Frequently Asked Questions | Event Resources

Q: Which race package is right for me?
A: It can be hard to know which package is right. That’s why you’ll want to complete our Ready to Race form included in this Packet of Information that you received from GAME. From that information, our event specialists will be able to match your fundraising goals to the right package.
 
Q: How much does a race cost?
A: Race prices vary based on the size of the event you are planning. Check out our Race Packages for details.

Q: Do I have to pay the race fee up front?
A: No, the only money that is required is a $500 signing fee on 5K and 10K Derby Duck and Turbo Turtle Races.

Q: When do we start talking to Sponsors?
A: You can have preliminary discussions, but without our Flock of Information manual and GAME's assistance in crafting a proposal, you'll want to wait until you have this and your media Sponsorship lined up.

Q: How does GAME help us with Media and Sponsors?
A: GAME assists in many ways with sample proposals, training during our seminars, examples from other successful events, and a strategy and timeline to follow.

Q: How many volunteers do we need?
A: There are two types of volunteers.  First, along with one “Head Duck”, you will need a committee of 3-5 key Chairs for Sponsorship, Sales, Logistics, etc.  Then, once Adoption Papers hit the street, a “sales force” of 20 or more (preferably 50) committed volunteers help to take the risk out of waiting until the last week of adoption sales.

Q: What happens if I need more ducks or turtles (characters)?
A: If you need more characters, NO PROBLEM!  GAME can always provide you with more characters.

Q: What if I don’t adopt all the characters?
A: Many of our racers are racing tens of thousands, even a hundred thousand or more characters per race! If you do fall short on adoptions, we still recommend that you race them all.

Q: Can I switch race packages?
A: Yes, we have conversion packages that give you incentives to upgrade from a Mini Race to a 5K, a 10K, or even more.

Q: How many people does it take to run a race?
A: This depends on the size of your race, your expected attendance and the activities you have planned. Thank goodness for the GAME Plan How-To Guide, which you will receive when you purchase the package. It tells you exactly what you’ll need to staff your event. The Mini Race Manual tells you what you’ll need for small events.

Q: How do I get the characters in the water?
A: Ah! That’s the fun part. We’ve seen them dumped from trucks and bridges, and even hoisted up in containers with a crane and dumped. It’s really up to you. The wackier, the better! P.S. - The media loves this part!

Q: What if there is a tie?
A: One character is always the winner thanks to a proprietary Character Trap that channels the leader to the finish line.

Q: How do I announce the winner?
A: Some races announce the winner in grand style with loudspeakers, flashbulbs and media coverage. We say go for it! That means more publicity for your organization.

Q: How do I plan a race?
A: Call GAME and we'll provide you with everything you need to plan the race. You can even attend one of our Regional Racer Seminars and become an instant expert.

Q: Is it difficult to plan a duck race?
A: The level of difficulty can depend, in large part, to your staff’s level of enthusiasm and skill set.  That’s why we're here. We provide everything you need, including one-on-one support, so that your race is a huge success.

Q: What if I need help?
A: We expect that anyone planning a large race will need help.  GAME has been doing very high-end signature races for 15 years.  With that experience comes our Event Specialists, who are available round-the-clock, every day, to help you.  You’re never alone with your planning and preparation efforts.

Q: Do I have to purchase the characters?
A: For the 5K  and 10K race packages, you lease the characters. When you purchase a Mini Race Package, you purchase the Turbo Turtles and can use them again and again, or give them away as souvenirs.

Q: How are the characters shipped?
A: They are sent via a freight carrier from our warehouse in Glendale, AZ, or from another race city. Our traveling "flock" covers thousands of miles during any given race season.

Q: Do I need permission to use a public waterway?
A: In most cases, particularly for large events, you will need permission to use rivers, lakes, canals, etc.  In our GAME Plan How-To Guide, you’ll learn what it takes to gain the necessary permits to hold a Derby Duck or Turbo Turtle Race.

Q: How do I keep track of adoptions?
A: Large races come with our QuackTrack or TurtleTrack software for tracking all adoptions. For Mini Races, you’ll receive step-by-step instructions and tracking forms. Follow our formula for success and you will adopt a lot of characters and have a lot of proud adoptive parents!

Q: How do I track the money collected?
A: Just like tracking adoptions, our software application tracks your receivables. Mini Racers, there are forms for that, too.

Q: How do I secure sponsors?
A: Fundraising and sponsorships go hand-in-hand.  We have in-house "experts" who will walk you through the process of securing corporate sponsors for your race.

Q: How do I promote the race?
A: There are an unlimited number of ways to promote a race. Our how-to manuals give you dozens of ideas and a promotional game plan that has been proven successful time and time again.

Q: How do I sell adoptions?
A: With media, sponsorship and promotions, your “sales force” (volunteers, board and staff) will have an easier time with hand-to-hand sales and making an impact with donors.  Many adoptions are made from our Point of Purchase stands, but the majority will come from your volunteers.

Q: How do I get the media interested?
A: Derby Ducks and Turbo Turtles on public waterways are quite a spectacle, so the media is usually very interested, particularly in the large citywide races. 5K and 10K race packages come with a media kit that you can use to communicate your event to the media.