Every runner who finds your race asks three questions — fast, and usually without realizing it.
Is this for me? Can I actually do this? What does it cost and what do I get?
If your page answers all three clearly, they register. If it doesn't, they leave — and you'll never know they were there.
Most race directors spend months planning an event and twenty minutes on the registration page. Your event page is working for you around the clock. It's the only member of your team that's always on. Treat it that way.
What your registration page needs to cover:
Each section below links to a step-by-step guide. Building from scratch? Go in order. Auditing an existing page? Use this as a checklist.
Photos and visuals
The first thing a runner sees. Before they read a word, they're already deciding if this race feels like them. Strong course shots and a compelling banner set the tone instantly — and a weak or missing photo does the opposite. → [ The Ultimate Guide to Great Race Day Photos ] → [How to Add Event Photos and Banner Images] → [How to Fix Image Upload Errors]
Event description
This is where you answer is this for me? Terrain, elevation, race atmosphere, who it's built for. Be specific. "Beautiful trails" tells a runner nothing. "8,000 feet of gain on technical singletrack with exposed ridgeline views" tells them everything. A strong description does more selling than any headline. → [How to Enhance Your Event Description with Links, Lists, Videos, and Images]
Course route
Embed your Strava route if you have one. An elevation profile alone can close a registration — runners want to see exactly what they're committing to. Give them the map. → [How to Embed a Strava Route]
General event details
Date, location, distances, start times. These need to be accurate, current, and easy to find without scrolling. When the basics are wrong or buried, trust erodes fast — and trust is what gets people to enter their credit card number. → [How to Update Your General Event Settings]
Pricing and registration
Be straight here. List your entry fees, what's included, and your deadlines. Runners who make it this far are close to committing — don't lose them to a surprise at checkout. → [How to Configure Pricing for Your Race]
Refund and deferral policy
This is the last thing standing between a hesitant runner and a registration. A clear policy removes doubt. A vague one creates it. Spell it out. → [How to Make Your Refund Policy Crystal Clear]
Confirmation email
Registration isn't the finish line — it's the start. Your confirmation email is where you answer what's next: parking, packet pickup, start times, what to bring. Runners who feel informed before race day show up confident. Runners who don't show up with questions you don't have time to answer. → [Use Confirmation Emails to Answer Questions Before They're Asked]
Go look at your event page right now like you've never seen it before. Can you answer all three questions in the first thirty seconds? If not, you know where to start. Need help? Connect with our trail and endurance experts here.
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