Planning your own race: It’s all in the details

Being detail oriented is mandatory for a race-director. My to-do list for Maritime Race Weekend is over 10 pages long and I love scratching things off when each item is done.

Based on runner feedback, volunteer ideas and my own experiences, the race has seen a lot of improvements.

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My parents have always told me, “If you are going to do a job, then do the job right.”

The other day, I went to four stores trying to find a rope that is strong enough to secure our new finish line arch. I asked the right people for advice, then found a business that specializes in rope. I could have stopped when I found a rope with 500lb strength, but experts suggested to use a 4,000lb strength in case of high winds. I went with a higher grade rope, even though it’s stronger than we’ll ever likely need and was slightly more expensive. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

The race bib is another perfect example of how much time and thought go into even small details. Giving racers the option of having their first name or pirate name on the bib adds work behind the scenes, but it’s worth it when spectators can cheer for them by name. Displaying the runner’s hometown and province makes the bib special, but the details on the back are just as important as the front.

Last year, I started putting all the swag information on the back of the bib. It made race-kit pick-up so much more efficient. Making the text big is easier for the volunteers to read. Every year, my Mom individually attaches a timing-chip to 3,400 bibs. I put the bib number next to the timing-chip box to make that long task go faster. The beer ticket on the bib shows the person’s birthday and age, this will help volunteers giving out the beer at our after-party. These are little details that most people won’t even notice but they do require thought.

Maritime Race Weekend has developed a reputation for setting the bar high. We’ve been recognized by industry leaders and our city’s event staff as a role model in event organization. My running friends tease me that other events copy my ideas. I consider it a compliment. Plus, a lot of these ideas have been from the advice of others or ideas I got from seeing other races. Listening to others and not thinking I know everything is an important character trait that has helped me to improve Maritime Race Weekend. It’s obvious when a race director cares about the details. I believe it’s a win-win if runners have a positive experience at an event – even if it isn’t my race.