Event swag

I personally think you'd have an uproar if you didn't include t shirts at your events. Medals are nice but don't do much for racers who compete alot. I've been racing two years and have a slew of medals, swim caps, water bottles, you name it from various races. 

There is a race company here in Ohio that puts on great events, but I find their post race food really lacking. Instead of more swag how about dropping some coin on great food for after the event?

Can I name names here?  This form is not owned by anyone is it?

 Of the Biggest  multisport companies in Ohio

1- provides almost nothing

2-provides a ton of finger/endurance foods

Are you talking real food (chicken dinners) or bagels/fruit?

T-shirts are a tough item. People loath them, yet expect them.

 We are exploring these http://www.polarbottle.com/custom-bottle/

Our custom medals would be a real keep sake (think marathon) not just a random medal.

What about beer steins? Back packs?

I know Im tired of tshirts.  I know with a half distance race I dont like receiving a medal or shirt that shows all distances...I prefer for the half distance to be in itself.  Im tired of water bottles but I have never received and polar....those would be very nice!  I believe Trixie did a race that does Beer Steins instead of trophys and such and those looked really cool.  Back packs are great.  Flying pig always has a great bag.

medals used to mean something.  but now everyone gets one.  meaningingless.

t-shirt has to be smartly done.  i, too, have had tees which were probably the result of bargain shopping by the sports company at the t-shirt shop (poor color choices, doppy design, yack)

HOWEVER, lived in Hawaii for 10+ years and there were a number of races where you would get the t-shirt, of course, but also custom mugs, or if the time of year were right, custom Christmas ornaments or the like.  the people running the race would put thought into the event.

my .02

CP2K

Socks. Not the thin, gimmicky printed ones, but real, honest, mid weight, training socks, preferably anklets.

 I'm a huge fan of socks since I use my running socks to clean house, mow the lawn, and train in.

I could use a new pair of socks much more than I need another shirt, even if it is a techie. 

You're right about T shirts. As far as food goes, one race I did had 6 foot subs from a local sub shop in addition to the bagels, chips, fruit and gatoraid. I thought that was great post race food.

I like the idea of beer steins instead of a race medal. And if you filled the stein, even better.

My wife used to run a small 5k event called the flashlight 5k. The overall male/female winners got working maglites as trophies. They were ingraved with the event name and date.

One thing I could do without is all the paper in swag bags. I realize these are your sponsers and part of the sponsership fee includes putting their ads in the bags. Last season I generally ended up forgoing the bag altogother because I didn't need another Toyota catalogue, heed ad, etc. I don't know what the answer is to the paper issue.

I did a race series one season that gave different items for each race.  I got a decent race hat at one, a pair of cheap shorts at another (I slept in them for awhile)  I still have the hat though.  How about the string backpacks.  They are nice for quick workouts.  I have one that will carry a pair of shoes, shirt and shorts.  Then I don't have to carry a full gym bag.

 I also got a nice big coffee mug at one event.  I like the pint glass idea too.

I would appreciate anything from a race for proof of what I did.  I think maybe a great gift would be free pictures of you in the race instead of paying too much from the professional at the race.

What do you think about on site food?

So you drag your family to this race to watch you, they get up early, rush to the venue site, and then the race is in the middle of nowhere-------

Would'nt it be great to have bagels, fruit, coffee for spectators?

Thanks for the advice.  We will have plenty of food for the participants.

-local service groups will have a breakfast tent for spectators

-local service groups will have chicken dinners for sale after the race.

we will have a group of inflatable toys for the kids

Thanks

Roger

www.rocketshipsports.com

www.colavitaohiocycling.com

Definitely have good refuel food for the participants and good concessions for the spectators.

Socks are a great idea, but as I sit here in the winter, a nice winter-appropriate cap sounds even better.

What would you rather?

Custom event technical shirt

Custom event finisher medal

Imprinted backpack

or

Custom t-shirt

Custom water bottle (nice- not crap plastic)

nylon transition bag

HFP races are typically on $45 with early registration, and since most beginners are not members of USAT tack on an additional $10 per race.

I will be very interested to hear his opinion after racing somewhere else in the country, then trying an HFP race. 

Our goal is to be the best, athlete focused, race promoter. We will correct the mistakes of others in our pursuit of this goal.