Building an Event Registration for Fun Runs and Races (10 Tips!)

Hosting a fun run or a 5k is an excellent way to bring awareness to a particular case, social issue, or even a specific fundraiser in your local area.

If you are in charge of managing the planning of a fun run or a 5k, there are a few ways to go about building an effective registration platform for these types of events. 

1. Create Multiple Time Slots or Reservation Times

When creating a registration page for a fun run or 5k, consider the various time slots that are available for those who wish to participate. Most running events are multi-event based and/or have different running times, so more groups can participate in the event. 

Using multiple time slots and specific reservations can also help you to keep better track of the current flow of attendees and the number of guests you are expecting at any given time during the race or fun run. 

2. Offer Different Ticket Types for Runners

Including different ticket types is highly advisable whenever you are hosting an event with numerous time slots and/or audiences. Using different ticket types can help to track the overall type of sales you are generating, as well as the ticket types that are most popular in your community.

You can create ticket types for particular age groups or even for those who wish to purchase tickets in a group for a discounted rate.

Other ticket types to consider offering in order to encourage additional ticket sales include:

• Student discounts
• Veteran/military discount
• Senior citizen discounts
• Police officers/firefighters/local service providers
• Different types of runs or distances being offered
• Children discounts

Before choosing which ticket types you would like to offer for your fun run or 5k, consider the local demographics in your area and the audience you are most likely to attract with your race. Knowing the demographics that are near you can help significantly when it comes to choosing ticket types that are most likely to appeal to and resonate with those in your community.

3. Uniforms/Shirt Orders/Accessories for Runners

Your event registration page can also include details regarding specific shirts and/or uniforms that are required on the actual day of the event.

Most 5ks and fun runs include specific t-shirts or other accessories that can help others to identify who is participating in the race and who is simply attending the event.

You can also use your ticketing platform to provide attendees with the opportunity to pre-order and purchase the t-shirt or uniform they are interested in for the event ahead of time.

4. Include Terms & Conditions/Event Policies

Whenever you are in the process of planning an upcoming run, it is important to consider the event policies that will be actively in place based on the location of your event's venue and the type of gathering you are hosting.

Including a terms & conditions section as well as any additional event policies within the registration page of your upcoming event, it is imperative to protect yourself and your event-planning organization from potential legal liability.

While it is not likely that you will encounter legal backlash from hosting a run, it is essential to protect yourself as much as possible from legal liability for activities that can result in requiring medical attention.

5. Collect Waivers at Checkout

Whenever you are hosting a gathering that involves physical activity or any level of risk, it is advisable to ensure the legal protection of any event planner or planning company.

Providing all participants with legal waivers is often extremely important when hosting an organized event that may pose a potential health risk to those with underlying or undiagnosed conditions.

Using a waiver for any 5k or fun run will ensure that all participants are planning to participate out of their own free will and that they accept personal responsibility over any potential health issues and/or adverse effects they experience as a result of increased physical activity.

6. Collect User Information/Profile-Building

If you are interested in collecting more information about your event's attendees, you can also use your preferred ticketing and registration platform to request user profile photos along with additional profile details. Collecting this information, including details such as age, gender, and specific locations, can help in the planning process of future 5ks and fun runs.

You can collect this information directly from within the event's registration section to help streamline the process without requiring additional legwork before the date of the event arrives.

7. SMS Updates and Alerts

Include the option of enrolling in text message updates with SMS updates and alerts, which can also be easily implemented within the actual registration and checkout pages for your event. SMS messages can be beneficial in alerting runners when their race is close to starting, easy access to links, waivers, and more event information. 

8. Create a Volunteer Sign-Up Page

Including a volunteer sign-up page is also recommended when building out a registration page for an event that might require volunteer support. A volunteer sign-up page that is accessible via smartphones or traditional web browsers can help to attract more applicants, while also increasing the overall visibility of the event. You can also include an optional volunteer sign-up page within the official event registration of the fun run or 5k you are managing to allow standard event attendees the opportunity to volunteer to assist with the planning and/or management of the event.

9. Sponsorship Packages

Using a ticketing platform such as Purplepass is also ideal if you are interested in offering sponsorship packages to individuals and/or businesses that are interested in sponsoring the event. Adding sponsorship packages during the registration process makes it easier than ever to work with those who are interested in sponsoring and supporting the cause.

10. Collect Donations at Checkout

If your event has partnered with a charity or is 'racing for a cause', it's a good idea to include a spot for collecting donations at checkout. Consider allowing guests to donate what they want along with their ticket purchases or create tiered amount of donation options; $5, $10, $20, etc. 

Building a registration page for a fun run or race event can help attract more participants, while also helping to spread the word about the event itself. With the right registration setup, appeal to as many attendees, participants, and sponsors as possible for your next race!