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BY JACK HEATH
We recently sat down to chat with three of the busiest race directors on the East Coast to find out more about just what a race director does and does not do and to get a look at the side of a race that most runners rarely see. We spoke with Dave McGillivray, race director for the Boston Marathon and Beach to Beacon Race in Maine, Linda Toretsky of Lin-Mark Computer Sports, and Les Marella of L&M Computer Sports.
JH: What is the name/url of your company?
Dave: Dave McGillivray of Sports Enterprises Inc (aka
DMSE, Inc.; www.dmsesports.com)
Linda Toretsky: LIN-MARK Computer Sports, Inc.; www.lin-mark.com
Les: L & M Computer Sports; www.LMSPORTS.com
JH: How long have you been putting on races?
Dave: 26 years
Linda: 20+ years.
Les: Or to express it more accurately, “how long
have you been timing races” since we don’t actually
put races on, that task is left to the race director who in turn
hires us to take care of entrant data, timing all finishers,
and producing results at the end of an event, and eventually
displaying those results on the Web site. All of the timers you
know Jack rarely act as race directors. Gene and Jane Hoopes
of Athletes Korner Timing Systems have a couple events they oversee
the entire works for, like the Turkey Day 5K at Cooper River.
And it’s interesting you phrase your question that way because
most entrants tend to think race timers handle the whole kit
and kaboodle--from drumming up race sponsors, ordering awards
and T-shirts, seeking volunteers, and touching base with township
officials and police to be granted permission to hold an event
in their town. Just about impossible to take care of all these
tasks when handling an average of three races a weekend during
the season for us.
JH: What got you started?
Dave: I owned a store, and started out producing a
few events to promote the store.
Linda: We were challenged to utilize the computer to score
races. No one was really doing it. We were among the first to
do it.
Les: Another fellow high school teacher who came from
the running community said that there’s room for a faster
and more accurate way to record results at races. I thought about
it and said, “you’re right, I’m tired of waiting
around for incorrect results. I’m ready.”
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Dave: I found I became more passionate about producing
events than putting shoes on people’s feet.
Linda: We were one of the first to implement computers
in the scoring of races. This was at the time when just about
all races were being scored by pulling tags and stapling them
to boards, then getting results with clipboards. We started with
barcoding the tags, scanning them into a computer, then sorting
the tags/finishers in the scoring program known as “Runscore.”
Les: See my answer above.
JH: Do you also do course measurement?
Dave: No, we don’t.
Linda: We do not do “official” certified course
measurements. We call on the certified state USATF persons to
handle it.
Les: We don’t. But course measurements, to be exact,
are done by a few USATF certified individuals who will meet with
a race director and go over a proposed course. They measure it
out by wheel or a Jones counter on a bike and record Start/Finish
and Mile Markers on the course and present the map to the governing
USATF body and then a printout is provided for the race director.
The cost is usually less than $200. for this service. This feature
is a plus for the race director who is interested in developing
a course that’s exact, knowing runners will appreciate a
certified course. If it’s certified, the race director will
usually be sure to mention that on their race application.
JH: What are the biggest races you’ve put on?
Dave: B.A.A. Boston Marathon, 2004 Women’s Olympic
Trials, Triathlon World Championship, TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon
10K.
Linda: This past September we timed the 5K Run & Walk
Tunnel to Towers, in NYC with over 18,000 participants. Competitively,
the largest would be the Shamrock Sports Festival in VA Beach.
Last year there were over 13,000 finishers in the events. Multi-Events
would be the Timberman Triathlon (New Hampshire) with over 3,000
triathletes, all getting five splits.
Les: The biggest races we’ve timed (or lent a hand
in co-race directing) have been the Ben Franklin Bridge Run,
or the Sea Isle City 10 Miler, both over a thousand entrants.
We tend to gravitate to the smaller races, where things have
a chance to run smoothly. Nothing beats the feeling of having
results correct and presented in a timely fashion.
