Since I have been limiting my commitments to road races to a “consultant” role instead of the person that orders the shirts, awards, advertising, and measuring and setting up the course, I still find myself double-checking on how the organizations that I try to give advice are doing. I usually hand the race organizers one of the booklets I made years ago with directions on how to put on a race. I was reading over the contents of the book the other day. I was somewhat surprised at the changes that need to be corrected in the booklet. So many ways of advertising, timing, and selecting a route have changed since the booklet was written and it is very evident that it was back in the early days of putting on a race.
Finding a location to hold the race is so much different. Races in downtown San Marcos have added requirements that make some non-profit organizations not able to raise enough sponsorship funding to put on a race. Now races are heading outside the downtown area. Locations that have become popular include Country Estates sub-division with both 5K and 10K courses measured there. Stagecoach Road and the middle school is another race location. Tanger Outlet has been the site of several races from 5Ks to half marathons. The problem is the development of businesses and housing growth along the area east of the outlet mall. It is only a matter of time before that area may not be suitable to host a race. Toyota Car dealership is another location that has hosted several races. This is good for a 5K race now and with a little measuring, some longer distances might be added. So far development and the traffic problems is still a few years away for this location. Race directors need to be a little more creative in locating a safe and suitable race site for their race.
Are there any sub-divisions similar to Country Estates that can host a race? Things such as good traffic control, parking space, restrooms and registration areas are things that have to be considered when putting on a race in a new location. The other consideration is how far away from San Marcos you can put on a race and still have runners come. The Hays County Soccer Fields area through the Blanco Sub-division is used on occasion and seems to have most of the necessary requirements for a safe race. The question still comes down to how far away you can put on a race and still attract runners.
