Summer 2008
President's Message
by Mike Moye

Run Sponsor—Making the Run Fun
For Everyone

Who are these benevolent
people, these run sponsors,
and what do they do?
Many of you reading this
have been run sponsors so
you have a pretty good idea
of what is expected. Yet,
did you know that one of
the responsibilities of a run
sponsor is to be a sweeper,
and that another responsibility
is to be a club ambassador?
What, you ask is a
sweeper, and what’s this about being an ambassador?
You might be saying to yourself, “I thought all I had to do was put out some water at predetermined
spots along the course (and maybe some Gatorade
if I feel so moved).” If so, you aren’t alone in that thought.

Over time, the idea that a run sponsor is more than
just a water boy (or girl) has gotten lost on many of
us. Run sponsors are in charge of the run, and responsible not only for providing hydration opportunities, but for making certain that everyone is accounted for at the end of the run (sweeper), and that
any newcomers are made welcome (ambassador), and that no one gets lost or left alone (unless you know they subscribe to the Greta Garbo school of thought as she expressed it in Grand Hotel).

The Home page on our web site states boldly “All are
welcome!” and we are certainly a friendly crowd.
Most likely a number of members will introduce themselves to a newcomer and strike up a friendly
conversation, but it is the run sponsor’s specific
responsibility to welcome them, and it’s a good idea
if the sponsor reviews the course with everyone,
but particularly the newcomer before the run starts. Since it isn’t immediately apparent what a newcomer’s level of fitness or pace capability might be, the run sponsor is responsible for keeping an eye on them. If they run up front with the big dogs, there’s not as much concern as if they begin to lag behind. They should never get left in the dust.

Let’s review. If you are a run sponsor, you are expected
to do the following:

1. Leave water and cups (Gatorade optional) at
the spot(s) indicated on the run map and at the
end of the run. During the summer it is recommended
that you put out two gallons of water and have at least 30 cups available (9 oz cups are best). It may not all get used, but it’s better to have too much than not enough. If you are unsure of the water stop locations, clarify beforehand. Also, it is a good idea to have an extra bag for the used cups.

2. As people arrive for the run, look for newcomers
and make certain to greet them and
find out something about them. Have a map
of the run with you and review it with them.
You might also have a few copies of the
course map available to share.

3. You are responsible for starting the run. We
always wait as much as ten minutes past the
hour for slow arrivals, but when you think
it’s time to run, start it going.

4. Keep an eye on anyone lagging behind. If you know them as regular members and are confident they know the route, you don’t have to hang back if you run a faster pace, but don’t let newcomers be left in the rear.
That’s just not friendly. As run sponsor for the day, you may have to modify your run to assure that everyone gets back to the beginning.

5. And, I almost forgot. Don’t forget to pick up the water remains, cups, etc. after the run.

Okay, those are the essentials. Since the run
sponsor is in charge of the run, it is permissible
to delegate responsibilities to others who are
willing to assist for the day. One person doesn’t
have to do it all alone, but the run sponsor must
at least make certain water is provided, people
are welcomed, no one is left behind, everyone is
accounted for, and the water stop(s) are litter
free.

Remember, the main idea is to make the run fun
for everyone. Greeting the new runners and
making sure they have a good time will make
them feel welcome and keep them coming back.
Let’s all have a good time this summer.