1. What is the average minimum cost for hosting a race?
There can be a lot of costs to hosting a race to include venue rental, permits, security, timing, logistics, food, entertainment, t-shirts, and awards. $3,000 - $4,000 is a good starting point. Find sponsors to help soften the up-front investment.
2. How do I find sponsors?
Spend time contacting local businesses or organizations to let them know that your race can serve as a great advertising opportunity for them. For example, you might set up a sponsorship flyer, with tiered levels of commitment. In addition, individuals and businesses might be more prone to sponsor your event if it is in some way tied to a charitable organization.
3. How much money will my event bring in?
Sponsorships are the main factor in actually making money on an event. While registration fees should cover the cost of holding the event, the more/bigger sponsors you obtain, the higher your charitable donation will be. You may see anything from $500.00 to $50,000.
4. How do I set up a course?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a course. Think about the neighborhoods and terrain through which your racers will travel. Think about the road surface and any other safety issues. It’s best to avoid excessive turns, and you should take care not to have the course cross areas which experience heavy race-day traffic. It’s important that the route is clearly marked, with sufficient water and aid stations. Have volunteers set up at several points along the way, and make sure they cheer on the participants.
5. Should my course be certified?
Having a USA Track & Field (USATF) certified course will let runners know that the measurements are accurate. This legitimacy will likely draw more serious runners to your event. Athlete Guild will be happy to help you obtain the proper certification.
