Footrace Feedback

This is the seventh year that I have sought feedback from the runners as to how we are doing. Once again, I was very impressed with the feedback I received on the footrace and I wish to thank everyone who took the time to tell me how we did. I am always looking to improve service where it is practical to do so.

I would like to address some of the common points of interest/concern that have been addressed.

PREVIOUS PARTICIPATION/PUBLICITY
From the feedback I have received so far, most of the runners have been here before, but we are getting lots of first timers as well, which is nice to see. We seem to have a pretty popular event here and the word is spreading.  It won't be long before the number of runners exceeds the population of Williamstown!

ONLINE REGISTRATION
Overall, online registration is becoming more and more popular and received positive feedback. Straight forward and easy to use.  A few people commented on paying an extra $2 to register online, although some seemed confused as to where the extra $2 was going.  When we get into online registration we are engaging another company (Mirapay systems) that needs to collect something for providing the secure service.  Cost of doing business.  A little more expensive than mailing a cheque, but faster and more efficient.

For those who wish to save a bit of money, I want to draw your attention to the "Early Bird Registration" - save $5 if you register before the 15 June.

RACE DAY SUPPORT
In general, Race Day Support was well received, but there are a couple of issues that need to be addressed.

Porto-potties:  There were a lot of comments about the state of the porto-potties.  I raised this with the Fair Board, reminding them that for many, this would be their first impression of the Williamstown Fair.  The Fair Board agreed that next year it would be written into the contract that the porto-potties would be cleaned out prior to 7:00 am on Sunday morning.

Start-Finish:  A few suggested that our start/finish banner was a bit too narrow for the number of people we had.  Will inquire with the owners about what it would take to widen it.

Gravel road:  A few people commented about the fresh gravel on Heron Rd.  A big source of frustration for us.  We had contacted the Township a month in advance to request that they not put down fresh gravel until after the Fair.  They agreed they would not.  And then they did it anyway a week prior to the run.  In the past they had been cooperative on this issue but it appears a mistake was made.  Will do our best to ensure this doesn't happen again, but ultimately it is beyond our control.

Train bridge:  The old train bridge has taken quite a beating in recent years.  The bridge is leased by the Glendaler ATV club who give us permission to use the bridge every year.  Ultimately they are the ones responsible for maintaining it.  Last fall, the Glendalers made some significant repairs to the bridge.  So when our sponsor, Grant Marion Construction, brings out plywood or aspenite for the Footrace, we should be able to build a much more stable running surface in 2007.

Traffic:  The amount of traffic on county road 17 (the paved side of the river) has always been a concern, particularly watching those big horse trailers trying to get through.  I have approval from the County Roads people to close the road during the peak period of 9:00 - 9:30.  Heron Road (gravel road) is administered by the Township and I will try to have that closed as well during the run as well, but at least we don't have nearly the same concentration of runners on that side of the river.  Note that the road will still be open to local traffic, as we can't barricade everyone's driveway and keep them away from the Fair, but our biggest concern has been the horse trailers and through traffic that will be rerouted.

Map for race kit:  A few people commented that they were confused as to just how to get from the Registration area to the Start/Finish and suggested a map/directions in the race kit.  Good idea.  Will do that for 2007.

Calling out times at 1 km:  We have had some problem with getting the word to our 1 km person to call out the times due to poor cell phone coverage.  The Fair is renting new radios this year and I am hoping that will resolve the problem, so our person at the 1 km mark will no precisely when the run begins.

SPORTSTATS:
It costs us a little over $1000 to have them come here and do their thing but most people feel it is worth the cost.  There was a problem with the display clock at the Finish line, but that has not been a problem in the past and I am assured it will not be again.  Ultimately, everyone got their times which were all duly posted online.

I was asked about why not have the chip picked up at the Registration area rather than the Start/Finish area. Sportstats tells me they do it this way because this way they ensure people have their chips at the start line. This way there are fewer chips left behind in cars, lost enroute, etc. Apparently it happens. I will go with what the Sportstats people tell me on this since they are the ones with the experience.

I was asked why people only crossed the mat at the finish and not at the start? Sportstats tells me that crossing the mat at the start and the finish involves a more sophisticated system and consequently costs more. Would have cost about $1500 vice the $1060 we paid for the less sophisticated chip system. For a small event like this where there is at most only a few seconds difference between clock time and chip time, it is probably not worth spending the extra money.

