So you love mountain biking and want to run a race event. Not sure where to start or what to consider? The following list is information on how you can organize and promote a mountain bike race event. It will help you get started and give you some tasks to consider. This is what you need to think about.
1. Select a location to have a race.
2. Get permission to run at the desired location. You might consider contacting the landowner, local government, or the police. Verbal approval may be required to hold the race at the specified location, but it is best to get it in writing.
3. Consider race:
the race route
The distance and/or duration of the race.
Decide the racing categories you will offer.
Plan start times for each group? Faster riders tend to start earlier than slower riders. Will you need medical assistance on site on race day?
4. Try to get sponsors to help keep your costs down and be prepared to offer them something in return. As an example, you can put your logo on flyers, a banner, or on a website, etc.
5. Make a brochure of the race and distribute it in bike shops, schools and send it by email. Also post it on mountain bike classified sites. Make sure the brochure includes:
Event location and addresses
Categories and race distance
award list
entrance fee
Last possible time to register
Contact information
Any special note
6. Consider the other things:
How many volunteers do you need?
Order race numbers
ask for trophies
Get water, Gatorade, food
Start/stop order and/or marketing banners
Work with the police if necessary
Prepare a press release to send 30 days in advance.
Reserve any additional equipment you may need: tables, awning, PA system, etc.
7. Develop a task list and train your volunteers. The more you communicate with your volunteers, the more organized your running event will be. You can’t do it yourself.
On race day, stay calm and know what to do. Everyone is there to have fun, so enjoy your day. When the mountain bike race is over, don’t forget to walk the trail and make sure there is no trash on the trail.
