Behind the Scenes of Race Organizing

by GRP runner Britta Clark

In addition to trying to build up for some races this fall and winter, I am organizing a 5/10km trail race this year called the “Goshen Gallop”. The race, which is now in its 45th year, begins and ends at the Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center in Goshen, Vermont, and I’ve been organizing it for the last 5 years. 

Race directing the Goshen Gallop has given me a real look behind the scenes at the process of organizing a race, and has taught me to be a kinder and more understanding athlete at races that I attend myself. Here are a few things I’ve learned as a race organizer that I think can help us be kind and gracious participants as we head into this summer race season:

Race directors have to make So. Many. Decisions.

What color to make the tee shirts? Where to put the water stops? What sort of prizes? What sort of food? How to mark the course? Should there be music? What timing system should we use? Should we make customized bibs? What sponsors can we secure? What if it rains? How many portapotties to get? Where should we put the porta potties? Do we have enough safety pins for bibs? The list goes on. Many of these decisions are small, and racers only notice them if something goes really wrong. At your next race, I encourage you to look out for all these choice points. Some things I’ve done at the Gallop include putting out motivational signs along the course, providing post-race chocolate milk, and thinking about giving out prizes that are locally sourced and are things people will really use and want. I’ve also given a lot of thought to how the course is marked - I’ve had terrifying nightmares where everyone goes off course and gets lost in the woods! 

Race directors are grateful for your feedback.

We’re oftentimes making the aforementioned decisions without a ton of racer input, and it’s always nice to hear what we’ve done well, or what you would change about the race. If you know who the race director is, I guarantee that it will make their day if you send them a note after the race thanking them for their time and energy. 

Volunteers are the biggest predictor of a race running smoothly.

No matter what, something will go wrong, and it is so helpful to have volunteers who can pick up the slack. I’m always so grateful for the volunteers who dedicate their day to helping out. If you have time, try to volunteer at a race this summer! 

A few other things that I’ve learned that I try to adhere to as a race participant:

First, if you need to drop out of the race, tell a race volunteer! Otherwise, we’ll go out looking for you.

Second, if you’ve done well at the race and expect to receive a prize, try to stick around if you can - it helps keep the race energy alive when the winners are there to accept their prizes and accolades.

Third, don’t bother the timing squad and keep your race bib visible. Timing a race is high pressure, and the timers are focused on making sure results are accurate. 

As we head into summer race season, I hope that we all take a moment before the race to think not only about racing our best, but also being a good participant. Happy running, all!