Real estate. This is one of the single biggest challenges many races face given the current incredible and amazing growth of our industry. Where do you put all these people? Demand is far exceeding available space for many races – look at the BAA Boston Marathon, the TD Beach to Beacon, the Mt. Washington Road Race, and the New Balance Falmouth Road Race, to give just a few examples.
Read MoreIs it me or does it seem that lately all of us are being challenged by Mother Nature more than ever before? The problem with outdoor events is that, yup, you guessed it, is that they are outdoors...no kidding.
Read MoreNo matter how meticulous your planning, sooner or later something unexpected is going to occur that is going to require you to make on-the-spot decisions. Veteran race directors Dave McGillivray and Sean Ryan offer some tips on what to do (and not do) when disaster happens.
Read MoreI previously wrote on the power of spectators, focusing on all the positives of attracting spectators to your event. However, there are a few areas we must consider when dealing with spectators along our course or even within the start or finish line areas of our races.
Read MoreYears ago, before the huge field sizes and multiple wave starts, I always thought seeing course clocks along the race route was both informative and motivational. Now, I'm just not so sure.
Read MoreLately, I’ve been running in a lot of road races in preparation for the World Marathon Challenge (in fact, when you read this, I'll be a week from landing in Antarctica for the first of seven marathons). I haven’t participated in this many races in such a short period of time in 20 years. Back then, however, I was running fairly well, like in the 6-minutes per mile range. Now I’m closer to 7-minutes or even 8-minutes a mile. It’s a different experience running with the masses versus running closer toward the front with the faster and more competitive folks.
Read MoreWe all learn from our experiences. Having directed over 850 events during the past 30 years, I hope I have learned a few things myself about this business.
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