Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the "Official USATF Age Groups"?
OPEN AGE GROUPS
All distances: 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & over
JUNIOR AGE GROUPS
5K: 12 & under, 13-15, 16-19. Optional age groups are 8 & under, 9-12, then 13-15, etc.
8K through 15K: 15 & under, 16-19
15K and longer: 19 & under
SUB-MASTERS AGE GROUP
All distances: 35-39
MASTERS AGE GROUPS
All distances Male: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & over
All distances Female: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & over
2. What is the WAVA Age Graded Scoring System For Masters?
This list compares the performances of each runner based on age, sex and time. The performance percentage corresponds closely to world record marks. The age-graded time is the ACTUAL time converted to the runner's approximate OPEN time. WMA scoring is the result of a exhaustive study by a world-wide committee of runners and experts on aging and slowing. This system is used for MASTERS PRIZE MONEY, CLYDESDALES and TEAM SCORING where a large range of ages and both sexes participate. It is the most equitable system ever. In short, this system makes everyone 25 years old and then compares times. Contact USATF Oklahoma for complete details on this unique scoring system.
3. What is Course Certification and Why Do I Need It?
The purpose of the USATF course certification program is to produce road race courses of accurately measured distances.
For any road running performance to be accepted as a record or be nationally ranked, it must be run on a USATF-certified course. In addition, the certification program is very important to the average road racer, as well as those of exceptional speed. Most runners like to compare performances run on different courses, and such comparisons are difficult if course distances are not reliable. No one can truly establish a personal best if the course distance is not accurate.
Learn more about Course Certification HERE.
4. What is Event Sanctioning and Why Do I Need It?
A sanction is an official designation issued by a National Federation or local Association, which approves and licenses the holding of a competitive sporting event in the United States. The sanction is also a contract, which evidences the event's commitment to follow national and international rules and regulations of the sport and to provide a safe environment for the participants and spectators. Once the event has satisfied the sanction requirements, the event's application for sanction is approved. Benefits of sanction may include but are not limited to: increased prestige, insurance options, promotion, record validation, offers and discounts, and arbitration to name a few.
Learn more about USATF Sanctioning HERE.
5. What is the Event Timing Company Responsible For?
An experienced timing company will produce accurate results quickly. Be sure and ask if you require other services or products. EnMotive OKC has the abiltiy to handle as much or as little of your event as you need. At some events we manage the event from beginning to end. If you need this kind of help, be sure to ask for our price list.
6. What is a Race Director Responsible For?
Good race directors are good delegators. A well run event takes many people with specific duties. A timing company usually does not marshal the race course. This is a critical job that usually takes many volunteers. It is also a job that can ruin an otherwise great event. A well marked properly manned course is very important. Registration, aid stations, sanctioning, course design, securing permits and insurance, volunteer training, marketing and promotion, art design, t-shirts, food/water, and adequate restrooms all fall under the race directors responsiblity.
7. How Many Volunteers Will I Need and Where Do I Get Them?
The number of volunteers needed depends not only on the size of your event, but also on other issues such as the location of your course. A volunteer is needed at every critical turn point. Police are concerned with vehicular traffic and cannot be distracted by having to direct runners. This is a volunteer's job. Design your course with this in mind. An out and back course needs half the course marshals as a loop. More is better when it comes to volunteers. For race day registration you will need at least 2 volunteers for every 50 participants expected. The same is true with packet pick up. If you have 200 pre-registered, you should have at least 8 persons working that table. Food numbers will depend on the type of food you serve. Water volunteers should be placed behind the finish line far enough that they do not impede traffic.
The first place you look for volunteers is the charity or organization that is benefiting from the event. Anyone who is passionate about the cause is a good candidate. Next, look to civic organizations that like to do community service. Many high school and college organizations require their members to do volunteer work. Also ask your primary sponsor for volunteers. This will give them additonal exposure and even more benefit. In bad weather, expect to have some volunteers "no show." Plan for it. Try to over staff for just such an occasion. Too many volunteers is a small problem compared to too few.
8. What Is The Best Way To Get Sponsors?
Approach sponsors with a presentation of what you will do FOR them. Show them the benefits of becoming a partner of the event. You have to sell your event's idea. It is best if your potential sponsor has an interest in your charity or you may let the sponsor choose a charity. In short, ask not what your sponsor can do for you, ask what you can do for your sponsor. Stay in touch and give them updates on your progress as the event nears.
9. What is the Best Way to Advertise and Promote My Event?
There are so many ways to advertise that it is difficult to choose one media. Today, social media seems to be one of the best ways. Be sure to cover the social networks like Twitter and Facebook. A web page is also a good idea, or at the very least, a Facebook Page. Local running club newsletters and regional sports magzines target the running community. Be creative and don't be afraid to try unconventional media. Some local entertainment magazines have reasonable rates. Many of the participants in today's events are novice and you find them in different places. Radio and Television are still very strong mass media. Find a way to get your event featured on a local news show and you may be surprised at the great response.
10. How Do I Use the ChronoTrack D-tag?
The tag is removed from the bib and worn on the shoe laces. It should be folded into a "D" shape and not crimped or flattened. For video instructions, check out this YouTube video from Chronotrack.