Yes, Epic Sports Marketing has a race referral program. When you register for a race, you get a personal referral link. Share it, and every time enough friends sign up through your link, you get $20 of your entry fee refunded, up to 100% of what you paid.
In other words, bring your people and your race can end up costing you nothing. Here’s exactly how it works.
How does the Epic Sports Marketing referral program work?
It’s simple. There’s nothing to apply for and no separate sign-up.
- You register for your race.
- During registration, you’re automatically assigned a referral link.
- Your link comes in your registration confirmation email from Epic Sports Marketing (not the one from RunSignup).
- Share that link anywhere you like: social media, blogs, group texts, your running club chat.
- Anyone who signs up through your link counts toward a refund of your registration fee.
Where do I find my referral link?
Look for your registration confirmation email from Epic Sports Marketing. That’s where your link lives.
Heads up: you’ll likely get a confirmation from RunSignup too. That one won’t have it. If you can’t find the Epic email, check your spam or promotions folder before anything else.
How much can I earn back with referrals?
It depends on the race distance you registered for. Half marathons need fewer referrals per refund, and shorter races need a few more.
How many referrals do I need for a half marathon refund?
For every 3 people you refer, you’ll be refunded $20 of your half marathon entry fee.
You can repeat that as many times as you want. Refer 3, get $20 back. Refer 6, get $40 back. And so on.
How many referrals do I need for a 5K, 10K or virtual run?
For every 4 people you refer, you’ll be refunded $20 of your entry fee for 5Ks, 10Ks and virtual runs.
Same deal: repeat it as often as you like.
Is there a limit to how much I can earn back?
Yes. You can’t earn back more than 100% of your entry fee. Once your race is fully paid for by your referrals, you’ve hit the max refund.
That’s still a pretty great place to be. Free race, plus your friends are running with you.
Do I get anything extra for referring a lot of people?
Yes. If you refer 10 or more people, you get the refund you’ve earned AS WELL AS a race hoodie.
So if you’re the person who always rallies the group, this is your moment. Your crew gets a race, and you get a hoodie for your trouble.
What are the best ways to share my referral link?
Share it where your running people already hang out. A few ideas that work:
- Post it on social media with a photo from a past race or a training run.
- Drop it in your running club or workout group chat.
- Text it to the friend who keeps saying “I should do a race someday.”
- Put it in your blog or newsletter if you have one.
- Share it with coworkers or family who might want to make it a team day.
Personal beats generic every time. “Run this with me” works way better than a link with no context. Tell people why you’re doing the race and why they’d enjoy it.
Why does a referral program make races better?
Because races are more fun with your people. Training together keeps you accountable, the start line is less nerve-wracking with friends around, and the post-race hang is the best part of the morning.
The refund is a nice bonus. The real win is a bigger, louder finish line crowd that’s there for you.
Can I share my link before my friends decide on a distance?
Sure. Your link is yours to share however you like. Just keep in mind the math above is based on the distance you registered for: 3 referrals per $20 for a half marathon, 4 per $20 for a 5K, 10K or virtual run.
What’s an easy message to send with my link?
Keep it short and personal. Something like:
“Hey, I signed up for this race and I’d love for you to do it with me. Here’s my link. Pick whatever distance works for you and let’s train for it together.”
That’s it. No sales pitch needed. People sign up because a friend asked, not because of an ad.
When should I share my referral link?
Right after you register is the best time, while you’re fired up about it. Then share it again a few weeks out, when friends are starting to make plans. A reminder from you is more powerful than you’d think.
Which races can I use the referral program for?
Referral details show up on our race pages. For example, the Lake Norman Half Marathon Elf Classic page lays out the same idea: register, get your referral code and earn back portions of your entry fee by sharing it.
Coming up soon is the Lake Norman Half Marathon Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in Cornelius, with a half marathon, 10K and 5K. It’s a great one to bring the whole family to. Register, grab your link and start rounding up your crew.
You can also browse the full list of Epic races to find the one your group wants to tackle together. You can do this, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Referral program FAQ
Do I have to sign up separately for the referral program?
No. You’re automatically assigned a referral link when you register for your race.
Why isn’t my referral link in my RunSignup email?
Your link is in the registration confirmation email from Epic Sports Marketing, not the RunSignup one. Check spam or promotions if you don’t see it.
How much do I get back per referral?
For half marathons, $20 back for every 3 people you refer. For 5Ks, 10Ks and virtual runs, $20 back for every 4 people.
Can I earn more than my entry fee?
No. Refunds max out at 100% of your entry fee.
What do I get for referring 10 or more people?
Your earned refund plus a race hoodie.