JH: How long did it take you to recoup your initial investment?
Dave: I didn’t have an initial investment.
Linda: Because of the technology we utilize, we are always
investing back into the company, both on the level of equipment,
Web-page services, our own entry online service; to make a profit
on our initial investment of equipment: about five years.”
Les: I’m not aware or have even thought about this
element of the business. Sure there were a few thousand dollars
spent on a vehicle, timing equipment, etc., but I sensed things
would pan out. Remember, this was a side business, almost a hobby.
Teaching occupied five days of the week, race timing two days
between March and November.
JH: Do you think timing chips are a good thing?
Dave: Well, the technology is a good thing.
Linda: It’s the only way to go for any event with
over 300 finishers.
Les: They can be a great feature for the bigger races, (over
a thousand runners in a 5K course), but no matter how you cut
it, there’s going to be front-end work or back-end work
for a timer in preparing for a race. The chip includes a lot
of back-end work--making sure all have been returned, if not,
contacting the race director, sending a bill for those unreturned
chips. Thinking about that caused us to keep the stress and potential
aggravation level low; the reason why we didn’t invest.
JH: Typically how many races do you put on in a year?
Dave: 20
Linda: 50+
Les: We’ve averaged 65 events each year, from mid-March
to mid-November; eight months.
JH: Can you name three of the strangest things that have happened in your races?
Dave: Someone drained the lake we were permitted to
swim in before a triathlon; horse manure on the course at Boston;
and I once got locked in a port-o-john by accident at the start
in Boston.
Linda: Nude finishers (or nearly nude)! After all these
years, what’s strange? Some of the people themselves!
JH: Can you describe a race where something went wrong?
Dave: In the Goodwill Games Triathlon--almost everything
went wrong.
Linda: I think the worst is death at an event. Can never
get over it. During a triathlon, swim, running events. Very traumatic.
Les: There’s always one event a year where something
seems to go wrong, whether it’s the Time Machine, (which
records the finishing times for each runner) wants to stop working
and so while the order of finish is correct there isn’t
a time for finishers when displaying results. Or the printer
doesn’t want to work and results are read from the laptop
at the awards ceremony. But nothing compares to the dreams (or
nightmares) you have leading up to an event where no matter what
you do in getting ready, finishers start coming in and the finish-line
chute and clocks are not set up yet. We’re always good for
a nightmare or two each season.
JH: In what way has the Internet affected the way you put on races?
Dave: I can multi-task more than ever and communicate
better than ever!
Linda: It’s the only way we conduct our business!
Many events that we time, do not even send out entry forms any
more. All event info is now online: entry, results…the entire
event!
Les: Very big feature now. Before, the Internet it used
to be important to get the overall order of finish printed and
displayed at the race site by the time the awards ceremony was
over for all to then see how they did. Results might even be
mailed to all finishers either by post cards or big printouts.
Now finishers know that by noontime, with most races, results
are up on the site to satisfy their curiosity. And now most timers
keep results displayed for a few past years for athletes to compare
things.
JH: How have runners changed (if at all) in the last 25 years?
Dave: I think today it’s more about participation
vs. competition.
Linda: Aaaah, all too hard-headed. Once a runner, always
a runner! But basically their clothing (for some), and better
running shoes. A lot now want and expect fast reporting of accurate
results. They deserve it.
Les: The biggest thing I’ve noticed is that now there
are more 40- and 50-year-old athletes competing compared with
20- and 30-year-olds years ago. The runners then have continued
to stay active and thus we see them appearing in bigger numbers
in the upper age groups. From where I stand, the athlete these
days, no matter the sport, is usually faster, stronger, and more
athletic then in the past. This is probably all brought about
by proper training techniques.
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SYSTEMS), LES MARELLA (L&M COMPUTER SPORTS), JANE HOOPES, SUSIE AIELLO, AND JERRY NOLAN OF AKTS. |
Dave: Walking more than running; more women, and more
families.
