RunSignup, the registration provider for U.S. endurance events, produced its Q1 market assessment and business update. Overall, the data showed that the industry had fewer planned events, and participants were trending toward delayed registrations.
With the market continuing to consolidate, RunSignup said it has increased its market share to approximately 35-to-40 percent, a ten percent increase since the pandemic began. RunSignup expects the market will lag in the coming months but is well-positioned to continue market growth in 2022.
Compared to 2019, the endurance event industry reports a 22 percent reduction in planned events for 2022. RunSignup’s registration reports also show a decrease in events during December and January due to the Omnicron variant. However, there was a resurgence in February as COVID cases decreased.
RunSignup reported that the Outdoor Industry faces fewer
available events and hesitancy in participants registering early for events.
“Many participants are waiting to register for events whereas previously they would register far in advance to take advantage of early registration discounts. This typical early registration creates a networking opportunity where participants encourage others to join them in the event. However, the trend toward delayed registration means there is less of a window for this organic registration growth. We recommend event organizers do more advanced promotion and incentives for early registration to help increase attendance,” said Bob Bickel, CEO and Founder, RunSignup.
The industry is facing the challenge that many events have been canceled during the last two years due to the pandemic, which created a disconnect of enthusiasm. Events that come back after will need to promote more heavily to re-engage with participants and volunteers.
The endurance event registration industry in the U.S. has experienced market consolidation accelerated due to the challenges imposed by the pandemic. Several providers went out of business or have recently sold to other organizations. Despite the headwinds, RunSignup issued a Q1 2022 update and reported a 22 percent increase in events in Q1.
RunSignup recently acquired Lightbox Registrations.
