Preparing for the Fall Race Season
2020 may not look like an average year, but preparation for fall race season is creeping up nonetheless. Race organizers, timers, and nonprofits across the country are reviewing their options and learning more about virtual options, modifying in-person events, and creating hybrid versions that incorporate both in-person and virtual elements. To kickstart the planning process, we hosted a “Cram Session” to review best practices and key details for the types of events we anticipate this fall. 600 people registered for the session – but if you weren’t one of them, it’s not too late to catch up. All sessions were recorded, and you can access them along with supplementary resources.
Want a little more guidance on which resources to check out? Here’s an overview:
- If you’re hoping to maintain *some* in-person element for your race, check out the panel on successful races and Eric’s session on setting up a Hybrid Race.
- If you are considering launching a Virtual Challenge, view Bryan’s session on Building a Virtual Challenge and get thorough review with the Virtual Challenge Everything Guide.
- If fundraising is the name of your game, learn about Peer-to-Peer fundraising and start preparing for your Giving Tuesday Campaign.
- If you’re a timer looking to shake off some summer rust, catch up on Virtual Results and Bibs and get a refresher on RaceDay Scoring.
- If you want to learn a little bit about everything, Bryan’s rapid-fire Quick Hits session is for you.
New to RunSignup | GiveSignup?
If you’re just getting started with RunSignup and the sessions above seem a little intimidating, we have resources to help you create your race and learn the most essential tools, first. First, join Whitney for a RunSignup 101 webinar (and an opportunity to ask questions) at 12:00pm ET on Wednesday 9/2 – if you can’t make it live, register and we will send out a recording. Next, check out our Get Started Hub for quick resources for marketing, virtual races and challenges, and fundraising.
Industry Round-Up
July 2020 RunSignup | GiveSignup Numbers
In the interest of providing insight into the industry we have been doing regular updates on our numbers since the pandemic began. In July we continued to see significant impacts; however, the news is not all bleak. Transaction volume is down 27% compared to July 2019, but donations are up 90% and new races on the platform have grown 46%. The impact of virtual is clear – “real” (in-person) races make up just 25% of our transaction volume.
We also study other companies to better understand the market, and Eventbrite’s Q2 report reflects what we are seeing in the “real” race business, with earnings down about 80%. However, there are signs of recovery, with July reporting that they were down just 71%.
Guest Blog: COVID Self Report Pass
Paul McMullen introduced his Self Report Pass, which allows participants to indicate that they are symptom-free before showing up at your race – without violating HIPAA privacy rights.
Strava National Partnership Program Sunset
RunSignup and Strava are sunsetting the current affiliate partnership and working on rebuilding the partnership in a way that brings more value to race directors and partners. For races that opted in, your clubs on Strava will still be available, but you will no longer see your Strava club automatically on race pages.
Timer Talk
Virtual Results How-To Webinar Recap
RaceJoy Custom Audio Race Experience
RaceJoy’s dynamic audio race experience is now available for virtual and on-site races in real-time, eliminating the need to load custom audio files 10 days before the race. Audio files can be loaded and scheduled to play automatically for participants at either a defined location on fourse, or a selected distance point for anywhere events.
Corral Management System Updates
Timer Tip Tuesdays
RaceDay Ninja Crisp McDonald has re-started his Timer Tip Tuesday webinars – quick, timely sessions reviewing key topics for timers. Catch his recording on Bib Assignments & Digital Bibs and sign up for tomorrow’s Virtual Event Tools (Basics).
GiveSignup Fundraising Tips
Virtual Event Fundraising Tips for Nonprofits
Amanda Sweet recently joined the GiveSignup team, but she brings with her five years of fundraising experience at prominent Philadelphia-area nonprofits. She offers her advice for continuing to engage supporters, using data and automation tools, and creating a buzz around your cause.
PayPal Donate Buttons vs. GiveSignup Donation Forms
GiveSignup Donation Forms provide nonprofits a great upgrade path from old Paypal donation buttons. Learn how to use GiveSignup to highlight your brand, use your own URL/domain, give tribute recognition, offer recurring donations, allow donation designation, and save money.
Fundraiser Milestone Confetti
Engage and celebrate your fundraisers with fun elements of gamification! Fundraiser Milestone Confetti (it’s exactly what it sounds like) is another way to create excitement and offer acknowledgement by “showering” your fundraisers with virtual confetti when they reach your designated milestones.
