Why are more and more marathons not allowing deferments?
Read More
How does a race director determine how many porta-potties to order for their race?
Read More
I was hoping you could advise me on the best plan for first aid. We are hosting a 5K run/walk on May 21 in Floral Park, New York. This race has grown over the years, and if registration continues at this pace, we are projected to hit 2,000 runners.
Read More
There's a marathon/half-marathon that I've been participating in for the last five years. Organizers used to allow a family member or friend to pick up a runner’s packet as long as they had a copy of the runner’s driver's license and a signed note from the runner. Since then, they have only allowed runners to pick up their own packets.
Read More
As a race director, what are the things you most worry about that keep you awake at night?
Read More
I've heard stories of the "call of nature" coming at the worst time, far from any convenient or appropriate location, and runners relieving themselves in a relatively public manner. What's a race director's policy toward this and how do races plan and handle the problem?
Read More
I wish there was a way to make gear bags available to runners inside the finishing area. After a long race I want to get something to eat and drink, and I want to stay warm. But once I leave the finishing area to get my warm ups most races won't let me back in.
Read More
I just ran the Marine Corps Marathon, and my results only showed up online through 30K — something obviously went wrong with the timing system, and I am trying to sort it out. Does this technology always work? How often is it used? This was the first race for me where the timing system was on my bib.
Read More
Last week I volunteered at packet pickup for a major marathon. I and other volunteers tried our best to pass out material as efficiently as possible, but others were a little less efficient and, despite long lines, often chatted with participants.
Read More
I was at a race this weekend where the rules clearly prohibit strollers, jogging or otherwise, in the 10-K and 5-K. My friend didn't have anyone to watch her baby while she ran and felt she had to skip the race. But when I got there, I found plenty of people running with their jogging strollers anyway.
Read More
I am trying to start a half-marathon, 10-K, and 5-K event. The proceeds will benefit a program for veterans with post-traumatic stress at a veterans hospital. I'm hoping that about 1,000 people will enter.
Read More
I started working on this project at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996. I met with the folks at Turner Sports at the CNN building. They asked me to direct the 1998 Goodwill Games Triathlon in NYC. Why not, I asked.
Read More
I'm wondering why most races (and especially marathons) are held on Sundays.
Read More
I used to think the more signs (operational and functional signs, not sponsor signs) at an event, the better. However, throughout the years, I’ve come to realize more is not necessarily better, and it's not simply the number of signs but many other factors that come into play.
Read More
I've been a runner for most of my life, and I love running in races. I've volunteered at a handful, too, and recently realized I would love to make it a career—working for something like, say, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series. How should I go about meeting the right people and gaining the experience to do this?
Read More
I am having a difficult time getting this question answered. Scenario: Second female to cross the finish line in a race is 43 years old. Should she be awarded "Second Place Overall Women" or "First Place Masters Women" (when Masters are being separately awarded)?
Read More
Recently I ran a marathon with a wave start. Since I was in Wave E, I crossed the start line when the race clock was at around 18 minutes.
Read More
I’ve heard stories about poor course markings or improper directions from course officials causing runners to go in the wrong direction. What happens to the results in such a scenario?
Read More
I always assumed that races were won on chip time, so when I started slowing down as the years went on, I moved more to the middle of the pack assuming that my chip time would be enough.
Read More
I've heard that when the "call of nature" comes -- at the worst time and far from any convenient or appropriate location -- runners in a race often relieve themselves in a relatively public manner. What's a race director's policy toward this? How do you plan for it?
Read More