Thank You for Yesterday!

Thank You for Yesterday! 01/09/2012

This is a copy of an email Scott Gallagher, Founder and Co-creator of Run4RKids sent out to all our runners the day after our second annual event. (Scott also ran in the 6 Hour Ultra)

Hey guys!!

It was such a pleasure running with you yesterday!! Many of you are my friends - and it means so much to me personally that you showed up. Seriously, you humble me, honor me and I adore you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

The race results have just been posted on this page http://www.run4rkids.com/race-results.html

As you may have noticed, I brought my video camera to the event and was going through the video clips today while bedridden with extreme pain (typical for me so don’t worry) – here is a clip I put together with some highlights:

I’ve got to say that I was completely shocked to see (as I watched the video footage on my camera) that at the end of the race, the chip-timer turned off the timing screen before everyone finished their last lap – and I am so so sorry that our volunteers literally turned their backs on those runners who did not complete their final lap by the 6 hour mark. I’ve run almost 50 marathon’s myself and I have never seen that happen where the final runners were not given the huge cheers and acknowledgement that all such hero’s deserve – If you were one of those hero’s, please let me know, so I can apologize to you personally - and please accept my deepest apologies for how this impacted you.

Please also know that this was completely my fault and not the fault of any of the volunteers. There are no marathon runners on our organizing committee so I alone am responsible for this breakdown. I should have told them that the 6 hour ultra does not end at 6 hours – but when the final runner crosses the Matt!! – and the chip-timers, well that is a different story. I have no explanation for that.

Cindy Harris, Executive Director of Addiction Free Youth, recorded feedback from some of you.

Here is what it appears we could improve upon for next year - but I’d like to get your input?

1)       Air condition should have been turned on right away when organizers go into the building

2)       Boiled potatoes with a bucket of salt

3)       Have chip timer volunteer let them know that they are coming close to an even number of km’s such as 50km so they can speed up and make that breakthrough timed number count as part of their moving acumen

4)       We noticed the clock turned off right at 6 hours and never recorded the last times of runners coming in

5)       The volunteers did not keep clapping as the final participants (heroes) were coming up to cross the finish line

6)       The pizzas disappeared when there were still about 15 runners getting up off the massage tables looking for food

7)       Please make peanut butter sandwiches and have watermelon pieces (although they are expensive in the winter)

8)       Music was good but should be louder

9)       We should have had a recognized person to handle any complaints or changes the runners wanted longingly thorough the entire marathon and other runs

10)    The volunteers stopped clapping too soon after the 6 hour clock chimed 6 hours

11)    We also go feedback that runners liked the date of the first week of January

12)    The runners – especially the ladies like the long stylish shirt

13)    Runners looked for more goodies in their bags

14)    Runners wanted an early early bird registration

There seems to be some talk about changing next year’s race to a December date - or towards the end of January? – What would you prefer? Keep it the same date?

Thank you once again for EVERYTHING!!!

Scott

p.s. if you prefer to speak with me personally about your feedback, rather than via email, you can schedule a call with me online through this page http://www.habitmaster.com/contact.html

p.p.s. Oh Yeah, one last thing!! I was blown away to see all that media show up – I did not expect that – that was because of our incredible organizing committee (who are also all my friends) – That was City TV and Rogers TV you saw show up, as well as the York University Newspaper Reporters.

Below is us on CP24 Television (clip should say 2012 not 2011)

Comments

Tallie

01/09/2012 10:20am

Well done!!!

Feedback:

- I agree music could be louder
- I think having a point person to hNdle issues is a great idea
- at different points throughout the event it would be nice to hear someone speak about the organizations bring fundraiser for. Perhaps also a small "poster section" with info about the topics themselves. And to hear about the difference the organizations are making in the communities. Etc. If you want, perhaps I can help with this next year.

Tallie

Maureen

01/09/2012 10:53am

On the whole, this was an excellent event! Here are some of my observations:

* the race was very well organized, particularly with the turn around, which could have been disastrous, but went very smoothly
* good job on a smooth transition with the different races and start times
* great job getting the massage therapy students there
* the pizza situation was not a disaster -- I was one of the last ones off the massage table, and still managed to scavenge up a piece
* music was good -- it was a great idea asking for ideas from the participants
* BUT -- you really should play the National Anthem before the start of the races (IMHO)
* as for the chip timing, no race every goes perfectly, and the blips were not disastrous
* the only other constructive criticism I have to offer is that prior to start, when announcements are being made, you could remind people of track etiquette; no one out there seemed clear on the concept of calling "track" or moving over for faster runners. I realize you made an announcement during the race about slower runners moving to the outside, but people might be more attentive before the run starts and everyone is at the same place.

I was thinking of cost cutting measures, since I discovered that you guys paid a small fortune for the school. I was a little horrified that the City charged you, seeing that this was a charity event, so I wondered if you lobbied the city early in the process, maybe you could work something out with them?

Also, you might be able to cost cut in other ways, for example, is it necessary to give out medals? Or T-shirts? I saw below that someone wanted more "stuff" in the race kit, but if you started soliciting months in advance, you might be able to get sponsors to donate things. For example, at the Santa Shuffle this year, Golden Griddle had donated hats with their logo. Frankly, I've done so many races that I no longer care whether I get a medal, but there may be people that prefer to have one...

