There isn’t much left to say around organization of yesterday’s Sporting Life 10K event that hasn’t already been said here and here. The researcher in me, however, is naturally curious as to why this type of thing happens in the first place. Not surprisingly, a little digging around uncovered some politics surrounding the last few running events in the city in terms of how one race became two, and some implications around the variance between the two events.

My thoughts, for what it’s worth: 

The number of first-time runners far outweigh the number of repeat runners. 

• There is the title sponsorship of a well-known Toronto brand name that helps to attract new runners. There is the promise of proceeds going to a really great cause. With these two features of the race, there will never be a shortage of new, eager runners excited to run for a great cause. That’s great and all, but then these new runners don’t have a basis of comparison from other races to have any expectations. In short, the same problems can continue to crop up unless these new runners are educated in the first place. But then, that begs the question on whether these new runners even care about organization or not. Which brings me to my next point… 

Conflicting goals of trying to please two types of runners.

• If the runner’s goal is to run a 10k and/or raise money for charity, then are they really going to notice a few empty water stations, a lack of pace bunnies, and not being able to cross the finish line at a specific time? If the main goal of the run is to attract these types of runners, then don’t make it a timed race, and allow these runners to enjoy the thrill of running down the streets of Toronto and raise money for charity. Let it be a ‘fun run’ that’s about engaging the community and raising money for a great cause. There will not be a shortage of enthusiastic runners. Let the educated runners pick another race to chase their PBs. I know that there are MANY other races that successfully do both, but with two 10K races within weeks of each other, runners do have a choice. If you aren’t going to allow an experienced and professional organization to take care of the behind-the-scenes logistics, then don’t expect runners to take your event seriously. 

The organization is made up of volunteers - and there aren’t enough of them. 

• Having volunteered at a few races myself, I get that the success of the event is heavily dependent on this type of support. However, volunteering doesn’t mean showing up for the sake of saying you helped and not pulling your weight. Likewise, if you want anyone to do their job well, you have to train them to do things well. Set up processes that will enable volunteers to handle tasks like constantly replenishing water tables (from personal experience, I saw volunteers scrambling to pull out cups and pour water from 2-litre plastic jugs. Guys - ever heard of a hose?). First of all, do something to attract volunteers - tie it into the mandatory volunteer student hours, offer free entry into the next year’s race, a % discount to the title sponsor’s store… do what you have to do to convince them that it’s worth their time. Second, engage them and make it fun. Make them enjoy the experience because that is what will make want to come back (and possibly convince their friends to join in as well). Easier said than done? I don’t see problems in the volunteer department for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Pay attention to your competition to see what is working. What are they doing better to attract the help?

Not enough runners are voting with their feet.

• I haven’t been running for very long. In fact, the Sporting Life 10k was my first foray into this whole race-running business. After having such a great experience, I knew I wanted to participate in more events. When it came time to sign up for other races? I listened (and still listen to) the advice of more experienced runners around me for recommendations. I don’t think I’m the only one who does this. So as a runner, group leader, ambassador - whatever you are - spread the word on which events are worth investing time and money in and eventually, preferences will instigate some real change.