PUBLISHED 06/04/2008
The date of your race is an important consideration. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Pick a date you'll be able to keep year after year, so that runners can plan for the following year's race in advance.
2. Check the Racefinder at RunnersWorld.com to make sure there are no similar races in your area on the day you choose. Holidays like Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, New Year's, and St. Patricks Day play host to a great number of races, so be prepared for your race to be lost in the shuffle on any of these days.
3. Check with your local government to make sure there are no conflicts with other area events and inquire about securing a permit.
4. Saturday races may be favored by the church-going crowd, while Sunday races more easily attract runners and volunteers, since more people work or perform errands on Saturdays at places that aren't typically open on Sundays (such as banks). Avoid religious holidays, which may also limit runners or volunteers.
5. Plan your race enough in advance (several months or a year) so that you can ensure all details are taken care of.
6. Be prepared for Mother Nature. Snow, hurricanes . . . many runners will brave the elements, but in twenty inches of snow, all bets are off.
