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Reply to "Marathon Measurement Plan"

quote:
Originally posted by Duane Russell:
E.,

I think you sell yourself short when you feel compelled to lower your price due to the race's circumstances, for a number of reasons.

First, the race may be small the first year or two, but then grow to a large, regional, then national, event. They may end up making much more for their charity in the coming years than they think , if they produce and market their race well. There are expenses involved in setting up a quality event.

Second, yes, there is alot of work involved, and why should you be the person to donate your time (or donate half of your fee), just because you have something they need? Sponsors don't get involved with an event if there is no compelling reason, be it publicity, a connection with the cause, or they need the tax benefits. If you are not in a position to absorb the "donation", don't make the donation in the form of a reduced fee.

Third, if they can't afford the certification, and you don't want to donate the certification, they can get pretty darn close to the correct distance this year, using MapMyRun.com. Then, if the event grows, they can have it certified next year. Just because I want a BMW, does not mean that a dealer must sell me one at a price I can afford. I can buy a cheaper car, and it will do until I can afford what I want.

Plus, certifications can pay for themselves in the form of additional entrants. If they have a $75 entry fee, it will only take 24 extra runners to pay for the certification (disregarding the cost of t-shirts, etc.). For that reason, I don't think a full-fee certification is out of line. You could discount the Half fee, if it follows the same course, and you can measure and mark it at the same time as the full marathon measurement ride.

If you can't go back and get your full fee, or, if she still feels that your discounted fee is too much (after explaining the benefits of certification AND THEN MARKETING the certification of her race), you could help her with her course on MapMyRun.com this year, then she can get it certified next year. She will appreciate your help in saving money the initial year, then will likely want you to certify it after she sees if she has enough participation to continue the event.

Besides, the fee is good for 10 years, so on a per-year basis, it is a small price to pay for accuracy in her course.

Just my thoughts.


Well said, Duane. I have had exactly this same conversation with measurers and RDs. I have lost count of the number of recreational runners who have told me they pass up registering for any race that does not certify its course.
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