Introduction

Marathons are long-distance races that require significant preparation and dedication. Today, there are many types—from traditional road marathons to ultra-distance events. Information about these races is widely available on specialized websites, many of which now offer online registration and payment features.

When signing up, runners must provide personal information such as ID number and date of birth, making data privacy and security a top priority.

Types of Marathons

There are various types of marathons, each with its own challenges. Popular categories include city marathons held in major urban centers like Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as mountain races, trail marathons, and ultra-distance events.

Event organizers work hard to ensure every participant has a safe, enjoyable race. For many runners, the goal is to complete a marathon within a specific target time—requiring months of training and dedication.

The Problem

Multiple registration platforms
Each race distance uses a different sign-up platform—10K has one form, the half marathon another, the full marathon uses a separate partner site. Runners end up creating three different accounts.

Medical certificates, ID, and T-shirt sizes
You collect these via Google Forms, but when compiling the data for race kits, inconsistencies and missing information appear.

Installment payments & injury-related refunds
Runners want to pay in installments, and if injured, they demand partial refunds—creating accounting headaches.

Chaotic kit pickup & expo
90-minute lines the day before race day cause frustration and hurt your reputation.

Access control for corrals & timing
Paper cards and megaphones lead to misplaced runners, crowding, and inaccurate times.

Sponsor tracking & merch sales
Sponsors demand lead data; the shoe booth doesn’t know how many discount codes were redeemed.

Cold post-race follow-up
Results are posted in a PDF three days later, missing the window to upsell entries to future races.

The Solution — Fanz for Races

1. One-click, multi-distance registration

• 5K, 10K, Half, Full—one checkout. Estimated time filter recommends the right corral.

  
  

2. Extended RSVP & medical validation

• Upload medical certificate, T-shirt size, and emergency contact.

• “Injured?” field allows automatic rescheduling for next year’s race.

  
  

3. Flexible payment plans

• Interest-free installments via integrated payment providers; option to reserve spot and pay post-race.

  
  

4. Express kit pickup

• QR in digital wallet; bag scanned and delivered in under 4 seconds.

• Live dashboard shows % kits picked up, freeing staff and reducing costs.

  
  

5. Custom purchase email

• Automatically sends an instruction sheet to the runner.

  
  

6. Sponsor lead capture

• Sponsor booths scan QR, qualify the lead, and send a digital coupon.

• Post-event report includes leads, demographics, and conversions.
  
  

7. Marketing & retention

• Segment “10K finishers under 50 min” and offer them a discounted Half Marathon package.

• Refer-a-Runner program: bring a friend and both get 10% off.

Success Story — Sincronía Deportiva “Gorina Corre 21K/10K/2K Trail”

Over 1,000 runners. Kit pickup lines cut from 90 minutes to just 12. Lifetime value up 25% via referral program. More merch sold before race day.

Call to Action

Ready for a smooth start line and extra revenue?
Book your 15-minute demo, including a full feature video, and run your next race with Fanz.