On the whole, it was a great event, congrats!

mohammad

01/09/2012 8:27pm

It was lovely to be abel to run with you guys I loved it.but I wouldnt mind doing it on a sunday since most peopel work on friday we will have 1 mor day to rest. and I think it is a good time of the year since evry one is busy on december.

Sanjay Mohanta

01/10/2012 6:54am

Hi,
This was my first indoor Ultra and I loved it! It was great meeting with and talking to the other runners. Just some ways to improve it for next year:
1. better signage for the race at the different entrances to the campus. No one seemed to know where the centre was and I was given crazy directions by the students on campus.
2. Cherry and Cranberry juice: Doctors told me that this will help your kidneys after a race
3. Names on bibs so it is easier to talk to people and introduce yourself

Just small things. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you again next January. High Five!

Natalie Baldo

01/10/2012 11:40am

Fantastic event! I flew in from Calgary for this race and had an incredible experience! Loved the energy of the volunteers and I thought the race was overall very organized and went smoothly. Will definitely consider this race again next year.

I for one had no problem with the volume of the music, I thought it was fine.

I would liked to see a list somewhere that related lap numbers to various km's so I could have had a rough idea where I was during the race. I did hear the announcer later in the race announce that the marathon was around 182 laps so that was helpful.

I also agree with making the t-shirts and medals only if runners request them so you could pass that cost onto the charity.

Also you might consider somewhere where spectators/racers could deposit $$ for the charity on race day.

Luc Cyr

01/13/2012 9:37am

Great event, well organized (especially for a second edition only). I really enjoyed the event, from the food to the massage, etc.
Regarding the music, the volume was good for me. It could have been a little bit higher but not that much.
Regarding A/C, I didn’t fell hot at all, and my son, who was a spectator, told me he was freezing…
A person to handle issues is a good idea.
Reminding about etiquette (abd explaining it) before the race would have been a good thing.
I liked the shirt and the medal : they are nice souvenirof that race/event.
Having the race on the first Saturday of the year helps me to come to the race more relaxed (because I am on vacation) and I have a day off to rest (Sunday) before going to work on Monday.
I like the idea of having our name with our BIB : it would really help to introduce ourself to others (to chat while racing).
It would be great if a volunteer would tell people when they have few laps remaining.

Thanks for everything!
Luc

Thomas Tielen

01/23/2012 2:19pm

Hi Scott, Thanks for sharing the important insights and information in the e-mail you sent. This was my fourth marathon and my first indoor so I was not so use to constantly thinking about race etiquette on a track as I would in the street. I apologize again to other participants who may have become frustrated suddenly realizing that I was coming up behind them so quickly so many times. As several people have already suggested that we should all be reminded about race etiquette prior to the start of future races so we will all made aware in advance for a more enjoyable experience. Having a massage area was certainly a big bonus as most of us are worn out after a marathon, let alone 6 hours. A couple of other thoughts, I agree that someone should announce to you when you are near the end of your race and that music volume could be a little louder. Also the idea of changing the date as you mentioned to December or the end of January sounds interesting. If it were the end of December ( the weekend of the 29th this year) it would an interesting way to end the 2012 running season (with an indoor full or ultra). I thought about this before the race three weeks ago and it seemed like an interesting idea (maybe have the race on Sunday if possible). Otherwise having the race in the winter is the right way to go. This was a good race, I hope to make it back again.

Sandy

01/25/2012 4:54pm

In terms of the potatoes, PB sandwiches and watermelon - if people want them, they should bring them themselves. You are not there to attend to every single whim and wish of every runner - it would cost and fortune and you still wouldn't please everyone.
and whatever you buys takes away from what you donate.

My only note about the food was when the cookies were out, there was one cookie/cup. Get rid of the cup and just put the cookies on a plate. Less garbage we can produce at race events, the better.

The only other feedback I have is this, please keep the event in January - December is way too busy and for people who did a November marathon, there isn't enough recovery time.

Someone should also let the 30K and 42.2 runners know their mile marker milestones - 10K, 20K etc.

When the clock is being turned around, do it fast. It took about 5 laps at the 3-hour mark, right when I was finishing and I didn't know when I was done. Someone should also yell out last 10, 5 and one lap for the 30 and 42.2K runners.

As well, perhaps, just by a show of hands before the race starts, have people tell each other what race they are doing - in case things are close and someone wants to chase the leader etc. I had no idea who else was in the 30K race.

Erin Courtney

02/01/2012 10:25am

First off, I so enjoyed your race!!! I plan to make it an annual thing
for me!! I do like it in January. December is so busy and expensive. Every weekend gets booked with Christmas parties and family stuff. I am from the Southwest, therefore I have to leave the night before and stay at a hotel. Please take this request into consideration when planning next years event. I would love to invite/promote the race around my community, but I know December would never fly!!
Thanks again for a great day!!!!

Below is us on CP24 Television (clip should say 2012 not 2011)

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