We all experience the call of nature: it is an inevitability, the sine qua non of the human condition, and, quite frankly, an inconvenience at times.
So how do you deal with it as a running race organizer? The most obvious answer is using temporary toilets for races. However, it is not always so black and white.
Running of the port-a-potties comes with a number of pitfalls and nuances. This article provides insights into this sensitive subject and offers recommendations for solving your runners’ toilet needs.
How Many Temporary Restrooms to Use?
The first concern many race directors face is the number of portable toilets they need. According to some event guidelines, you should have 1 toilet for every 60 guests.
While this works great for other events, running events are unique because the toilet usage is not spread out throughout the whole event but concentrated, with over three-quarters of your runners going at the start.
According to various race directors, the recommended ratio fluctuates between 1:10 (high-end) and 1:100 (low-end). The London Marathon uses a 1:25 ratio, and the organizers of the Boston Marathon abide by the 1:50 ratio.
The ratio is up to you; smaller events can generally get by with a higher ratio of runners to facilities. However, there are a few other factors to consider:
- You will need more toilet units if you have more female participants.
- Hot weather and other conditions that cause participants to drink more require more units.
- The longer the participants are at the start area, the more they will use the toilets. Plan for this if you want to have a lengthy pre-race ceremony.
- If there are existing toilet facilities at the venue, make sure your attendees can access them. This will take the load off your event’s infrastructure.
- You can utilize separate portable urinals to reduce the load on your port-a-potties.
- As with all race purchases, buy 10% more than you need to have a contingency in case some toilets break or become otherwise unusable.
Where and How to Position Your Portable Toilets for Marathons?
The most obvious position is at the start of your race. Place them within a reasonable distance from the start line marked well with signs.
If you are organizing a half marathon or a longer race, port-a-potties along the course are a must. Space your toilet clusters every 5 km and include 1 toilet per 200 participants.
Alternatively, you can put your toilets right next to your aid stations. Regardless, ensure the doors are facing away from the course, lest you want your runners to crash into each other as they exit after doing the deed.
Finally, if you are doing a point-to-point race, consider putting some toilets at the finish line. The number of toilets depends on your race. If you do not plan on holding a lengthy post-race celebration, you can get away with installing fewer port-a-potties since the runners will trickle into the finish line.
Another great way to maximize your toilet utilization is by optimizing the queues. There are currently three ways to organize the lines to port-a-potties:
- Setting port-a-potties in a single line and having participants queue for each unit. This is the most hands-off method. However, it is also the least effective, as it will inevitably prevent some units from being used. The queues to some toilets will grow while others will remain empty.
- Setting port-a-potties in a single line with a single queue for every port-a-potty. This is a slightly better choice. It will keep some units from being overcrowded and others from going unused. However, there is still a possibility that some toilets may be overlooked by participants, effectively permanently reducing the number of available toilet facilities.
- Setting port-a-potties in clusters of 5–8 units with one queue per cluster. This is the most optimal way to optimize toilet usage. It keeps all toilets in sight of runners, ensuring they are all utilized evenly. You can set them in straight lines leaving a few feet between each cluster, or place them in a C- or U-shape as the London Marathon does.
The Cost of Temporary Toilets for Run Races
According to many rental companies, the national average for renting portable restrooms for your marathon is $150/week per unit. However, this price can decrease if ordered in bulk, and you might get discounts if you have a long-term partnership with the supplier. The cost can drop to $40 to $125 per unit.
Other Port-a-Potty Tips and Tricks
After you have solved the major problems, let us iron out the details. Here are some miscellaneous tips and tricks to keep in mind when managing portable toilets:
- Always buy additional toilet paper. Portable toilets usually come with some rolls prepared, but you never know how much toilet paper will get used. If possible, assign someone to occasionally check the toilets and refresh the toilet supplies—bonus points for additional supplies, like soap.
- Prepare in advance. The delivery time for port-a-potties is roughly 1–2 months after placing an order, and by that time, you might not know how many participants you will have. Talk to your vendor about options for adjusting your orders before delivery.
- Retrieve them immediately after the race. As soon as the race is over, have the toilets taken away. Nobody wants to see them after the event.
- Zip them up. Portable toilets typically get delivered the night before the event. To ensure they remain unused, zip them up for the night and cut the zip ties as a part of your morning preparation.
- Put trash bins nearby. Port-a-potties usually get littered with random junk that is not toilet-related. Putting a few trash bins nearby will give you more time before you need to empty the trash receptacles and is generally seen as a thoughtful gesture by toilet rental companies.
- Ask your friends. If you want to know whose services to use or what other pitfalls you might encounter at your location, call other local race directors and ask them. They will tell you all the dirty details.
Conclusion
Managing the toilet needs of your runners is just one of the responsibilities of a race director, but it is arguably one of the most important. Do it poorly, and you will get blasted. Do it well, and it will significantly enhance the experience of everyone involved. If this is your first time organizing a race, we recommend checking out our complete race director’s checklist.