| Sponsoring a running race is easy. Just approach | | | | so that runners can enter. All that you need to do |
| the organisers and make the offer! Even just | | | | is to write to the organiser, saying that you are |
| offering a prize for every finisher can be a benefit | | | | willing to provide some prizes for the competitors. |
| to the organisers, as they know that a race with | | | | How and when would they like them provided? It |
| good prizes is more likely to get the runners back | | | | is as simple as that. Just remember to mention |
| next year. And in return, if you offer printed | | | | that you need a reply in time to get the items |
| promotional items, all of the runners will be seeing | | | | sourced - telling them the date rather than the |
| your logo. | | | | lead time will probably work best! |
| Depending on the race, you should also be able to | | | | Then, all that you need to do is to source some |
| guess a lot about the type of people running the | | | | suitable items from the huge selection available. |
| race. For example, a local marathon or half | | | | From sports bottles to wrist bands, or more |
| marathon is probably going to attract a high | | | | traditionally anything from pens to mugs. As long |
| proportion of serious male runners. A local 5k will | | | | as you get the items printed with your website |
| attract serious runners along with a good amount | | | | address, some of the runners are going to see |
| of not so serious runners there to loose weight. | | | | the message and take an interest in what you |
| And certain 5k and 10k events specialise in | | | | are doing. |
| attracting ladies only. | | | | You can even offer to volunteer to hand the |
| So, if sponsoring a race is so good, how do you | | | | items out to make sure that they are all being |
| find an event to sponsor and what must you do? | | | | distributed! Even if all that you offer is an empty |
| Finding the events is quite simple. They go to a lot | | | | water bottle printed with your logo and the |
| of effort to publicise their event so that runners | | | | runners get no other prizes, they will happily |
| will find the race - so you just need to think like a | | | | accept them and a lot will keep them for years |
| runner to find the race. Ask in local running and | | | | to come (I am still using one given to me 6 years |
| sports shops (who may also be sponsoring | | | | ago!). If the organisers have not arranged goodie |
| events and be willing to take on an additional | | | | bags then the bottles are handed out lose, else |
| sponsor). Look through running websites, forums | | | | you just provide them in time for the packing of |
| and running magazines for more details of races | | | | the goodie bags. |
| to enter. | | | | Get your message spread locally. It is well worth |
| All of these will list the organiser's contact details | | | | it! |