July 2026: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
There’s no denying it – running is booming. From local parkruns to major marathons, participation is soaring, race entries are selling out in record time, and running clubs are attracting new members. As demand continues to grow, race organisers have responded by increasing field sizes and expanding their events…
June 2026: Giving a Race Soul
Every weekend, thousands of competitors line up at events around the world. Most are well organised, enjoyable but quickly forgotten. However, a select few become something far bigger than “just another weekend race”. They develop an identity, a personality and ultimately, a soul…….
May 2026: IM Opt For “No Image” Policy
In February this year, IRONMAN updated its Global Competition Rules introducing a complete ban on any form of on-course image recording. In an era where social media is deeply woven into endurance sport culture, the decision was both bold and controversial…..
April 2026: The Cost Of Going Green
On Sunday 14 April, more than 50,000 runners took to the streets of the French capital to take part in one of the world’s largest races, the Paris Marathon. This year‘s edition however, drew attention for the organisers’ controversial decision to remove disposable cups entirely from aid stations….
March 2026: It’s a Women’s World
In September 2020, a social media post went viral asking women: “What would you do if all men disappeared for 24 hours?” The overwhelming response: Walk or run freely at night. While this might seem surprising, the popularity of Nike’s After Dark Tour confirms that many women actively seek this sense of freedom and safety after dark…..
Feb 2026: Race Against Global Warming
One of the biggest stress factors for race organisers is the uncertainty of the weather on race day. We pore over long-range forecasts, trying to predict what conditions athletes and crews will face – and the variations can be dramatic….
Jan 2026: Trends That Will Shape Races in 2026
Across the globe, race organisers are preparing for a packed and exciting 2026. For most organisers the festive season provided a short lull in the race calendar, but now plans need to be made for the months ahead. The key question is: “What will make 2026 different, and what do I need to do to keep my event relevant and successful?”
Dec 2025: Why do brands sponsor events?
Events are costly to organise and often it is not practical for entry fees alone to cover expenses and still turn a profit for the organiser. As a result, securing sponsorships become crucial, but finding a corporate to support your event is rarely easy…
Nov 2025: Master Class in Crisis Communication
What keeps many event organisers awake at night isn’t just managing the countless details leading up to their event. The looming possibility of being forced to cancel and having to communicate this on the morning of the race is a nightmare no race director ever wants to endure.
Oct 2025: Importance of Water Tables
Competing in endurance sporting events is tough for most competitors as they push themselves beyond their comfort zones to achieve their personal best. Events with well-stocked refreshment tables keep competitors happy and add to their overall race experience.
June 2025: To Refund or Not to Refund
The answer to this question is a very complex one. Events differ dramatically in their refund policies and there seems to be no standard industry practice when it comes to refunds. South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act should be the guide, but this doesn’t seem to be the case for a lot of events.
April 2025: Should Races Lose the Swag
The costs of putting on an event are significant and organisers often battle just to cover their climbing costs, let alone make a profit. In many cases costs are exacerbated because event organisers try to meet entrants’ expectations of free gifts.
March 2025: Is Gen Z driving the running boom?
When I started road running regularly in the early nineties, the sport was booming. About five years later numbers started to dwindle when road cycling, mountain biking and triathlons became more popular…Now almost 30 years later, road running is booming again.
Feb 2025: Building your Budget
The easiest way to start building a budget is to create a budget spreadsheet. This is a good way to organize and track your financial data in a clear and consistent format. You can use Excel, Google Sheets, or an online template to create your budget spreadsheet.
Jan 2025: Be Conservative when Guesstimating
If you are a first-time event organiser, or if you are organising a new race, you will have to make three vital estimations about key aspects of your budget. According to Race Directors HQ, these “guesstimations” are likely to be crucial in determining a profit or loss from your event.
Dec 2024: Creating Your Blueprint for Success
Preparing a race budget is not easy as there are so many factors to consider. However if you adhere to some basic rules, you can produce an accurate estimation of your costs and expenses.