Recently I was volunteering at a local running event. Most running events rely heavily upon volunteers to do the “grunt” work involved with putting on a big race.
While the process for entering a race from our (volunteers) point of view seems to be pretty straightforward, newcomers (and even old-timers) just seem to go brain dead somewhere through the process.
So, here’s how it works, Sign up online. If you see a race that interests you, the event will be posted online so all you have to do is sign up with the pertinent information i.e. name, age, sex, contact information, etc and payment with a credit card number. You’ll be sent a confirmation of the fact that you are now entered in the race with a reminder that further information will be forthcoming prior to the actual event.
You’ll next receive an e-mail providing you with times and a location to pick up your “packet”. This will be a bag or perhaps a small backpack with a sponsors name on it within which will reside various goodies provided by other sponsors along with your “bib”. No, this is not like the bib you wore as a baby sitting in a high chair but, if you decide to have a ham and cheese omelet prior to the race it may serve the same purpose.
At the same time, you may also be provided your bib number. This is unique to you and you alone as your bib contains a timing chip so that when you pass through the starting gate and the finishing gate your actual time will be recorded.
Also, when you actually arrive to pick up your packet, there will be a list posted as you enter which will tell you your bib number as a reminder. So, when you get in line to pick up your packet and you happen to step up in front of me I’m going to ask for your bib number. Please don’t give me your name, I don’t have it! I will politely (at least most of the time) ask you to return to the entryway and retrieve your number. Don’t get mad at me, if you had followed instructions you would be on your way by now!
