US Trail Running Conference Empowers Race Directors with Project Management Tools

September 11, 2025

Industry experts share solutions to boost efficiency in race organization

September 11, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The US Trail Running Conference’s RD Master Class webinar series, presented by Marathon Printing, Inc., wrapped up on August 26, with valuable insights into the latest project management tools available for Race Directors and Event Organizers. The session, titled Mastering Project Management Tools, featured industry experts Maria Vargas (SPARC for Sports) and Mandy Mullen (Miles Beyond) as panelists.

Maria Vargas discussed how SPARC for Sports can assist with developing effective marketing strategies. “Marketing can be challenging—juggling permits, race registrations, volunteer coordination, and more,” she explained. “We designed a framework that streamlines communications, helping race directors maintain a consistent, year-round messaging platform across all stakeholders. Think of it as training for the finish line—just as preparation gets you to the end, a solid marketing strategy ensures you reach participants and partners effectively.”

Mullen shared her experience with Miles Beyond, highlighting their use of Monday.com as a project management platform. “While I still use Google Drive and spreadsheets occasionally, Monday.com serves as our primary task management tool,” she said. “I developed a race template that covers everything needed—from standard operating procedures (SOPs) to task timelines. When creating a new race, I simply duplicate the template and customize it for that event. It’s made coordinating responsibilities much more efficient.”

Audience questions sparked further discussion. Subjects ranged from whether SPARC creates content or provides guidelines, to the mobile-friendliness of Monday.com for managing tasks on-the-go.

Here is a link to a recording of this session on YouTube: 2025 USTRC RD Master Class – Project Management

The RD Master Class webinar series is open to all race directors and event organizers and is held in collaboration with the American Trail Running Association. The recent session saw 56 registrants from 21 states as well as Canada, Vietnam, and the Azores, demonstrating the series’ broad reach.

The final webinar of the 2025 series, titled Mastering Course, Volunteer, and Runner Communication, will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. MST. Featuring expert panelists Christian Saucedo (Endurance HQ) and Rob Goyen (UltraSignup), this session will offer insights into leveraging the latest technology to streamline communications and improve race operations.

Registration costs $15 for the full nine-session series or $5 per individual session. Registrants that register ahead of the final session will receive recordings of previous sessions. Sign up now at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=123297.

More information:
Visit https://ustrailrunningconference.com/webinar-series/ for details on the conference and series.
For further inquiries, contact Event Director Terry Chiplin at terry@ustrailrunningconference.com or +33 06 79 76 31 53.

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