Charity run and walk.

Liam.

meathcountysec

This thread might give some insight into the course measurement/certification process.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056031727

Havana Hope

meathcountysec wrote: »

This thread might give some insight into the course measurement/certification process.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056031727

Thanks very much,

Liam.

Condo131

This may help.

Havana Hope

Thanks Condo131,

Top class race checklist.

Liam.