VHTRC Runner Survey

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VHTRC Participant Survey Results

Event: Massanutten Mt. Trails 100 Mile
Date: May 14-15, 2011

Thank you to those who participated in our survey of runners in the 2011 Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Miler. Here is a report of the results.

The Survey

We sent a request to participate in the survey to the 195 starters in the 2011 MMT. We received responses from 119 (61%) of the runners.

For each question, there was a required rating response and an optional comment box. We have listed the average rating and the number of each possible response. (See the note at the top of questions 1 to 11 for further explanation.)

We have provided a summary of the comments. To encourage candid responses, we do not make specific comments public.

In the preamble to the survey we said, "we are aware that the parking and the awards ceremony both need improvement," and implied that responders need not bother commenting on those points. Consequently, any absence of comment on these two points should be considered in that light.

All of the raw data has been (or will be) shown to those in management of MMT and the VHTRC board. (As we noted in the survey, no version of the data connects a respondent's name with any response, although a few respondents included their names.) If you responded to the survey, we have heard you.

If you have any question about the survey, or have any further comment, you may e-mail the race director, Kevin Sayers, at kevin.sayers@yahoo.com or the VHTRC president, Alan Gowen, at alangowen@gmail.com.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. We appreciate your time and your opinions.

The VHTRC Board
July 1, 2011

Survey Results

First, a bit about you...: A. Sex:
Male 104 (87%)| Female 15 (13%)
B. Prior 100 mile trail runs completed:
None 24 (20%) | 1-2 29 (24%) | 2-5 27 (23%) | 6 or more 39 (33%)
C. Prior MMT Finisher?
Yes 55 (46%) | No 64 (54%)

: Numbers in red below are the average ratings for each question. Questions 1 to 10 were rated on a three point scale. 1 = Great, 2 = OK, 3 = Needs Improvement. Question 11 was rated on a five point scale. For all questions, a "perfect" score would be 1. The higher the score, the less favorable the rating.

1. The MMT web site was... 1.20: Great 97 (82%) | OK 20 (17%) | Needs Improvement 2 (2%)
Comments:
Generally respondents found the race Web site to be very informative, with several commenting that last minute details would be more useful if posted earlier, and that any changes from the previous year's race should be highlighted so that MMT veterans would pick up on them. Runners' splits from previous years, including an update of the 2010 splits to reflect new earlier start time, were particularly popular based on the comments. A couple of commenters felt the site should be better organized.

2. The MMT entry and waiting list procedure was... 1.13: Great 103 (87%) | OK 16 (13%) | Needs Improvement 0 (0%)
Comments:
There were no critical comments, with repeated comments on how fair and transparent the system is and how it should be used by other popular races. At least one comment from a runner who was surprised to get in the field despite being deep in the wait list after the lottery.

3. The quality of the entrant shirt was... 1.53: Great 67 (57%) | OK 40 (34%) | Needs Improvement 11 (9%)
(1 did not answer)
Comments:
Comments were very mixed, with many who liked the color, the quality, and the comments on the back of the race shirt, and others who disliked the black color, the type of shirt, and who dislike the back of the shirt comments. Several also called for long sleeves instead of short sleeves, or referenced previous preferred premiums.

4. The pre-race briefing was... 1.45: Great 53 (58%) | OK 37 (40%) | Needs Improvement 2 (2%)
(26 did not attend and 1 did not answer)
Comments:
Almost all comments were approving of the briefing, along the lines of "short and sweet", brief but informative enough. A couple of runners disapproved of a comment that any runners not having fun should leave the race, and others would like to have the briefing a bit later in afternoon.

5. The pre-race meal on Friday was... 1.55: Great 39 (53%) | OK 29 (39%) | Needs Improvement 6 (8%)
(44 did not attend and 1 did not answer)
Comments:
Some runners commented that the caterer ran out of pasta too early. Most runners who commented on quality liked the food, with one runner suggesting something different as a 'signature' item since the food was standard pre-race fare. One suggestion was that the time of the end of dinner service be posted.

6. The course markings were... 1.28: Great 88 (74%) | OK 29 (24%) | Need Improvement 2 (2%)
Comments:
Mixed comments here, with many finding the markings well-done, and many others suggesting improvements. Most critical comments sought better marking in the latter part of the race (particularly the night sections and the road sections such as Kerns Mt., Crisman Road, the section after Bird Knob, and the Big Run section before Gap Creek II). Several comments were critical of the reflectors.

7. The aid stations were... 1.08: Great 110 (92%) | OK 9 (8%) | Need Improvement 0 (0%)
Comments:
(Please include what you most liked and what you would like to see but didn't at the aid stations.)
More comments here than on any other question. Almost all were very positive, with few critical comments suggesting improvements, primarily for all stations (better hygiene, 1st aid kits, better prep for lead runners and back of pack) or specific stations (more help at Powells and Picnic Area). Lots of specific food requests.

8. The post race food was... 1.48: Great 49 (59%) | OK 28 (34%) | Needs Improvement 6 (7%)
(35 did not attend and 1 did not answer)
Comments:
Mixed comments - many runners thought the post-race food was great, while others commented that they would like to see more veggie options and more ice. Some runners commented that the food ran out too early. Many comments about enjoying the post race festivities, with others not able to comment since they had no appetite to eat at the end.

9. The post race atmosphere was... 1.40: Great 58 (66%) | OK 25 (28%) | Needs Improvement 5 (6%)
(30 did not attend and 1 did not answer)
Comments:
Generally positive comments about finish, aside from the buckle SNAFU. Several positive comments on the finish loop and exhortation/welcome by the RD. Most liked the buckle ceremony occurring while final runners are finishing (but one comment that those runners should still get greeted as they finish). Suggested improvements include moving the port-a-johns closer to the tent.

10. The live updates on the Web were … 1.66: Great 32 (52%) | OK 19 (31%) | Need Improvement 11 (18%)
(57 didn't observe/no opinion)
Comments: (Please note how important the live updates were to your friends and relatives)
Virtually all commenters noted that the updates are important to their family and their "fans." Many commented on slow updates and on incorrect data being posted at one point, but most went on to note that they understood the technical challenges that come with being in this remote area. One commenter suggested use of Twitter.

11. Based on your experience this year, do you want to run the MMT again? 1.63 (based on five point scale): Definitely - 80 (67%)
Probably - 17 (14%)
Might/might not - 11 (9%)
Probably not - 8 (7%)
Definitely not - 3 (3%)
Please tell us why or why not:
Many runners clearly intend to return, and those that don't might be tempted if something could be done about the rocks, if the weather could be guaranteed to be drier, or if the event was closer to their homes.

Overall Comments/Recommendations
Lots of compliments, and many specific suggestions for improvement. A couple of runners preferred the 2010 start/finish, and others preferred the 2011 host tent in the lower field. Several runners suggested a later start to the race, and some runners had not received buckles by the time of the survey. One runner suggested handing out buckles to runners as they finish.