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

As a mid-packer: Sufficient portapotties at the start and it starts on time. Those are both just indicators of being well-organized, so I guess "well-organized" is what I'm really looking for, and that would also include things like accurate course, mile markers, some refreshments at the end, chip timing for larger races, etc. But the portapotties and starting on time are my indicators of interest. I also like races that, while local, have me running particularly scenic or interesting routes that I don't otherwise get to. I prefer loop courses to out and backs. If you're doing point-to-point, you'd better have a really good plan for the transportation (I always prefer parking at the finish line and shuttles to the start), and it had better be included in the entry fee. The earlier the start time, the better. 8:00 is okay, 9:00 is pushing it. I couldn't care less about shirts and finisher medals. My family votes for a jumpy house and kids races at the finish area, but they don't come to most of my races. Oh, and this should go without saying, but: the kids race should be free. At one race, the unmeasured untimed 100-yardish toddler race they had? They wanted $20 per kid. Now, they did have numbers for the kids, which was a nice touch, but, seriously, $20?

Shirts? Accurate course? Flat or hilly course (whatever you prefer)? A date that avoids conflict with another event? Refreshments? Awards? Door prizes? Chip timing? Professional race management? The absence of all that stuff? Others?

Fun course Well run event Good free beer afterward (Yes there is bad free beer) a good economic value close to home After reading other posts - Competition comes into play if it is a goal race - Its nice to have people to race against - as opposed to be stuck in a dead zone.

do not want to be running a marathon with 120 people

I've found smaller races to be among some of the more enjoyable. Even at marathon distance.

I'M ON A BOAT!!

After reading other posts - Competition comes into play if it is a goal race - Its nice to have people to race against - as opposed to be stuck in a dead zone.

My point exactly to a friend. To help him understand this better Dopple Bock, what of those things listed or not listed, would lend to drawing a thoroughly competitive field?

Trent and other race directors -- Cheaper and closer is better. Don't charge 40 bucks for a 5K. Point to point races I don't like. They are always logistical nightmares. Please let us pick our packets up on race day. I haven't been running long enough to hate the tshirts or awards. It is nice to get an old fashioned trophy! Finishers medals for halfs or longer races are nice. I don't care about door prizes, I came to run not raffle. I like races with "themes", otherwise it feels like a workout or time-trial. Road races should be certified and monitored. Please try to take accurate times of *everyone* not just the first people. If you can do it without the chip, that is ok. Trail races should be scenic and challenging with hills and views and something fun like BBQ at the end. An extra mile or so is ok for a trail race but if you aren't going to monitor the course or mark it well, please tell the runners that orienteering skills are required. Water on the course is essential. Please provide gatorade or something with electrolytes for races longer than 10K.