Race Services
AORTA conducts and assists with numerous races throughout the Auburn-Opelika area each year. We have the knowledge, experience, volunteers, and equipment to support events ranging from one-mile fun runs to 10Ks. Using modern timing technology and proven race management procedures, we provide accurate results and a high-quality experience for race directors and participants alike.
Our race services typically include:
• Planning assistance from initial registration through race day.
• Advertisement on AORTA's website and race calendar.
• Online registration support through RunSignUp.
• Race timing and results processing.
• Finish-line arch and chute setup.
• PA system for announcements, music, and finish-line runner recognition.
• Course signage and directional markers.
• Finish-line video recording.
• Award and age-group results.
• Post-race online results publication.
• Volunteer coordination assistance and race-day operational guidance.
To ensure reliable operations and accurate results, timing methods and service levels are matched to the needs of each event. Smaller community races may utilize manual/scanner timing, while larger or more competitive events may require RFID chip timing to accommodate increased participation, finish-line density, and award accuracy.
Due to volunteer and equipment limitations, AORTA normally supports only one event per weekend and only those located within the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area. Submission of a race request does not guarantee acceptance. Race dates are scheduled on a first-approved basis, subject to calendar availability, volunteer support, and organizational capacity.
Prospective race directors are encouraged to review the Calendar tab for currently reserved dates before submitting a request.
Race Services Pricing
AORTA's race service fees are based on the timing method selected and the anticipated size of the event.
• RFID Chip Timing is used for larger or more competitive events requiring electronic finish detection and enhanced timing accuracy.
• Manual / Scanner Timing is used for smaller community events with lower participant volume and finish-line congestion.
AORTA reserves the right to require a particular timing method based on anticipated participation, course layout, finish-line conditions, award structure, and other operational considerations. Current pricing, timing options, service details, and fee calculations are maintained within the Race Services Request Form below.
Online AORTA Race Services Request Form
To request AORTA race services, please complete the online Race Services Request Form. An AORTA representative will contact you to discuss your event, available dates, service requirements, timing options, and applicable fees.
To provide the best experience for race directors, participants, and race management staff, AORTA requires all events to utilize www.RunSignUp.com for online registration and participant management.
We appreciate your interest in partnering with AORTA and look forward to helping make your event a success.
AORTA Race Director Guide (Updated 05/22/2026)
Download and use this as a step-by-step guide, tailored specifically for the Auburn/Opelika area, with actionable items to check-off as you go through each of your event planning and execution phases.
The State of RunSignup and the Industry
Quick Hits: Under Utilized and Oft Missed Features and Tools
Virtual Races and Challenge Event: Real World Case Studies
Modified In-Person Events: Adapting Real Races for COVID-19
What To To About Turkey Trots and Other Hybrid Events For Fall
Barbara Herzog: Cultivating Fundraisers to Increase Donations
Trish Portuese: Race Checklist - Preparing for the Best to Avoid the Worst
Jen A. Miller: What Your Runners Want
Andy Younger: Race Promotion & Running Community Collaboration
David Gottlieb: Streamlining Race Day for Your Volunteers
Troy Robert: Race Day Technology for Races of All Sizes
These online videos provide insights from Race Directors, Timers, and Industry Professionals during the annual RunSignUp symposiums reveal best practices in race production. Learn from their Success!
RunSignUP Technology: Now and in the Future
- Year in Review, Top Ten List, E-mail Marketing, Racejoy, Boston
Marketing Techniques to Grow Your Race
- Methodology, Creating Events, Scheduling, Planning, Promotion, Discover What Works
Building a Year-Round Community Grow Your Race
- Building the Event, P3R (Pittsburgh 3-Rivers Marathon) The Branding
- Building Community/Relationship, Marketing, Social Media, The Future of P3R
The Synthesis of Races, Stores, and Training
- Community Involvement, Playmakers,Running & Walking Community
- Partnership Before the Race, Partnership During and After, Teams and Series
Technology, Packet Pickup, and Creating a Brand
- Streamlining Events, RungSignUp Features, Results
- Packet Pickup, Widget Technology, Why RunSignUp?
Donations and Fundraising
- Nonprofits: Own Race or Partner, Passion for Events
- Charity Partnering Benefits, Donations, Partnerships, Keep ‘Em Coming Back!
Growing a Small Race
- NC Troopers Footchase, Brand Promotion, Alternative Participant Options
- Community Partnerships & Social
Marketing like a Marketer
- Critz Tybee RunFest, Promotions/ Other Features, Sponsors & Community
Corporate Teams
- Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk, Captains are Key, Why Corporate Teams
Race Director Logistics
- The Ohio Challenge Series, Focus of a Series, Branding of a Series, Competitive Walking
What Your Timer Does
- The Art of Timing, Switching to Online, Online Registration, Timer Collaboration
Participant Managing
- Participant Management, Questions, Pre/Post Race Communication, Ambassador Program
Active.com: Strategic Event Planning Playbook (pdf) 
This interactive playbook will help you put together a race strategy that will increase your event revenue throughout the participant journey.
Active Webinar: 10 Tips to Increase Event Revenue (1:01:06)
Find out how you can increase your conversion rates, boost registration numbers, and increase your bottom line, whilst creating an amazing event experience for your participants!
Active.com: Race Director's Checklist (pdf)
This interactive checklist is designed to ensure that you don’t overlook the small things that could have a large effect on the success of your event.