So you want to put on a race...

So your church / school / nonprofit / community organization wants to put on a fundraiser 5k? Where do you start? How do you know if it will make money?

In addition to our retail store, Terra Running Company is in the race timing and event management business. We love how it gives runners and walkers quality events to train for and helps drive traffic to our website and retail store. We put on the Cleveland Half Marathon & 5k, the Thanksgiving Day 5k, the Summer SIzzler Race series, and the First Street Beer Mile each year. In addition, we are hired by 20+ local organizations to help time and manage their races. 

From permits to t-shirt, insurance to timing, we have done it all! Races are a great way to spread the word about your organization, bring the community together, and celebrate health and fitness. But where do you start?

First, check the race calendar for the local area before choosing a date. 20 years ago, the 65 Roses 5k was the only local road race in the area and drew runners from all over the southeast. Today, there is a 5k every weekend on the Cleveland Greenway to the Chattanooga Riverwalk and every community in between! Be sure to avoid the weekend of large races in the area that will compete for participants, like the Chattanooga Marathon, 65 Roses 5k, the Cleveland Half Marathon & 5k, and other large scale, established events.

Once you've chosen a date, you need a road closure permit or a pavilion rental depending on the location. Most often, this also required proof of event insurance. Before publishing the date, be sure to have the permits and insurance in hand. 

After the date, location, and insurance are secured, you can start to market the event. Choose a name, giveaway, and something that will make your event unique. Runners and walkers have lots of events to choose from these days; what about your event will make them choose you? Have all these details ironed out before opening registration or advertising the race. You want to be prepared to answer participant questions.

The success or failure of a fundraiser depends most on the integration of sponsors into your event. Participants generally pay for their own race experience, between the cost of shirts, food, race timing, event insurance, and permits. To make an event a successful fundraiser, don't overlook the importance of sponsors. Sponsors can be given perks for their involvement, like a chance to set up at the finish line area, free entries for their employees to the race, or naming rights for the event. Think beyond just giving them a logo on a t-shirt. 

If you're interested in learning more about putting on a race, reach out to Terra Running Company. We have years of successful race timing and management experience and would love to help you put on a successful fundraising race.