Meeting with the Race Directors

This past Thursday, I met with the race directors of the Detroit Free Press Marathon to inform them of my project and ask them questions that would help in the development of my project as well as understanding different aspects of the race, I might not have known otherwise.

In preparation for my meeting with them, I created a rough presentation that defined the race, the objectives I hope to accomplish, my inspiration, and a couple versions of preliminary designs in order to show them in what direction I plan on heading.

Here is what I presented to them on Thursday:

The insight that Rich and Brian were able to provide was very interesting and will be very helpful as I continue the development of this project. Here are some key things that I learned during the meeting:

• Current Promotion: Created race program and sent it out to past participants, sent it to running stores all over the countries, handed out at other race expos. They sent postcards to states that were farther away. One huge promotional benefit they have is having the Detroit Free Press and all of its products at its disposal. They can also use ad space in other newspapers (like USA Today) at a discounted rate.
• Capacity: 21,000-21,500. A couple things that restrict the number of participants are the use of the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel; This is because there will ALWAYS be construction on the bridge and they need to reopen the tunnel at 10am. 
• No International: Not exactly sure of the reason for the drop of international but don't feel like it is necessary to have it in the title. Already established as an international race. Over the last couple of years, they had been experiencing an identity crisis. People weren't exactly sure what the race was called. They are trying to establish a sense of place (Detroit) and cohesive branding. 
• Fastest Growing Race: Stat was specifically about the Marathon distance. Not necessarily the fastest growing still.
• Detroit's Bad Reputation: It affects the race somewhat. They mentioned that they hear people say that they won't run Detroit because they don't want to get shot. 
• Destination Marathon: As we talked, it seems like they share my views that Detroit can, if it already isn't considered, become a destination race. It has all the elements needed to be considered a great race.

Here are some other aspects of our discussion I found interesting:

• Race is continuing to grow but the current goal is to create a sense of urgency. Make people want to sign up early. 
• They try and treat everyone the same. All runners get the same benefits.
• Runner's World voted the Underwater Mile (through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel) one of the 26 Most Interesting Miles.
• Competitor's magazine voted it the "Best Marathon for First Timers".
• Race has ability to showcase city.
• Most downtown stores and attractions embrace the race.
• It seems to always be a grass-roots race and that it what is so great about it.
• The race is an ambassador for the city, a part of its renaissance.
• Create a sense of place, sum up Detroit, make it all about the city.
• Event is organized around "just finishing".

It was a great experience to talk with them about the race and hear a different point of view than what I am use to. I have run so many races, it was nice to understand the thought that goes in to putting something like this on. I believe the information I have gained from meeting with them will prove very beneficial in the coming months. 

Goals for Week of 11/8 - 11/14

• Use insight from meeting to continue to sketch poster ideas, develop campaign guidelines.
• Research Diego Riviera and Olympic Posters.
• Continue to research Detroit, Windsor, Marketing strategy, and early 20th century design.