So You Want to Be a Race Director?

In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews John Lacroix, the race director of the Human Potential Running Series, discussing the multifaceted role of a race director, the importance of risk management, community building through volunteerism, and the unique challenges of organizing trail running events. John shares insights into his career journey, the logistics involved in race planning, and the essential qualities and experiences needed to be a successful race director. In this conversation, John Lacroix discusses the unique mindset required for trail running and race directing, emphasizing the importance of community and inclusivity in the sport. He reflects on the evolution of race directing from non-profit to for-profit entities, the challenges of creating welcoming spaces for diverse participants, and the high-stress nature of race management. Lacroix also highlights the need for better understanding between race directors and land managers regarding permits and regulations, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure safe and inclusive outdoor events.

 

Meet John

John has been a full-time race director since March of 2014. Since then he has directed the most trail running events in Colorado history, and the 2nd most ultramarathon running event in the nation's history. He is certified as a Professional Race Director through Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), Risk Management for Outdoor Programming through internationally recognized Viristar, and Wilderness Firs Responder through Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). As part of the mission, vision, and ethos of his series, John and his runners conduct numerous trail work days with land management partners throughout the year. To date, their efforts have included nearly 3,000 hours of volunteer service to trails over the last decade. John also volunteers his time on the Outside 285 Regional Partnership, the Policy Committee for the Coalition for Outdoor Access (COA), and was a former member of the Executive Committee of Colorado's Fix CRUS.

 

Resources

• Human Potential Website https://humanpotentialrunning.com/
• Certifications:
  Risk Management for Outdoor Programs through Viristar: https://www.viristar.com/course/risk-management-for-outdoor-programs/
  Professional Race Director Certification through RRCA: https://www.rrca.org/programs/race-director-certification/
• Non Profits/Coalitions John helps:
  Coalition for Outdoor Access: https://accesstheoutdoors.com/
  Fix CRUS: https://fixcrus.org/
  Outside 285: https://outside285.com/