How to organize and promote a mountain bike race

So you love mountain biking and want to conduct a race event. Not sure where to get started or what to consider? The listed below is information on how you can organize and promote a mountain bike race event. It will help you get started and give you some tasks to consider. Here is what you need to think about:

1.Select a location to have a race.

2.Obtain permission to race at your desired location. You might consider contacting the land owner, local government and or police. A verbal approval to have the race at the specified location might due but it is better to get it in writing.

3.Consider the race:
The route of the race.
The distance and or length of time of the race.
Decide on racing categories that you will you offer.
Plan the start times for each group? Faster riders usually start before slower riders.
Will you need medical support on site the day of the race?

4.Try to secure sponsors to help you keep your costs down and be prepared to offer the sponsors something in return. As an example you can put their logo on flyers, a banner, or on a website, etc.

5.Make a race flyer and distribute it to bike stores, schools and send it out via email. Also post it on mountain bike classified sites. Make sure the flyer includes:
Location and directions to the event
Categories and race distance
Prize list
Entry fee
Last possible time to register
Contact information
Any special notes

6.Consider the other stuff:
How many volunteers do you need?
Order race numbers
Order trophies
Get water, Gatorade, food
Order start/finish and or marketing banners
Work with law enforcement if necessary
Prepare a press release to be sent out 30 days in advance
Reserve additional equipment that you might need – tables, awning, PA system, etc

7.Develop a task list and train your volunteers. The more you communicate to your volunteers the more organized your race event will become. You can not do it yourself.

On the day of the race stay calm and know what you need to do. Everyone is there to have fun so enjoy your day. When the mountain bike race is over do not forget to walk the trail and make sure there is no trash on the course.