It’s been a few years since we’ve posted a Festivus blog…but we have to admit, we have a lot of grievances this year. So, in celebration of 2020 Festivus…
Runners…We have a problem with constant desire for a race to be fun. Because of you, and the limitations on things like parties this year, we had to build all sorts of digital rewards, like:
- RaceJoy Anywhere audio experience…and RaceJoy for Challenges (so you never really have to run alone)
- Virtual Results person GPS Activity Submission (so you don’t even have to type a time)
- Digital Bibs (so you can still post your flat-runner pre-race photos)
- Participant Photo Uploads (so you still show off your photo-finish)
- Milestones and Badges for Challenges (so you can get rewarded again and again throughout your challenge)
- Gender Options for your profile (so you can be yourself, always)
Race Directors…We have a problem with your constant creativity. Because of you, our team had to work like crazy to support new and different formats for races:
- Virtual Results (so you never need another spreadsheet for virtual races again)
- An entire Virtual Challenge Platform (so you can have people race across a state…or the world)
- New deferral features and reserved entry options (so you can give your runners lots of options)
- Geographic Shipping fees (so you can send your sweet swag anywhere)
- Playlist support for websites (so you can still throw a party for your runners)
Timers…We have a problem with your commitment to safety. Because of you, we had to learn (and share) entirely new processes for coordinating a race day:
- Upgraded Corral platform (so you can keep runners in COVID-safe waves)
- RaceJoy Certifications, with another scheduled in January (so you always know where your runners are)
- Added checks to Challenge Results to prevent unrealistic paces (so you can catch unintentional cheaters)
- An entire Webinar series on start lines, finish lines, and hybrid race day management (so you can learn from each other)
Nonprofits…We have a problem with dedication to your cause. Because of you, we had to create new ways to support and reward virtual fundraising, including:
- New Donation Form Wizard (so your supporters can donate – anywhere, anytime)
- Fundraising progress added to results (so you can acknowledge your supporters)
- Fundraising Milestone Confetti (to make that acknowledgement more fun)
- Processing more donations than 2019 (so you can sustain your mission)
- New payment account reports (so your financial team can save time)
Of course, our true grievance is with COVID-19. For the rest of you, we’re grateful you made us work so hard (and get a little creative ourselves). Each and every one of you kept the country running in 2020, and we’re looking forward to a better 2021 for all your events. Happy Festivus!