Linda: More technical training info. Better info. Now
available through the Internet on event information which permits
more travel with friends, and fun!
Les: Geez, we could talk about running-shoe technology
to nutrition to a well-planned training regime to even hiring
a trainer for helping you become better; all could be trends
we’re noticing.
JH: Do you think there are less races being put on now? If yes, why?
Dave: No, there are more races.
Linda: Not sure, but cost is a big factor. Running fees
are basically low and without sponsorship/corporate support,
the profit margin is very, very low especially in smaller events.
Les: I tend to think there are more events, but what I
do notice is there is a discontinuing of the classic events that
used to be popular around the area. The Stop the Jade Run in
Vincentown, NJ that seemed to open the season each March for
example. The Haddonfield and Cherry Hill, NJ races from twenty
years ago. But I suppose it’s just meant to be that way,
I notice there’s sometimes a three-year life span to a race
director. If there’s a good race-directing committee then
events can continue, but finding volunteers to step up to lend
a hand can be a real challenge. I’ll never forget the time
a race director, at her event while getting ready to announce
the winners said, “if there’s anyone here that thinks
putting on a race is a walk in the park for us ought to step
up and do it one time. You’d have so much compassion for
every individual you come into contact with at a race you’d
be filled with nonstop thank yous and you’d see all the
work that goes in to making you, the runner, happy and fulfilled.”
JH: What do you see as the biggest trends in your races?
Dave: As I said walking more than running; more women
and more families.
Linda: A lot of events now realize they must get support
to make a profit and have funds to benefit the race cause. They
also realize that they must have good Web exposure, and good
timing services with the fast and accurate means to access/receive
race-day results.
Les: More of the upper age-group runners competing these
days
JH: Do you think there is less coverage of running in the popular media?
Dave: Maybe not less but still not much.
Linda: I don’t think that the media ever gave running
its due. Unless it was a NYC level marathon with big runners,
it’s just not there. This hurts running in getting the exposure
and desire out to our youth. They are the future of all sporting
venues. Must get and keep the young people involved.
Les: I think so, outside the local Runners Gazette there
ought to be more mention in say, the Courier-Post, for example.
JH: What do you like best about race directing/timing?
Dave: Feeling good that I helped raise people’s
self-confidence and self-esteem.
Linda: Do not, well “tri” very hard not to direct
road races. God Bless the road-racing directors. A very tough
job. But the best part would be to have a good number of entrants,
a good course, and good weather!
Les: Regarding the timing side, it’s always nice
to see the regulars back for another season come each March.
Also, making sure the results are processed quickly and accurately
is satisfying. The race director and the timer are in a relationship
that can’t help but influence each other, if the race director
has their operation buttoned down, we notice that and tend to
step up and lend just as high an integrity element, too.
JH: What is the toughest problem you’ve faced while putting on a race?
Dave: We had a road re-opening with people still out
on the course.
Linda: A monsoon-level rain setting up the event and during.
It’s a killer in the level of participants (there is that
financial equation again), and who wants to be out working or
running in a flood!?
Les: As far as race directing, gathering in sponsorship
dollars is unquestionably the toughest part. When I provide consulting
ideas to a new race director, I mention something like--“You’re
going to want to try to generate say $2500. for your first-time
event here in Camden County, NJ and you’ll want to generate
that by way of sponsors. Just think of your family and friends
in the business world who you or your committee members know,
especially those involved in something that is at least indirectly
related to running. Do you know any wellness doctors or chiropractors?
Any sports stores? Any health-food stores? Because you’re
going to want to generate that much to take care of your awards,
T-shirts, postrace eats, and finish line/timing. You’d love
to go into a race where any entry fees go toward your charity.
You’d rather not go into a race needing X amount of runners
to break even, since weather can play such a pivotal role.”
JH: What advice would you give someone who wants to put on a race?
