Email Notifications & Nudges

Overview

Racery sends automated emails throughout a race to keep participants engaged. These "nudges" — grounded in behavioral science — are one of the most effective tools for sustaining participation over multi-week races.

Daily Emails

Each morning, participants receive an automated email that includes:

• Leaderboard standings (individual and team)
• Recent activity highlights from fellow racers
• New donations (for fundraising races) displayed at the top
• Reminders to log activity
• Notices when other racers pass them on the virtual route

These daily touchpoints keep the race top-of-mind without requiring participants to actively check the race page.

The Science of Nudges

Nudge theory, popularized by economists Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein in 2008, shows that simple reminders have an outsized positive impact on healthy behaviors:

• A 2007 study found computerized calls to nonathletes boosted fitness activities by 33% over 12 months
• A 2017 study found that a simple sign prompting people to take the stairs nearly quadrupled the odds they would skip the elevator
• A 2018 study on virtual races found that step counts fell more than 30% when text reminders were inadvertently turned off

Sponsor Email Blasts

Beyond the automated daily emails, sponsors can send custom emails using two dashboard tools:

• Announcement Email dashboard: Schedule emails on a specific date. Can target all racers, specific teams, team captains, or challenge award recipients.
• Milestone Email dashboard: Trigger emails when a racer hits a distance milestone (e.g., 50 miles, 100 miles).

Use these for mid-race encouragement, educational content, or event announcements.

Registration Email Customization

Each race sends a registration confirmation email (the “bib email”) to new participants. This email includes a custom welcome section at the top, followed by standard tips (bib download, login passcode, Strava setup, social sharing links, and FAQ).

Customization Workflow

Sponsors can customize the welcome section of their registration email:

1. Racery shares a Google Doc with the sponsor containing the current email template
2. The sponsor edits the copy — adding welcome text, incentive details, coupon codes, conversion chart links, merchandise links, or other custom content
3. Racery uploads the finalized copy as the registration email template for the race
4. Racery can send a test preview using an existing registration so the sponsor can review before the race launches

Standard Bib Email Content

Every registration email automatically includes:

• Race start date and links (race page, iOS app, Android app)
• Downloadable bib image (PNG, shareable and printable)
• Login passcode (auto-generated 4-digit code)
• Profile link (racery.com/<nickname>)
• Race invite link for sharing with others
• Strava connection instructions (if enabled)
• Private team invite link (if applicable)
• Fundraising links (if charity race)
• Social sharing templates (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)

Best Practices

• Don't over-send: The automated daily emails already provide consistent nudges — supplement with blasts sparingly
• Time it right: Mid-race energy often dips around the halfway point — a well-timed sponsor blast can re-energize participation
• Add content value: Include educational facts, team shoutouts, or fun challenges alongside standard reminders

Next Steps