10 Things Every Great Race Video Should Include (With Examples)

When creating a standout race video, capturing the energy, emotion, and spirit of the day is key. Here are the essential elements you’ll want to include to make a video that truly resonates with participants and get them eager to sign up for your next edition. 

1. Show the Ambiance Around the Race

The atmosphere is one of the most important parts of a race. Show the excitement building up before the start – the runners warming up, chatting, and mentally preparing for what’s ahead. This sets the tone for the whole video and gets viewers invested in the journey before the race even begins. Capturing this buildup gives the audience a sense of anticipation and helps them feel like they’re part of the action.

2. Show the Racers and Highlight Real Emotions

To make your video stand out, focus on capturing genuine emotions. Avoid staged or overly dramatic moments and instead show participants’ authentic feelings – the sweat, the struggle, and the triumph. Show how hard the race is and how rewarding it feels to overcome the challenge. One of the most powerful moments to capture is the finish line. That combination of exhaustion, relief, pride, and joy when runners hug their loved ones, take a breath, and soak in their accomplishments is pure gold for storytelling.

Also, make sure you show both elite racers, the middle bunch and the slower racers, to appeal to your entire audience. 

3. Feature the Spectators

The crowd’s energy is a vital part of any race event, and it’s important to showcase how spectators enhance the experience. Highlight the cheers, the signs, and the shared excitement as the runners pass by. Whether it’s friends and family or enthusiastic locals, the support from the crowd adds another layer of intensity to the race. Showing this interaction between runners and spectators brings warmth and community spirit to the video, reminding viewers that a race is about more than just running.

4. Show Off the Surroundings

The location of the race is just as important as the runners themselves. Whether it’s a city skyline, coastal trail, or a mountainous landscape, the surroundings add context and visual appeal to the video.  If you can – use drone shots to offer sweeping views of the course, showing off the terrain and natural beauty, or even the urban charm. These shots are perfect for setting the scene and making your video look cinematic. Viewers love to see where the race takes place, and it adds a sense of adventure to the story.

5. Include Key Facts

Amid all the visuals, don’t forget to weave in some basic details. Adding text overlays with the race name, date, and location helps ground the video and gives it context. These facts let viewers know when and where the event is taking place and make it easier for those interested in participating next time. It’s a simple but important element that ensures the video serves both as a highlight reel and as a tool for driving registrations. 

6. Use Real Comments from Racers

Hearing directly from the participants themselves is a great way to make your video feels personal and relatable. You don’t need lengthy interviews – just quick, honest comments from runners before they start and after they finish can add a lot of value. These brief snippets give insight into the experience, from the pre-race nerves to the post-race satisfaction. Including this raw, unscripted feedback keeps the video grounded and adds authenticity that resonates with viewers.

7. Add Music That Matches the Mood

Choosing the right music can make or break your video. The soundtrack should complement the visuals, enhancing the emotions you’re trying to convey. For example, use upbeat, high-energy music during the race itself to match the action, and switch to a softer, more emotional track for the finish line and post-race moments. A well-chosen soundtrack amplifies the viewer’s emotional connection to the event and helps tell a more compelling story.

8. Keep It Short and Punchy

In the age of social media, shorter videos tend to perform better. Aim for a video that’s no longer than two minutes, focusing on key highlights and emotional moments. Keeping it short ensures that viewers stay engaged throughout, without skipping or losing interest. A concise video with sharp edits packs a punch and leaves the audience wanting more, which is exactly what you want when promoting future events.

However, a longer video that is made well can also be useful, especially if you build up excitement of releasing a race video after each race. 

9. Use Slow-Motion Strategically

Slow-motion shots can add drama and emphasis to specific moments, but use them wisely. Think about the most impactful parts of the race, like a final sprint to the finish or a runner’s moment of triumph when they cross the line. These are perfect opportunities for slow motion. It adds a cinematic touch and allows viewers to savor these powerful moments. Just be careful not to overuse it – too much slow motion can slow down the pace of the video and make it feel drawn out.

10. End with a Call to Action

If the goal of your video is to encourage viewers to sign up for next year’s race, don’t forget a clear and simple call to action at the end. A message like “Join us next year!” along with a link or QR code to the registration page can motivate viewers to take that next step. The ending should feel just as strong as the rest of the video, leaving a lasting impression and prompting action.

By focusing on these key aspects, your race event video will not only capture the day’s highlights but also connect with viewers on a deeper level, inspiring them to experience the race for themselves next time.

Need help making your video? Check out this guide or watch the video below on how you easily can make a professional-looking video yourself with the tool Canva. 

Examples of Great Race Videos

ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championships

Here is an excellent example of how you can build emotion around the race by showing the preparation, behind the scenes and the people in the race. You get goosebumps just the first few scenes! The music in this video is also excellent, truly matching the mood in each part of the video. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHGY5t9Vi48

ÖTILLÖ makes a lot of great videos – check out their YouTube channel for more info. 

El Cruce Cancun 

This open water swimming race is doing a great job of playing with emotions and featuring the unique aspects of the race in their video: blue waters, the mystic Mayan culture and a fantastic ambience. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsa0U4nkMls

EcoTrail Stockholm 

This video is shorter and features the race very well as a happy family event, as well as a great job of showcasing behin the scenes and views of the fantastic course. 

https://www.facebook.com/EcotrailStockholm/videos/1555092865389380 

Bonus tips

Here are a few additional tips for when you plan and make your video that you might want to think about. 

• Make several versions of your video – vertical, horizontal to use in different networks 
• Make a version with no text or dates, that you can use for several years
• Use your video to feature your sponsors (tastefully) 

Good luck with your filming and editing! If you need guidance on how to get started, check this guide.