Dave: Work a few first before taking the plunge.
Linda: Keep beer or wine handy for when the day is done.
Have your head examined.
Seriously, a good support team, knowledgeable race committee
(that can work together); do your homework i.e., course, site,
budget.
Les: Surround yourself with organized individuals, because
you’re going to want to delegate certain responsibilities
and know that they’ll get accomplished. If you have enough
on your committee you could petition someone to take care of
securing sponsors, another for researching T-shirts, another
checking with an awards or trophy store, another handling the
postrace snacks, and another to handle the registration and awards
ceremony, and yet another to handle the race course logistic--from
water stops, cones, signs, and the volunteers needed out there.
One person could handle a couple chores, but be careful someone
is not overextended.
JH:What are the common causes of a race’s demise?
Dave: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!
Linda: You need to rotate the committee, keep all involved,
see who likes to do what. Encourage, thank people, keep going
for financial support. Keep politics out of the event.
Les: Burnout from the race director, plain and simple.
Maybe not enough fresh blood coming into the group to continue
the pursuit. Remember, behind the scenes, where runners never
see what goes on, you’re meeting with town officials and
police for permission to even hold the event, you’ll hope
they’re agreeable.
JH: What is a good way to get more kids running?
Dave: Get their parents running first!
Linda: Stop training or racing them so hard! Within five
years they peak and burnout. Develop them more slowly and try
to keep it fun. Make it a “game.”
Les: A teacher or administrator at the school will make
the biggest difference. They would have the enthusiasm to start
something like this. Find another co-race director to help you
and you’re on your way. I would say, come out to the Run
Against Drugs One Miler and 5K in Seabrook, NJ and see how they’ve
made their event a success after 18 years. Have a one-mile run
on or near the school grounds, with a lot of young age groups
to be acknowledged at the award ceremony. The announced recognition
for a youngster would be unforgettable. It becomes a contagious
activity every Spring with over 200 one milers lately.
JH: What is the most common thing that runners/people who hire you do not know about race directors in general?
Dave: How much time they have to invest in producing
an event.
Linda: The depth of our knowledge and experience, but
for us we have been in the business so long with many repeat
events, that we now do not take on too many new events.
As many know, we are heavily into multi-events such as triathlons, duathlons, swims.
It is an entirely different level of sporting event; a different “animal,” so to speak.
For us, it has been a good thing. As your questions point out, you are aware that the running scene is a very difficult venue. To have put all our eggs into one basket would have narrowed our business. It has pushed us to grow technically, the field we cover, and our sporting exposure.
Our first love though remains, as I said, “Once a runner,
always a runner!”
Les: You’ll probably glean most of this response
from my answers to the “What is the toughest problem you’ve
faced while putting on a race?” Sponsorship dollars etc.,
a couple questions earlier, Jack.
JH: Which one of your races would you like the most to run in?
Dave: Boston and I do already.
Linda: Right now the “race of life.” To be healthy,
to continue to be able to participate in all sports that challenge
us. Right now I have been into the “game of tennis”
on a competitive level both in training and playing. But, the
years as a runner have helped on the courts.
They can’t stand it that I never get winded, and that
I can run everything down, the running legs are still here!
Les: You tend to think of those events that have become
a rite of passag--like the Sea Isle City, NJ 10 Miler. Even though
70% of the runners are from PA, runners still show up to do it
“one more time” no matter the conditions. There’s
a good support audience close to the runners as they’re
on the promenade. Lots of cheering and activity. The Berlin,
NJ Parade 5K was that way. It was the most undiscovered 5K in
South Jersey, just before the parade on July 4th. You had a few
thousand spectators assembled along the route and especially
in that last mile you couldn’t help but be aware of the
spectators around you. Big fun.
Thanks, Dave, Linda, and Les, for your wisdom, insight, and for all you do for our sport. You’ve given RG’s readers a chance to learn from the best.