What entices you to run a race? (Read 772 times)

The cost to run a race (including travel, lodging, dining, etc.) is becoming more important for me to run a race. If cost is equal, I'd be more drawn to an interesting course (and area). I also seem to prefer smaller races, rather than mega-events. A good technical shirt can entice me. Adequate refreshments is nice. Awards and door prizes don't matter much to me. Chip timing is nice but not necessary (unless I'm running a marathon with hope of BQing).

Since I am just starting out in this racing thing I have chosen all of my races so far based on proximity and falling on the right date. However, of the ones I have done I know some of the things that make me want to go back and do those races again. Organization is HUGE! I am already stressed on race morning. I want clearly marked check-in, a good flow to pick up shirts (yes I still like these, though 30 years from now maybe not so important.) and bibs. I like an Expo with people handing out freebies. (I like free things. What can I say?) During the race: clearly marked course. mile markers are good. I don't want to have to worry about which way to go on the course, especially if there are multiple races on the same course. It can get confusing and I don't want to waste energy figuring out which direction to turn. Water stations!!! I bring my own electrolyte drink to longer races, but water stations are nice, even in a 5K for us slow runners! I do like chip timing. Not sure why, but I do. After: since I am a definite back of the packer...raffles are nice. There are no AG award possibilities in my near future, but at the last race they had some really nice raffle prizes. I liked that. Lots of water available after the race, in different places so you don't have to wait in the food line to get more water. Bagels and orange slices. Those I love after a race. Anything else is just a bonus, but I want me some oranges and a piece of bagel. MTA: Race results and photos available online. Input from a back of the pack newbie. Hope that helps.

Shirts? No, I have too many. A decent-quality running clothing piece is nice, though. Accurate course? Yes, because I can only do so many races to chart my improvement and I hate having to toss out a race result due to a bad course, whether it be from inaccurate distance or poor marking. Flat or hilly course (whatever you prefer)? As long as the course is consistent year to year, I do not mind how challening it is. A date that avoids conflict with another event? Yes, this plays a big part. Refreshments? Yes to the extent that the runners will not get dehydrated, but I do not particularly care that there be much variety. Awards? Yes, because the actual cost of rewards is so inexpensive that it seems a major oversight to me to not include them. Door prizes? No, this does not entice me to go to a race, but if they do it while scoring is still being tallied, then I enjoy it as a diversion. Chip timing? Yes in a big race, otherwise it does not matter to me so long as the timing can be accurate. Professional race management? I will sometimes avoid doing a race if their flyer or Web site gives me the feeling they are unsure how to host a race. Other: Location? Yes, this is incredibly important to me, as I would prefer to drive from my home to a race. Price? No, the actual cost of a race is not important to me, but I will dislike a race if I believe they charged a lot and gave the runners little (did not take times, no refreshments, no awards, etc.). On-time start? Unfortunately, you find out too late whether this is going to be an issue, but there's nothing worse for me than doing a warm-up and strides, getting to the start line, and then waiting an unknown amount of minutes to actually start. Race-day Registration or Packet Pick-up? Yes, it's nice to be able to decide the morning of whether you want to do it. In the case of larger races, pre-registration helps keep it organized, but it's very annoying if the packet cannot be picked up the day of the race, because that means making travel arrangements for an extra day. People? Yes, I prefer going to races attended by people I know. With the exception of date and location, this is probably the most important factor when scheduling a race. I hope this thread is read by many race organizers!

Very Important: - Quality of course: scenic, beautiful, challenging, technical, scenic views, etc - As much trail as possible. I try to avoid courses with a lot of jeep roads/roads - Well managed race / well stocked aid stations / good volunteers - Fits my racing schedule (though with some races, like the Hardrock 100, I'll work my entire year around the race) Moderately Important: - Ease of access / close to home - Atmosphere of the race - A race my friends are also planning to do - Price - prefer to keep it at less than about $2/mile but will make exceptions for the right races. Not important at all: - Shirts / schwag (it's nice to get a cool shirt, etc, but it never influences my decision to enter) - Accuracy of the course (trail ultras are never accurate, some are miles off, a few are many miles off) - Competition (I'm only racing myself) - Awards (I never win anything so it doesn't matter) - Chip timing - Door prizes - Professional Race Management (I actually prefer just the opposite)

I'm bone idle so I enter races to force myself to train, at one time I used to race a lot but now I go for variety. I have too many T shirts already and prizes don't really interest me. Next races I have and reasons, Hose Half Marathon 12 April, pan flat was hoping for a PB but not now and also to meet ChrisUk who appears to have vanished where are you mate? Dog & Hedgehog Half, to settle old scores. Town and Gown 10k Oxford, because its a get together for as many runners as possible for the UK runners forum.

Race Day Magic... what else is there?