Making a Mid-Size Race Work

SoJo Marathon/Half Marathon/5k & Kids Race

Challenges of a Mid-Size Race

Big expectations

But

Small registration or sponsorship revenues

Some IdeasO Get BiggerO Don’t sweat the small stuffO NetworkO Social MediaO Track marketingO Community PartnershipsO Structured SponsorshipsO Good vendorsO Volunteers

Get Bigger

Well, duh. . .

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

O Focus on having high quality where it countsO Runner and volunteer safetyO CommunicationO ShirtsO MedalsO Post Race FoodO Aid StationsO Port-o-potties

NetworkO Local Chamber of CommerceO BNIO City CouncilO Any other organization you associate

with

Social MediaO FacebookO TwitterO LinkedInO Pass alongs/Share

itsO Social email

campaigns

Track MarketingO Track link clickingO Track codesO Ask where they heard

about youO Make sure you have

access to raw data

Don’t market anywhere that can’t be tracked

Community Partnerships

O PTAO Likeminded businessesO Clubs and service organizationsO Hospitals/insurance organizationsO Religious groups

Structured Sponsorships

O Make them win-winO Itemize concrete benefits and

estimated ROIO Accept trades when it works for both

partiesO Finish line foodO Advertising tradesO Med tent helpO equipment

O Give them a voice and a reason

Good VendorsO Ask for referralsO Get lots of bidsO Go local, if possible.O The money is in the detailsO Don’t sign a multi-year

contractO Keep good relationships goodO Make sure to pay in full and on

timeO Don’t be afraid to jump ship if

you have to

VolunteersO Ask O CommunicateO DevelopO Clear expectationsO Thank