The Category Setup tool is used to create categories for which participants register.

For example, many running events include a 5K and a 10K, or offer different prices for youth and/or senior participants. Many cycling events include Cat 1, Cat 2, Cat 3/4, and Cat 5/Novice categories with different start times.

Even if your event is just a single race with one price, you’ll still need to set up at least one category in order to collect registrations.

Setting Up a Category

1. Log in to your Event Director account and select your event from the event list.

2. Go to Event Setup > Category Setup.                                                       

3. Click the Add Category button.

4. In the General section, enter the category name, entry fee, and start time. This is the minimum required information, all other fields are optional. If the category is free, enter $0 as the entry fee.

5. Scroll down to Additional Details and toggle on any additional settings as needed.Options include: Restrictions, Sanctioning Bodies, Fee Schedule/Block Pricing, Age-Based Pricing, Team Setup, Series Setup, Waitlist, and Custom Questions.

6. Click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the page.

Tip: Events with multiple categories, such as cycling road races, can use the “Copy from Existing Category” feature in the grey box at the top of any new category window.

If your event spans multiple dates, be sure to set the Category Dates for each category.

Editing Existing Categories

Click the Edit button to the right of the category you wish to update

Bulk Editing Categories

If you need to update multiple categories at once (e.g., to adjust fees), follow these steps or watch this video for further explanation:

1. Select the categories to update by checking the boxes to the left of each category.

2. Click the Edit Selected Categories button.

3. Check off the box next to the field you wish to edit. Only those fields will apply the update.

Creating Category Groups

For events with many categories, use Category Groups to help participants find the right option. This helps keep your categories organized and improves the participant experience.

1. Click Add Group.

2. Enter the Group Name.

3. Enter the Group Entry Limit (optional).
4. Adjust the collapsibility settings.
5. Save.

6. Drag and drop categories into the correct groups.