We are all feeling a great longing for that start line and all the pre- and post-race buzz & butterflies in the stomach that goes with it. Pinning on a number and giving a race all you have in a quest to beat your own best is a feeling that cannot be described, it must be lived. Race organisers (and the ecosystem of suppliers) around the world have been flattened, with a combination of cancellations, postponements and sponsorship cancellations. There will be a life after Covid-19 and we all want our favourite races to be right there waiting for us to step up, so what can you do now to Save The Races?
1. Follow
This sounds so simple, but it's powerful. Find your favourite races on their social media platforms and swing them a follow. Sponsors invest in exposure and brand relevance, so help your favourite events to maintain and grow their following.
2. Support creative alternatives
Many South African races are hosting inexpensive, gatherings act compliant races, complete with leaderboards, lucky draws, and downloadable race routes. Choose these over - or in addition to - the free options. We are all feeling the pinch of lockdown but investing a small amount now will go a long way towards keeping race organisers in the game. And if you’re one of the lucky ones still earning a complete salary, why not gift a few entries to deserving athletes?
3. Defer Don’t Cancel
If you are able to defer your entry to a later date, or the following year, please consider doing this. You are keeping the cash flow of a small business alive and putting a big red cross on a future date. Something to look forward to, something to train for, something to feel good about.
4. Support the Sponsors
Have a look at the brands who have supported your favourite races over the years and invest in their products over the alternatives. This is the return on investment that makes or breaks sponsorship decisions. You’ll be helping more than one business to stay afloat.
5. Train On
We don’t know when, but this will end and we will all race again. Until then, stay fit, motivated, and ready to spring into action!
Counting down to start lines, finish lines, and everything in between.
#SaveTheRaces
Words: Kim Stephens