3 Points to an Amazing Outdoor Event
I recently ran in the Vigor Utah 5k Summer Obstacle Course in Cottonwood Heights Utah. This was one of the first running events I have ever entered into but was amazed by the fun my friends and I had. Of course, it helps that my team placed first in the men’s category when you are trying (attempting) to have fun. I have competed in several climbing competitions and have found that there are several things that can help determine if you event is successful or not. As with the climbing competitions, there were also several things I saw helped make this outdoors event successful. I believe that many of the points below can be applied to any kind of outdoor event.
Know who your audience is. What is the demographic of that you are targeting? Knowing who your audience is will help you make decisions on your event’s organization. Base on the individuals I saw at the race, most were there to have a fun time. Several teams dressed up in bright outfits and headbands and I even saw an on-course incident with silly string. I too was part of the majority looking to have an enjoyable experience as I was solicited to join a team in order to help my friends beat their wives’ team. In the end, I was just hoping to have some fun and make it over all of the obstacles without completely embarrassing myself.
Sell to your audience. If you and your team are looking for a casual, feel-good experience and not striving for the ultra-marathon this could be the race for you. For the average runner, like me, the Vigor Utah was not a hyper-competitive, ‘ironman’ styled race that is going to push you to your limits. The 5k summer obstacle course was designed to be attractive to individuals, like me, who may be novices to racing but are still looking to finish the race and feel a sense of accomplishment. The nature of the ‘team’ competition combined with crazy fun obstacles (Card Ninja, Bucket Head, Egg Carry, etc.) made for great camaraderie and a very pleasant event.
Have good food. Bagels, multi-grain wheat bread, homemade honey butter, orange wedges, chocolate milk, water, popsicles and more made a perfect end to a great event.