CHILDREN'S FUN RUN:
The children's fun run was hugely popular this year.  In previous years we had many prize kits left over.  This year, I believe we had just enough.  Actually we were one or two short but my kids gave theirs up knowing I could make new kits for them later.  I hope we didn't miss anyone, but if I did, let me know.  Will have to make up more than 50 kits for next year.
It was suggested that we have a longer, more challenging run for the older (age 7-12) children.  Will have to look into that.  I have been advised by other race directors that some children's fun runs are too long - last thing I want to do is see any children get hurt doing this, and I would rather err on the side of caution on a matter like this.  But maybe we can make a longer run for the older children and still keep it a free event.

T-SHIRTS:
We are getting larger.  Last year we had record numbers come out to the Footrace, so I will be ordering a few more t-shirts than I have in the past.  But people who pre-register have always received shirts and generally there are enough for the people who arrive early on race day. Our number of participants does vary from year to year, so when I order the shirts about 2 months in advance, I have to make my best guess. When the shirts arrive, I pay for them on my personal credit card and hope we have a good enough turnout for me to cover my costs. If there is a profit, it goes to charity. If I was to have a year where I lost money due to having too many t-shirts because inclement weather kept race day registration low, the loss would come out of my pocket and I am not prepared to do that. Bottom line: If you want a t-shirt, please pre-register.

You are getting smaller.  There is definitely a higher demand for smaller shirts - partly due to a greater percentage of women running in the Footrace than in the past.  We will try to adjust our numbers accordingly and make our best guess.  But keep in mind that my t-shirt order has to be made before the end of June and by then I typically only have about 10% of the registrations to give me guidance as to the demand for this year.

Long sleeve vs wicking shirt.  It was a pretty even split between people who were willing to pay a premium to get a wicking running t-shirt and those who wanted us to stick with the long-sleeve and the current price.  I am still looking for a deal on a wicking shirt - the prices are coming down - but given the split, I am leaning towards staying with the long sleeved t-shirts for this year.  But will ask the question again next year and we may see a wicking shirt in the future.

TOM LONGBOAT ANNIVERSARY
I had previously mentioned that 2007 would be the 100th anniversary of the legendary Tom Longboat having run at the Williamstown Fair.  We were on track to commemorate this anniversary in a number of ways.  A couple of months ago I stopped by the home of a local Williamstown resident whose uncle had run in that race against Tom Longboat.  He brought out a medal and photo and the date engraved on the medal was 1908!  Did further research into the archives and found that indeed, it was 1908 and not 1907 that Tom Longboat was here.  So our plans are put on hold for a year but we are planning on marking the anniversary in a number of ways:
a.  Tom Longboat Friendship Run - In addition to having our regular Sunday run, we are also looking at a Saturday morning jog that would retrace the original route from Lancaster to the Williamstown Fair.  This would be a free event - no bibs, no timing, no cost.  We would have an OPP escort and would try to stay together as a group as this would not be a race but rather a community of like minded people commemorating the accomplishments of a remarkable individual.
b.  Historical Marker - We would be placing a historical plaque near the main gates of the Williamstown Fair to mark this event.
c.  Member of Longboat family - We will try to bring out a member of Tom Longboat's family to participate in the Fair that year.  His daughter will be 88 by then, and although she did go to Boston for the 100th anniversary of her father's victory there, we don't know if she will be up for the road trip to Williamstown by next year.  If not, there are other members of his family including a grandson and a couple of great-granddaughters I will try to contact.
d.  Redesigned t-shirt - Our local graphic artist who designed our current logo has agreed to come up with a new logo for next year that will help commemorate the event.

AWARDS
Awards and prizes well received. Had one request for more wine bottles. Will see what I can get from the "Chateau Chambré" wine cellar for next year.
Also had a comment requesting that the Fair Board have the beer sales ready to go at 11 sharp. I have passed this request on to the Board and will remind them for next year.

FOOTRACE AND THE FAIR
In general, feedback regarding the Fair was very good. Some are indifferent and are here just for the run, but many take advantage of the venue to make it a family fun day, which is just what we are aiming for.

A few comments:

Awesome event. I didn\'t want to go home after the awards ceremony was finished. Every year there seems to be something that makes it even more special than the year before. Nothing spectatcular, just an atmosphere that one can\'t get enough of.

The Fair Board is to be congratulated for sticking with what makes the Fair unique and great to be at.

As many have told me, this is one of the best runs in the area. I hope to keep it fun and appreciate your thoughtful feedback. I hope to see you again next year!

Bill Chambré
Race Director