THE GENESIS OF RACE DIRECTOR UNIVERSITY
usatf illinois association race director conference & seminars 1991 - 2011.
In 1991, we launched a regional educational program for race directors under the direction of Ray Vandersteen, Executive Director of USA Track & Field, Illinois Association. We accepted a volunteer position as Chairman of Long Distance Running in 1989.
We had been producing road races for the Village of Oak Park then. Before becoming involved with USA Track and Field, we participated in dozens of road races, 5Ks, 10Ks, and duathlons.
Returning to the Chicago area as a graduate student, we were well-versed in the running programs offered throughout the state. However, we noticed a gap-there were no local or regional training programs for event directors, special event managers, or race directors. This observation, coupled with our experience, led us to take action.
Tom Cooney, President of Lakeshore Athletics, facilitated programs at Loyola University and was the most experienced race director and organizer of road races in northern Illinois in the 80s. He offered a training program suitable for most event organizers; however, they discontinued the training at some point.
Our primary goal was to establish an annual platform for event directors, race directors, special event managers, local city and park employees, and other vendors. This platform would facilitate a day-long information-sharing program, fostering collaboration and learning in the field of event management.
From 1991 through 2011, skipping 3-4 years, we hosted the USA Track & Field Annual Race Directors Conference and Seminar Series. These programs were held in the suburbs of Cook County, at schools and hotels. We used seasoned professionals already familiar with event production and were skilled in the various facades from advertising, publishing, marketing, event planning, etc.… Most of the speakers were currently practicing race directors, mainly from Illinois. We had, on average, 75-100 participants and charged a fee of less than $100.
This fee covered food, beverages, and snacks and paid for the audio-visual equipment, printing, and other miscellaneous expenses.
All of the speakers were volunteers and did not receive an honorarium.
Instead, we distributed various activewear and certificate awards for their involvement. We were able to secure regional and national sponsors for this event and were considered one of the few programs that offered a program for race directors among the 57 associations.
Program Features
race director university certification programs 2012 - present
- Advertising & Marketing
- Budget Development
- Commercial Liability Insurance Procurement
- Committee & Volunteer Training
- Communications
- Course Certification & Sanctioning
- Course Research, Planning, and Development
- Emergency & Disaster Relief
- Entertainment
- Hospitality
- Insurance, Liability & Risk Management
- Legal Issues in Race Management
- Logistics & Operations
- Online & Offline Registration
- On-Site Logistics & Operations
- Permits
- Post-Race Assessment Review
- Pre-Race Consulting
- Public Relations
- Race Premium Sourcing
- Registration Software
- Road Race Management
- Spectator Sports Security & Safety
- Sponsorship
- Sports Marketing
- Sports Science & Medicine
- Timing & Finishline Management
- Website Development
In 2019, Race Director University recognized Orbiter, Inc. as an affordable timing system for race directors worldwide and began promoting Orbiter’s Timing Systems to event producers and race directors.
Both professionals and novices can easily use our Chip Timing and Lap Counting system to achieve accurate results in both time and lap counting.
Orbiter is versatile and can be used for various events such as schools, races, and fitness testing. Our software is designed to time any human-powered event, and our detector hardware can make smart and autonomous decisions independently of the live internet, ensuring that your race recordings are safe from outside interference. For more information about Orbiter, click on the button below.
Why Professional Race Management Matters ?
Professional Race Management is crucial for ensuring that events run smoothly and meet the expectations of all stakeholders. Well-managed races not only enhance participant experience but also build trust with permit issuers, sponsors, and insurers. Our graduate program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to handle complex race logistics, mitigate risks, and deliver outstanding events.
Impact on Stakeholders
Stakeholders, including local authorities and community groups, need assurance that your event will be professionally managed. Our program teaches you how to communicate effectively with these groups, ensuring their support and cooperation.
Benefits for Sponsors and Insurers
Sponsors and insurers look for well-organized events that minimize risks and maximize exposure. By completing our program, you will be able to provide detailed plans and risk assessments that attract and retain these crucial partners.
As a graduate of RDU Level I & II, I have elevated my expertise to collaborate with timing companies in delivering dependable back-office solutions for the vital race management services that participants seek—ensuring swift and accurate outcomes.
National Certification courses - In person and online
HOW RDU DIFFERS FROM RUSA, RRM & RRCA.
There are various assessments for learning at workshops, seminars, and conference-themed programs.
Participants play a crucial role in the learning process by contributing questions and insights that can lead to deeper discussions, enhancing the overall learning experience.
While classroom-focused and lecture-style presentations aim to distribute information and achieve specific instructional goals, workshops, seminars, and conference-themed programs encourage collective learning and interaction, catering to different learning styles.
Road Race Management, Running USA, and the Road Runners Club of America offer different formats for sharing information within the running industry.
Race Director University (RDU) is specifically designed for individuals with less than five years of road race industry experience, promoting critical thinking, skill development, and practical learning through written exams, essays, and a practicum at local and regional events.
In 2012, as we step into the future of race management, RACE DIRECTOR UNIVERSITY introduced The First National Race Director Certification Program, a groundbreaking initiative.
This exclusive program offered participants a comprehensive course book manual and a cutting-edge Apple iPad, setting the benchmark for excellence in race director training.
The program spanned over five enriching days of in-person training, led by a distinguished panel of 14 industry experts, each a formidable force in their respective fields.
All meals, snacks, and refreshments were provided. Everyone passed, and they had to complete a take-home essay exam.
FIRST GROUP TO BECOME CERTIFIED RACE DIRECTORS IN THE UNITED STATES, GLEN ELLYN, IL. (2012)
we are recruiting experienced race directors for our speakers forum
Discover an exciting opportunity to become a speaker and showcase your expertise. The speakers forum page is beneath the ABOUT US section. Please use the submission form attached to express your interest in this project.