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Ran Goofy last weekend and RnR AZ today- -these are two different staging companies going in opposite directions. The Competitor Group continues to struggle with race day management, execution, post-race amenities, etc. while runDisney continues to improve. All the others have varying success. My query—with so many marathons in the books, why do race directors continue to struggle with the basics with so many other races that can be used to figure out what does and does not work?
Halfs and fulls continue to grow and sell out much faster—yet unforgivable lapses in race day logistics befuddle so many races. You'd think that they'd consult others, specifically runners to listen to feedback and/or peruse the blogs, websites, and internet for feedback. Instead, it appears that some are solely on capturing $$$ as quickly as possible and move on to another event. How's this sport come to that?
Getting water stops consistent, starting races on time, pre- and post-race parking challenges, cramped expo spaces, lack of food/water post-race, broken clocks (or none at all), sold-out mdse, running out of shirts/medals, uneven first-aid on the course, no updates on social media or websites, and the list goes on and on. It's hard to justify when brochures promise all these things and still continue to raise entry fees.
Disney are geniuses at this and they continue to improve their experience— sure, their fees are higher, but you get it back in spades. Admittedly, their expos have space issues and their courses feel a bit cramped at times, too but they're improving it all the time. Competitor continues to fall down on many issues but keeps finding new cities to bring their races while the ones they have falter.
Runners—choose wisely. Some of the mega -races are incredible as well as some of the hometown, off-the-radar events. There are choices out there. Don't put up with this substandard execution— maybe, just maybe they'll finally listen when their numbers turn south.
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