How to plan a running race – Our top tips

When organising a race, preparation is always key. Whatever runners’ experience levels, the planning of the event should aim to maximise their experience to the fullest.

To help participants in the race gain as much from their experience as possible, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Preparation is key

Deciding to hold a race is more than just setting up the start and finish lines, it is about ensuring that runners maintain their motivation, have aid on hand in case of injury and of course, have fun! A good start to planning your race is to keep participant registration organised; this is easily done by recording participants by numbers and allocating them printed bibs on the day.

It is also a good idea to consider custom map printing options, which can help runners chart the route of the race prior to the event. Prints can include route maps as well as planned water stops and first aid tents that may be used on the day.

Stay organised

Race day has arrived and the excitement can make runners want to jump ahead at full speed, but there’s no need to rush! At each entry point to the event, make sure runners collect their printed bibs, warm up with some easy stretches and get geared up and ready at the starting line with the help of some music and words of encouragement. Starting a race the right way can help those taking part feel happy and strong throughout, which is important if you hope to see future participation.

Help them enjoy their experience

Organising a race is a great way to reach a fitness goal, raise awareness for a good cause or simply have a fun day out with the family. Whatever the reason for your race, it is always a good idea to make sure that runners have the option of having custom race bibs. These can include anything from the branding of a particular charity to simply the name of the runner themselves, making the bib a great keepsake to mark their achievement.

At BML Print, we can help you produce quality and durable printed materials for your race. Contact us to find out more.

BML Print

Based in Romsey. Hampshire BML Print are a digital printers who work nationwide, our printing services are complimented with wide-format, signage and many creative services. The highest standard of print is our number one priority. If we are not happy, then we don’t expect you to be.

BML Print is one of a handful of printers to achieve the standard required for orienteering maps as laid down by the British Orienteering Federation. We are also the preferred printer for the International Orienteering Federation, where we supply a variety of race products and competition maps for the UK & Europe markets.