Volunteers are the backbone of road races. Chicago Marathon aid station volunteers. Thank you!

I have witnessed the evolvement of road racing morph from many locally based running enthusiasts organizing a race, to the road racing world now being dominated by a handful of national and regionally companies. For the most part these companies do excellent work, and I can’t imagine the world of road racing without them. The sport has grown to depend upon very sophistically technology that only experienced firms can provide. So, I say thank you and kudos to these fine companies and also to the numerous volunteers that constantly seek ways to serve the running world even better.

But, with all that being said, there are several items I wish race directors within these companies would incorporate in 2024. In no particular order here are my top 5 recommendations to race directors:

Offer Optional SWAG

My racing experience dates back to the days of $5 entry fees and as an incentive for runners to sign-up organizers offered runners a free T-Shirt! Well, the shirts are mostly still here and thankfully they are a much-improved product too. In recent years some races recognize that many runners have drawers full of T-shirts and the shirts are no longer the incentive they initially were during the early years. Fast forward to current time and see some organizers offering a different incentive to runners. They offer runners to not receive the shirt and in turn pay a lower entry fee!

Then there are races that allow runners to upgrade swag too. Last fall I ran two half marathons where great hoodies were offered to runners in lieu of T-shirts. This idea alone persuaded me to sign-up and run the Capital City River Run in Lansing MI last September. But then an even better version of the same idea was at the Marshall University Half Marathon where runners were also offered a hoodie, but I took advantage of a very modest upgrade cost to purchase a hoodie with very comfortable techie material.

Senior Discounts

I have been running in one form or another for nearly 60 years now. Long before the official running boom of the 1970’s hit the scene. There are still many runners out there in races today that began their running careers during the running boom years if not before like me. If for no other reason than to honor those who competed in “the early days” of road racing, please offer some level of a discount to races. Where the line is drawn on the eligible age may be another question, but I doubt few would disagree that those 65 years and older should be eligible for a reduced entry fee. Discounted entries would certainly increase participation in your races.

No doubt these older gents still enjoy being competitive.

Standardize 5 Year Age Groups

Again, back in the early days of racing age groups were separated into 10-year divisions. Now it’s very rare that you see age group awards in 10-year groups. 10-year groupings are a significant disincentive for runners in the upper half of such grouping to even enter a race. My sense is that race entries would increase and more than offset any additional cost (which surely is minimal) to double the number of age group winners. I typically will no longer consider participating in a race if I have to compete against runners nearly nine years younger than me.

Do not cut off Age Group Divisions at 70+

As a 72-year-old runner this year, this one is very dear to my heart. I am surprised to see how many races, especially those with 5-year age group divisions, to stop offering 5-year division awards to runners 75 years and older. These older runners are obviously still able to compete, but they are at a significant disadvantage if they compete against runners 10 or more years their senior.

Marshall University Half Marathon 2023 70+ AG Results. Why should an 89 year old have to compete against runners who are nearly 20 years younger! Wayne Hinaman deserves an award too! This is what can happen when races limit the award categories.

A great example of this situation was last year at the Marshall University Half Marathon. Shortly after I finished my half marathon, I learned that I had actually won my age group! Next, I wanted to see who followed me and their respective times. What I discovered was that an 89-year-old runner not only finished a half marathon but also ran a very respectable time for an 89-year-old! He certainly deserved an award! But because he was forced to compete against runners nearly 20 years younger, he was denied. I recently pointed this out to the Marshall University Marathon organizers, and they indicated they will be extending the age group categories for their 2024 event.

Disclose Registration Fees

This is a relatively minor gripe but it’s also an easy fix. It’s irritating when you see a race advertised on social media that lists numerous reasons why runners should enter but very rarely do they indicate the pricing structure! Typically, you are forced to start the registration process to learn about the costs etc. Simply indicate the fee up front please.

Other Ideas ?

Thanks for letting me “vent my spleen” here. I welcome any suggestions or opinions you may have for race organizers. I only ask that criticism be posted in a positive and helpful manner.

Thanks for taking time to read my post and I invite you to scroll down for more running related posts.

Coach Lee