St James Hospital Run

ChampionChip

I have been involved in the chip timing at the event for the past couple of years and it has shot up in popularity to just short of 1000 entrants this year. The organisers are keen to get feedback and suggestions as to how they can improve it and I have done some analysis of the numbers taking part.

63% in 2012 were female which is unusual as most races are the other way round so they could attract more men but still keep the women interested. There are not many vets male or female who take part, most are the younger age groupers.

I think its regarded primarily as a fun run as the distance is odd ie 6.4km I think and they don't do prizes for the vets.

I have suggested they look at reducing the distance to 5km so runners can compare their times with other similar races eg St Patricks day 5km, Rathfarnham etc.

I also suggested starting in the reverse direction so everyone can get to the start line more easily from registration and have 2 start waves. The first would be for the athletes of any gender aiming for 25 mins or under. Wave 2 wold be for the fun runners but all would be timed and the results based on chip time alone.

Prizes for vets would help attract the more mature athletes.

Any other suggestions are welcome.

dub8

not sure about the change of distance but the prizes for vets is definelty a good idea. Maybe male and female team prize as well , may attract more club runners ? its a great race and great to see it increasing in popularity !:)

ChampionChip

Thanks for the suggestions. Team prizes are always a nightmare to do esp if the race allows entries on the day. I'd rather spread the money in prizes down the field rather than give it to teams where most likely the winning teams will have the top guys on them thus they get two prizes.

RacoonQueen

The key to success for races IMO is being able to attract club runners. You only get a handful at this race. It always get great reviews, is well organised and is a really good route - plenty of marshalls and plenty of help around the finish and start area are a big help. The numbers this year were fantastic and show that this race has serious potential.

• Rename it from a 6.5k to 4 mile (and obviously ensure measurement is correct) - I don't think changing the distance will even be considered.
• I think team prizes are key especially if you're looking to attract more top runners, you could also to keep the 'fun' element have another team prize or two for the team who turn up in the best outfits or the slowest team or some such. This will help to attract club runners and advertise to clubs that there will be team prizes. Don't know which race it was but one I've seen advertised recently stated that the team prizes are calculated from 2nd runner home to 4th or something? Something along those lines could stop the top 3 getting two prizes.
• Arguably the best races out there are the club organised races, clubs don't encourage athletes to run in commercial races - this race should be promoted along the lines of it being similar to a club race in that it essentially isn't a 'for profit' race. Also, I've only done it once but I think it's good enough to sit in with club races.

petermijackson

I've always enjoyed this race, it was my first race 3years ago and my OH's first race this year. I think the appeal to the masses (including the female audience) is that it is a Fun Run, it might loose this element if there was more club runners involved. BTW I run this as race and have finished sub 24mins a couple of time, I just think that it might put some people off if they see the race results/lineup and it's full of club runners - I know from speaking to some intro runners that they will not enter club races as they are afraid they will be last and the race will be too fast.

The distance is good but as already suggested change it to 4mile and ensure proper measurement.
As far as I remember they ran the event in the opposite direction the first year it was ran so there must be a reason that it goes the way it does now. I personally like the long finish as it gives a good sprint finish

It is one of a few races that you get to run on the city streets that are closed to traffic - this should used when advertising it.

ChampionChip

I'm hoping if we had 2 waves of runners that the fast people go in wave one and that allows then to aim for a time whilst the fun runners go in wave 2 and just enjoy it.

dub8

If you are going to have wave starts ( which is a good idea ) you are already separating the fast runners and the fun runners so i dont see why introducing team prizes would create a problem ? What kind of group are you trying to attract to the race? Targeting running clubs is a big way to increase numbers and general field of runners. Not all club runners are elites , they all have members of varying standards. As racoonquenn said , you could also offer prizes in the fun runners section . I defenitly think having it as 4 miles instead of 6.5k is a better idea.

ChampionChip

The waves are not the issue for teams its just getting the teams members to declare who they run for in advance. Too many times I have seen the team result be redone as someone forgot to declare they were on a team until the awards were being done. Personally I would make it that noone could declare for a team on the night, they must do so in advance.