It’s been a big year (or two) for running events, with a major comeback from the Covid-19 shutdowns and cancelations of 2020. But what can runners and r directors expect in 2023? Here are some changes to watch for in the coming years:
Runners love their finisher medals and designs are more creative than ever.
Race Volunteer Handing Out Medals at the Beaufort Triple Crown
Race directors are looking for ways to become more creative with their finisher medals. An original and great looking race medal is one of the best ways to promote your event and attract new runners. According to this article, written by Kelly O’Mara for Running USA, more than 15% of respondent runners say they consider the finisher’s medal or award when choosing participation in races. This is, of course, after consideration of the race location and the distance, but swag is a very important factor and one that can keep runners coming back each year. Our own Kate Boughner was interviewed for this article and goes on to say that designing medals that are “enticing, exciting, or different”, is important.
Participants may be a little rusty and feel the need to take things slow.
Runners are seeing and feeling the need to adjust their training process. Those who have experienced Covid-19 firsthand, may be experiencing issues with endurance and will need to slow things down for a while. Perhaps they will need to go back a couple of years and get reacquainted with old routines and past personal bests. Expectations may need to be lowered as the running world moves from the handful of virtual events held over the past two years, into the burgeoning event world of new 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, marathons, and more.
Event organizers look to find ways to minimize contact between runners.
You can look for more staggered starts at races these days, and water stops may look a little different, as race directors seek ways to minimize contact between both participants and the volunteers who work races. For example, many events are asking runners to bring and carry their own water or hydration of their choice. We think all precautions are wise, as we don’t wish to see events shut down again.
Race directors are also looking to adapt to changing communities.
We’ve all run races where we felt comfortable enough to ask for help if needed—but what about the runner who does not speak English? Would a race director or volunteer be able to help if medical assistance was needed?
Race Volunteer Handing Out Medals at the Beaufort Triple Crown
In order to make sure everyone feels safe at every race, some race directors have been working with local hospitals and clinics to develop medical assistance plans that are available in multiple languages, and not just in English. These plans include an outline of potential running-related injuries, how they’re treated and what supplies will be brought along in case there’s an emergency. Race directors also ensure that their volunteers have first aid training so they can help injured or ill runners until professional medical staff arrives on scene. This is all happening to encourage runners from all walks to participate in community running events.
In this new year, we look forward to continuing our legacy.
At Running Awards & Apparel, our goal has never changed. We want to work with race directors to ensure their running events are the best they can be, through helping them plan, design, and distribute the best in custom race medals and branded shirts and running hats. Our motto is that We Celebrate Runners, and it’s true – we do each and every day! If you have an event coming up and want to learn all the latest in medal design options, give us a shout-out today.