Internal data from RunSignup shows an improving outlook for the race registration market. Year-over-year transactions exceed 2019 numbers for the first time since March 2020, with increases in the number of events renewing for 2021 and the number of new events on the platform.

Spring 2021 Registration Market Analysis, a biannual effort to evaluate the state of the endurance market, also found Alexa rankings of web traffic indicate that most registration platforms have seen a rebound compared to Fall 2020, but that all platforms still lag behind its March 2019 rankings.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, many traditional data sources and measurements are less reliable than usual, but website rankings, acquisitions and public data provide some insight into the market.

A look at acquisitions, annual reports and public statements filled in some details shaping the endurance market.

  • More Acquisitions and Consolidation: Following on the heels of acquisitions and mergers involving Race Roster, Enmotive, GetMeRegistered RaceWire, ImAthlete, and others, BikeReg was acquired by POM in a merger that included a rebrand as Outdoor. Atiba also acquired UltraSignup.
  • Live Events Return: Endurance events pivoted to virtual and hybrid models faster and effectively than other forms of live events; however, signs of recovery at Eventbrite, including an increase in stock prices from less than $6 a share to approximately $24 per share, suggest optimism with a return of live events.
  • Large Events Return: Large events were hit especially hard last year, but many are planning a return this year. Haku, which focuses on custom solutions for large customers, saw a bounce in its Alexa ranking since the fall with an expectation for continued improvement.
  • Changing Focus: With GetMeRegistered and RaceWire (owned by Stack Sports) falling off the Alexa rankings, its focus seems to have shifted toward other markets, including youth sports. Similarly, Race Roster, recently acquired by ASICS, saw a slight rebound in its Alexa rankings compared to other platforms and appears to have switched its focus from Salesforce integration to promoting ASICS and RunKeeper.

While RunSignup can share detailed numbers relating to its growth, the industry lacks a central data point to reliably determine the full extent of the endurance market or estimate each registration provider’s market share. As events begin to return more consistently, event calendars will make it easier to assess the market’s true shifts. To view the analysis, go here.