RunSignUp vs. RaceID – Compare Event Management Systems
Article updated 12 April 2024.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at two popular event management systems: RaceID and RunSignUp. We’ll compare features, pricing, user interfaces, customer support, and participant experiences to help you make an informed decision.
As you may know, it is us from RaceID who are writing this article. Our aim is to keep this article neutral as we want you to evaluate all your options and find the tool that works best for your race.
About RaceID
RaceID (yes, that is us!) is a quite new company on the market that focuses on creating outstanding participant experiences while offering a modern and easy-to-use EMS system for organizers. Manage all your needs related to your race and participant data, increase revenue with smart tools and extras and impress your participants with a superior digital experience.
About RunSignUp
RunSignUp is another robust event management platform that caters to various types of events, including running races, triathlons, and endurance events. It offers a comprehensive suite of features to help organizers with registration, promotion, and race day logistics. RunSignUp is an American registration platform. They currently have the largest market share in the US when it comes to race registration and are a popular choice for many races in different sports, despite the name that indicates a focus on running races.
Feature Comparison
Both RaceID and RunSignUp are comprehensive event management platforms and offer what you would expect as a race organizer. Common features are:
- Organizer platform
- Individual and Team/Group registrations
- Merchandise, donations and add-ons when signing up
- Bib start number allocation
- Add manual entries
- Event duplication
- Automatic start lists
- Automatic tier price changes by date
- Let participants edit and transfer registrations
- Update your event page and event information
- Import registrations and specific field answers
- See an overview of registrations per distance
- Access and export all your participant data
- Set dates for registration opening times or turn on/off manually
- Multi-currency online payments
- Refunds
- Periodic payment to organizers
- Discount codes
- Scheduled emailing
- Links to your social media & website
- Secure Payments
- Timekeeping app
Unique Features of RunSignUp
The following features are exclusive for the RunSignUp platform:
- Brand your race page with logos and more
- Customizable race website for your organization
- Fundraising and donation features (through GiveSignUp)
- Photo platform
- App for race day; RaceDay CheckIn App
- Built-in bib management tool
- Built-in corral management tool
- App for race day: RaceJoy (certified chip-timers can connect)
- Referral program
- Features for clubs and membership management
Features RunSignUp: https://info.runsignup.com/products/registration/
RaceID Unique Features
The following features are unique for the RaceID Platform:
- RaceID Participant App
- RaceID Timing App
- Customizable Race Page visible in event calendar on app & website
- Smart Registration Links (to track campaign performance and give out unique offers)
- Comprehensive financial reports – export with one click
- Organizer Newsletter
- Marketing Packages
- RaceID Knowledge Base and Organizer Articles
- Languages for participants and race page: available in English, French, German, Swedish, Spanish and Italian
- Send push notifications to participants through the app
- Offer Refund protect insurance to your racers
- Connect RaceID to any software or app with Zapier integration
Features – Summary
As shown in the lists above, RaceID and RunSignUp are similar in many ways. Although, a few features stand out in each platform. RunSignUp is larger and have more clients, and has a robust offer of many different services – what stands out is their comprehensive funding platform (Givesignup), the race day check-in app as well as the possibility to manage your club and memberships. On the other hand, RaceID caters to international races by offering full translations for all the race information and the registration process for participants. With RaceID, you can also benefit from the RaceID app and the large community of race participants on the platform, in which you can promote your race with marketing packages.
Price Comparison
Pricing for event management systems can vary based on the scale and needs of your event. Both RaceID and RunSignUp offer pricing tiers that cater to different requirements. Pricing often includes transaction fees and additional costs for extra features. To determine which is more cost-effective for your event, it’s essential to compare pricing based on your specific needs.
Let’s break down both companies’ pricing below and give some examples:
RaceID Pricing: $1 + 6% of each registration
RunSignUp Pricing: $1 + 6% per registration (for all registration fees up to $249.99). RunSignUp gets cheaper if your registration fee is $250 or over, see the pricing chart below:
In both the RaceID and the RunSignUp pricing, card and payment processing fees are included.
Let’s apply this to a race with 500 participants and a $50 registration fee, this is the total cost for both companies:
$2000 ($4 per participant)
The price point is the same. Remember though, if you have a large race with an expensive entry fee, RunSignUp will be cheaper for you as you can take advantage of the reduced percentage charge. You will need to value the price against the features you need to select your optimal registration platform.
Interface and Ease of Use Comparison
Both platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, but your preference may depend on your familiarity with their layouts. RaceID focuses on simplicity and intuitive design, making it accessible for users of all tech levels. RunSignUp offers a more comprehensive array of features, which can be beneficial for larger, complex events but may have a steeper learning curve.
Both platforms are very easy to log into and create an account as well as your first race. We have to say that RunSIgnUp makes it the easiest for you to create a new race from scratch, with a handy guide with clear steps for each thing you need to go through.
See screenshots of each of the interfaces below.
RunSignUp:
RaceID:
Customer Support Comparison
Both RaceID and RunSignUp provide customer support through various channels. With RaceID, you can access support through both email and chat. You can also connect easily with your account manager, just a a phone call away.
For RunSignUp, we could not find any general contact number or chat for support on the website or their support knowledge base. You can book a sales call on the website, so it could probably be possible to get connected to a dedicated support person once you become a customer.
To see for yourself, consider reaching out to both companies with your questions and concerns to assess the level of assistance.
Participant Experience Comparison
Ultimately, the success of your event depends on the experience of your participants. Both platforms offer tools for creating a smooth participant experience, such as easy registration and access to event information. RaceID’s App, calendar and profile system may enhance participant experience when registering, while RunSignUp’s check-in app and other features can provide convenience on race day.
Screenshots of the participant interface for RunSignUp:
Screenshots of the participant experience for RaceID:
The actual race page of RunSignUp is excellent, as all information about each race is collected on its own little website with a clear menu at the top. As a participant, it is easy to find everything you are looking for:
Also for RaceID, you have a convenient overview of all the race information and available registration options:
Another important aspect of the participant experience is apps, which both RunSignUp and RaceID offers. For the purpose of this comparison, we have not made an in-depth review of the apps – please explore them further via the links below:
Runsignup Race Day App: https://info.runsignup.com/products/raceday/raceday-checkin-app/
RaceID Participant App on iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/raceid/id1532706481
RaceID Participant App on Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.raceid.app&hl=en_US&gl=US
All in all, we must say that both platforms offer an excellent participant experience in terms of the ease of registration and available self-service features for users. Summing up, it is a tie between the two – whichever platform you choose, you will surely give your participants an excellent first impression and digital experience.
Conclusion: Should You Choose RaceID or RunSignUp?
The choice between RaceID and RunSignUp depends on your specific event needs and preferences. However, we can draw some general considerations from the review above.
Choose RaceID if you prioritize the participant experience. RaceID is also a wise choice if you are an international race and want to offer participants to register in various languages. You should opt for RunSignUp if you require more advanced registration and timing services, an intricate system for fundraising or a comprehensive suite of features for larger events. RunSignUp may be more suited for very large events, and especially if you are an event that is based in the US.
In either case, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate the pricing structures and request demos to see which platform aligns best with your event goals. Ultimately, both RaceID and RunSignUp have proven track records in event management, ensuring your event will be in capable hands. Now, it is up to you to pick the tool that you think serves you and your participants the best. Good luck!
