Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Often times several people will have the same question.  This section of our website is dedicated to those questions that we receive on a regular basis.  Please check out the questions and answers below.  If your question is not answered below then please feel free to contact a board member or race director.  Thanks.

Membership

 

How can I become a track club member?

 

Please visit our membership page to download a membership application.  We appreciate your interest in our club and look forward to you becoming a member.

 

What are the benefits to being a track club member?

 

There are many benefits to becoming an HTC member.  Many of the benefits are outlined on our membership page.  In addition to what is listed you are also supporting the sport at the local level which provides opportunities for all of us to run.

Training

 

Do you have training groups I can hook up with?

 

The club does not have any organized training groups but we do list some that we are made aware of.  Also, FleetFeet Sports has a number of training groups that leave from their store or other locations around town.

 

Where is a good place to run in Huntsville?

 

We have compiled a page listing several of our race courses, along with maps, for your use.  In addition, this page also lists several other areas around town that are good for running.

Running Gear

 

What can I do with my old running shoes?

 

The HTC and FleetFeetSports Huntsville have teamed up to recycle shoes.  The new program is replacing the Shoe Amnesty program previously undertaken by the HTC.  This new program will place gently used shoes (any shoes, not just running shoes) in the hands of people in need of shoes.  This program will be feeding shoes to the group Soles for Souls.  Shoes will be collected at FleetFeetSports Huntsville but will not be collected at races anymore.

 

Races/Events

 

Can I run with headphones, a baby jogger, etc?

 

Because all HTC races are conducted under RRCA liability insurance the use of headphones, baby joggers, etc are prohibited.  While these devices may be OK for training runs (if used appropriately and safely) the crowded conditions of a race make them unsafe for the user as well as those around them.  These regulations are for your safety and the safety of the runners around you.  Please be considerate of others.  In addition, the USATF has banned headphones from all sanction events.  You risk disqualification if caught wearing headphones.

 

Can the HTC direct a race for my organization, charity, etc?

 

In general the HTC does not direct races for outside organizations or charities.  The club does have some existing agreements with local organizations but those are decided on a case by case basis.  The club simply does not have the manpower to staff all our own events as well as events for other organizations.  Some things to consider in putting on an event are local permits required, liability insurance, t-shirts and awards, course layout and certification, scoring, and finding volunteers.  This is by no means an exhaustive list but merely provide some things to consider.  In general, a suitably priced event will NOT make much if any profit if relying solely on race entry fees.  In order to utilize a road race as a fund raising activity you will need to secure outside sponsorship.  If you have specific questions you may contact the club president for more information. 

 

How does my group go about putting on a race, possibly to raise money?

 

This question is often presented to the club but unfortunately does not have a simple answer.  A few things to consider if you are thinking about putting on a road race:

 

·         Most races DO NOT make money.  If you are trying to raise money you will need to solicit sponsorship from outside businesses.  Raising your entry fee to raise funds is usually not a good idea as people are only willing to pay so much to run a race.  If you want to raise funds there are much easier ways then putting on a road race.

·         Course layout – You will need to get any race course approved by the city of Huntsville (or whatever government agency has oversight of the area).  This is usually done via the event permit that you will need to submit to the police department.  You must consider how your race course will affect the local resident/businesses.  You need to try and minimize any negative impact your course might have on people getting to and from their homes/businesses.  Also, safety of the runners is paramount.  Don’t start a race on a narrow greenway or with a turn immediately after the start.  Consider the safety of the runners when laying out the course.

·         Course date – DO NOT schedule your race on a date already used by an existing event.  Not only is it very poor taste but most runners will run an existing event rather than a new, unproved one so you will ultimately be hurting your own event.

·         Make sure you have plenty of volunteers.  Failure to adequately staff your event will results in a sub par event that will quickly be branded by runners as an event not to do.

·         Liability Insurance – This may be required by any facilities you use.

·         T-shirts/Awards – There are numerous vendors who can supply these typical race amenities.

 

Remember, there is far more that goes into a race than just what occurs on race day.  If you have specific questions you may contact the club president for more information. 

 

Can I rent HTC equipment?

 

HTC equipment is available for rent by other clubs and races.  Please click here for more information.

 

Can I have my race posted on the HTC website?

 

Yes, the HTC posts race notices for other local events.  Please visit our Other Events page for details on how to submit your race and the required format for submission.

Last Updated: 7 February 2008