Frequently Asked Questions

Race management questions

Q: What is involved in setting up a race in Connecticut? Do I need permits or licenses?

A: Every municipality is different, but most involve the approval of the local Police Department as well as other relevant departments such as Parks and Recreation or the Board of Education and any involved private property owners.
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Q: Is a road race a good source of fundraising for my charity or non-profit organization?

A: Yes, if managed properly. While there are a number of expenses associated with holding a road race, they can be a great source of fundraising and provide a non-profit organization with valuable visibility.
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Q: How do I design a race course?

A: The number one consideration is runner safety. Select a location that has light traffic or where the roads can be closed. Ideally, a scenic route with few hills works best. You want people to come back the following year. The start and finish should be off road with enough space for a staging area for registration and post-race events and with sufficient parking.
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Q: How can I set up a race website and online registration?

A: A sharp looking website and easily accessible online registration are essential for race success. Both can be set up by you, but, unless you are an expert, it is best to contract with a professional. We can help you with this.
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Q: How do I advertise my race?

A: There are a variety of ways, but one of the most effective ways to reach runners is through the many electronic calendars that are available and usually free. Throw a spectacular event this year and your participants will bring their friends next year.
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Q: Do I need sponsors? What should I offer sponsors in return for their support?

A: Sponsors are important in that their support helps to defray the cost of producing the event. In return for that support, sponsors get the benefit of identifying their businesses with healthy activities, and in contributing to charitable causes, and in gaining visibility in the community. You can enhance that visibility in a number of ways, such as including their logos on the T-shirt or giving them an opportunity to set up a booth.
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Q: Why should I use the services of a race management company?

A: Our race management company has a strong record in administering successful events. We can help with planning, organizing and conducting races from start to finish. With our customized packages, you can choose the services that are the right fit for your event.
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Q: What is the cost of hosting a road race?

A: Every race has a different budget depending on many variables; such as the number of registrants, road closure vs. non-closure, sponsorship, and more. We will work with you to customize a package that best fits your event.
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Q: I would like to start a race to benefit a specific charity, but at this point it’s just an idea. Can you help me?

A: Yes, we can work with you to create a new event from the ground up, including designing a course, securing local permits and approvals, advertising and effectively promoting, and overseeing every detail before and on race day.
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Q: I have an existing event, but would like some help with packet pickup and day of race registration. Can we hire The First Mile to manage just that one component?

A: Yes, The First Mile will be happy to manage as much or as little of your event as you need. You can choose from the range of race management services that we offer.
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Q: What other services does your company offer?

A: In addition to race management, we offer customized corporate fitness programs that are tailored to the needs of your employees. You can choose from a variety of fitness activities such as Yoga, Pilates, Nutrition support and more. We have dedicated experts who are committed to providing these and other fitness services to our clients.
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Q: If we hire First Mile to manage our race, will you provide insurance?

A: No, as owners of the event, you would be responsible to insure it. We can, however, refer you to companies that specialize in insuring races and related events.
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Q: Do you provide the volunteers?

A: We will help you recruit volunteers from your organization and community. If, however, additional support is needed, we have experienced people that we can hire to meet specific needs.
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