Race Services
AORTA conducts and assists in numerous races in the Auburn-Opelika communities throughout the year. We have the knowledge, experience and equipment to assist in organizing road races from a one-mile dash to a half marathon. Using state-of-the-art technology, we are able to accurately record and post race results within hours of race completion.
Specifically, our race services include:
- Planning assistance to the race director from registration to race day.
- Advertisement on AORTA’s main website.
- Finish line “arch” setup with finishing “chute” (pictured above).
- PA system for pre-race, post-race announcements, and music. Also used to call out runners' names as they cross the finish line.
- Course markers placed at all turns and critical locations to guide runners.
- Award listings upon race completion provided to the race director.
- Start/Finish line video.
- Online race results.
We continuously accept applications for local races to include in our club race series. However, due to the high demand for these services during the racing season, AORTA may be unable to fulfill every request. See the “Calendar” tab for our current list of reserved dates.** Note: Due to the limitations of local volunteer availability, we can only support one race per weekend and only those within the Auburn/Opelika metropolitan area.
Online AORTA Race Services Request Form
** Notice of Timing Fee Structure Update **
As participation in local races continues to grow, finish-line density and award accuracy have become increasingly important. To ensure we continue delivering reliable, professional results across events of all sizes, AORTA will be updating its timing structure to better align with race size and operational needs.
The updated structure is designed to keep smaller community races affordable while providing scalable, chip-based timing for larger or more competitive events where finish-line congestion and award precision become more critical.
We anticipate implementing the revised fee structure beginning this fall. Until then, the current timing fee structure will remain in effect.
To request AORTA’s race services, click HERE** to fill out the online form and we’ll contact you shortly to begin organizing your race!
We appreciate your understanding and continued partnership in bringing successful events to life! In addition, we require race directors setup online registrations through www.RunSignUp.com as we found it to offer the best experience and interface between race directors, runners, and AORTA race services.
AORTA Race Director Guide (Updated 02/08/2025)
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.