Creating a Race Day Checklist
Making a list as part of our daily to-dos seems like common knowledge. I am a major list maker and usually have one going for all different areas of my life – work, shopping, cleaning. Writing down what needs to get done helps me stay organized and I have to admit that I feel a sense of accomplishment when I check something off of it.
I’ve found that creating a list for an event is equally as beneficial. You’ll probably have lists of all the things that need to be accomplished throughout the planning process, but the list you make for race day is one of the most important.
This is the day that things get a little out of hand. As the coordinator you will likely be pulled in many different directions and it is easy to forget the little things that can make the difference between a smooth event and being so stressed you want to pull your hair out.
First, put someone else in charge of the list. Choose a team member or volunteer and make them responsible for checking each thing off and notifying you if something is missing. If you plan well before hand it is unlikely anything will be missed, but if there is something missing you’ll want someone else responsible for running out to get it while you take care of other matters.
I like to split my list into five categories: Registration, Race Course, Finish Line, Prizes and Refreshments
What you list under each category will depend on the size, distance and type of event you are planning. I tend to go into detail of each and every little thing needed. It might work out that once race day comes you decide these are not make or break items, but you’ll be prepared if necessary.
Here are a few examples of the things that I list under each category that may slip under the radar on a busy day.
Registration
Clip boards for registration when your table is overrun with people checking in.
Change, if you are allowing people to register that day and pay cash.
Race Course
Designated announcer for a welcome and to begin the race. I’ve been part of several small events where this person wasn’t decided until seconds before leading to a bit of confusion.
Clean up crew and trash cans along long courses.
Prizes
Two volunteers – one to announce winners and at least one to hand out prizes.
Making a race day check list is a really simple way to keep the event organized. While some things do seem like they would be common sense, if you’ve ever planned an event you know that common sense tends to go out the window when you have your mind on 20 different things. Use the list to keep you focused and help your volunteers recognize where help is needed.
Photo by Chance Agrella, www.freerangestock.com
What do you think? Leave a comment
about this post below. You can also subscribe to our RSS
Feed to stay up to date. Joining
Charity Mile will give you your own profile, blog and chance to interact
on our forum
too.
No comments yet.