So you love mountain biking and you want to run. Not sure where to start or what to consider? The following list 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. This is what to think about.

1. Select a location to have a race.

2. Get permission to run at the desired location. You might consider contacting the land owner, the local government, or the police. You may need to request verbal approval for the race to take place at the specified location, but it is best to do so in writing.

3. Consider the career:

The race route

The distance and / or duration of the race.

Decide on the categories of careers you will offer.

Do you plan the start times for each group? Faster cyclists tend to start earlier than slower cyclists. Will you need medical assistance on site on race day?

4. Try to find sponsors to help keep your costs down and be prepared to offer them something in return. As an example, you can put your logo on brochures, banners, or on a website, etc.

5. Make a race flyer and distribute it to bike shops, schools and email it. Post it on mountain bike classified sites too. Make sure the flyer includes:

Location and directions for the event

Race categories and distance

Prize list

Entrance fee

Last possible time to register

Contact information

Any special note

6. Consider the other things:

How many volunteers do you need?

Sort numbers

Ask for trophies

Get water, Gatorade, food

Start / finish order or marketing banners

Work with the police if necessary

Prepare a press release to send out 30 days in advance.

Reserve any additional equipment you may need: tables, awning, public address system, etc.

7. Develop a to-do list and train your volunteers. The more you communicate with your volunteers, the more organized your race event will become. You cannot do it yourself.

On race day keep calm and know what to do. Everyone is there to have fun, so enjoy your day. When the mountain bike race is over, don’t forget to ride the trail and make sure there is no trash on the trail.