Can I set up different registration types for a 5k, 10k, and full marathon in the same event?

Yes, Eventbrite allows you to create multiple custom ticket types for a single event. You can set different prices, names, and capacities for each race distance, all managed from one central dashboard.

How can I offer early-bird pricing for my race?

You can easily create an 'Early Bird' ticket type with a lower price. Set it to be available for a limited time or for a specific number of registrations to encourage runners to sign up early.

Is it possible to manage team registrations for our marathon?

Yes, Eventbrite supports group registrations. You can enable this feature to allow a team captain to register and pay for multiple runners at once, which is perfect for corporate or club teams.

How do I handle bib pickup and check-in on race day?

The Eventbrite Organizer app simplifies race day. You can scan the QR code on each runner's ticket—digital or printed—to check them in quickly. This helps manage queues and ensures a smooth start.

How can I make sure all my runners sign a waiver?

You can include a link to your online waiver in the event description and order confirmation email. You can also set up a custom question in the order form requiring attendees to check a box confirming they agree to the waiver.

What are the fees for using Eventbrite for a marathon registration?

Publishing your race on Eventbrite is free. For paid registrations, our fees are typically paid by the attendees. If your event is free for runners, there are no ticketing fees. You can also choose to absorb the fees into the ticket price.

Organize Your Marathon or Endurance Race | Eventbrite

How to Organize & Promote a Marathon or Endurance Race

This guide shows you how to organize a marathon event from start to finish. Use Eventbrite's powerful tools for seamless registration, promotion, and race day management to create an unforgettable experience for your runners.

Your guide to organizing a successful marathon

Planning a marathon involves many moving parts, from securing the route to managing hundreds of runners on the day. A successful race requires meticulous preparation and a solid marathon planning guide to ensure everything runs smoothly for participants and staff.

Key Steps for Marathon Planning:

Define Your Race: Decide on the distance (full marathon, half, 10k), the course, and the date. Work with local authorities to secure all necessary permits for road closures and public space usage well in advance.

Plan for Safety & Logistics: Map out aid stations with water and medical support. Coordinate with local emergency services and plan for key volunteer roles like course marshals, water station staff, and finish line support.

Set Up Seamless Registration: Use Eventbrite to create a professional registration page in minutes. Offer different ticket types for various distances, set up early-bird pricing to drive early sign-ups, and enable team registration options.

Promote Your Race: Reach runners where they are. Use Eventbrite’s email and social media tools to connect with running clubs and past participants. Run targeted Eventbrite Ads to find new runners searching for races in your area.

Eventbrite: your command center for race management

Get the essential tools to manage your marathon registration, promotion, and execution all in one place.

Flexible Race Registration

Create custom registration types for different race lengths, set up timed entry for different start waves, and offer group registration for running teams.

Powerful Promotion Tools

Use our built-in email and social media integrations to reach your running community. Boost visibility with Eventbrite Ads to attract more participants looking for their next challenge.

Smooth Race Day Operations

Use the Eventbrite Organizer app for fast, reliable check-in and bib pickup. Sell last-minute registrations on-site with secure payment options like Tap to Pay.

Why Eventbrite is the winning platform for your marathon

Join the creators who use our tools to sell 67% more tickets and connect with a global community.

A paved running path for a marathon, winding through a beautiful natural landscape.

Reach a Community of Runners

Tap into Eventbrite's global marketplace where millions of active people look for events. About 30% of tickets sold are driven by Eventbrite discovery, connecting you with passionate runners seeking their next race.

An organized bib pickup and registration table at a marathon event before attendees arrive.

Streamline Runner Check-in

Forget long lines at bib pickup. The Eventbrite Organizer app turns your phone into a scanner for QR-code tickets, getting runners checked in quickly so they can focus on their race.

The finish line of a marathon, painted on an empty road, ready for the race.

Manage Registrations with Ease

Set up tiered pricing like early-bird discounts to reward early sign-ups. Create promo codes for running clubs and easily track registration numbers in real time with our comprehensive analytics.

Tools for every mile of your marathon journey

From the moment you announce your race to the final runner crossing the finish line, we provide the support you need as a race day organizer.

A fully stocked water station prepared for runners at a marathon.

Custom Registration Pages

Build a professional event page that highlights your course map, sponsors, and race details. Embed registration directly on your own website with our embedded checkout.

Integrated Marketing

Launch email campaigns and share to social media directly from your dashboard. Use Eventbrite's integration with Facebook and Instagram to promote your event and sell registrations.

Race Day Check-in App

Use the Eventbrite Organizer app on any mobile device to scan tickets and check in runners. Manage volunteers and sell on-site registrations seamlessly.

Real-time Analytics

Track your registration progress with easy-to-read reports. See where your runners are coming from to optimize your endurance race promotion strategy and grow your event year after year.

21% of our ticket sales are driven by Eventbrite’s Marketplace. And we saw a 52% jump in average daily ticket sales in four days running an Eventbrite Ads Campaign.Morgan Kilduff, Linganore Wine Cellars

Our attendance tripled from 5,000 to 15,000 in one year, powered by Eventbrite’s marketplace distribution and growth tools.Marcus Hammond, Black Food Truck Festival

[Eventbrite’s] been very helpful. We’re Eventbrite for life. It made it really easy, which is key because we’re independent. We think of Eventbrite as our ticketing hook.Scott Hachey, Beanstalk Music & Mountains Festival

Frequently asked questions

Ready to get your marathon on the starting line?

Create your race registration page, start promoting to our global community of runners, and make your next endurance race a sold-out success. Get started for free.