Tips on Applying to Host a Read & Run on the Road Event
Before you organize your first Read & Run on the Road event, you must obtain a Read & Run OTR license from Read & Run Tours.
You should not plan events, reach out to authors or speakers, or share this information with potential attendees before receiving approval. Before you submit your license application, please read through these instructions thoroughly.
Once you have been granted a license to host Read & Run OTR events, you are required to notify Read & Run Tours of each event you plan to host within your license period by filling out an Read & Run OTR License Holder Event Notification Form (which will be sent to you once you are approved for the license).
You should only begin to take steps to plan your event once approval has been granted.
License application process
The application for a Read & Run on the Road license is online. First, you should get in touch with us to let us know you’re interested. Once we have a preliminary conversation, you can then submit your official license application.
The purpose of this application is to ensure that you understand and will abide by the Read & Run OTR Rules as stipulated in your license agreement. Only applications written in English are reviewed.
Part of the initial license application process asks you to outline the details of the first event you’re planning to host. This allows us to gauge how well you understand the spirit of the program and ensures you are prepared to become a license holder.
Once we have received your application, it will be reviewed on a first-come basis. We review applications within one month of submission. We will update you via email with the approval after your application has been reviewed, and at that point, you can begin to plan the event you submitted in the application.
If you have any questions at any point during the process, please contact Allison@readandruntours.com.
Who should apply
All are welcome to apply, as long as you align with the mission of Read & Run OTR events and know that you will be able to continue to spread the mission of using movement and stories to help connect runners with their communities while supporting local authors, bookstores, libraries, and small businesses.
Read & Run OTR events require significant time, effort, and planning, so only serious applicants should move forward.
Before applying, prepare by using the following tips
Make sure you know what type of event you’re applying for.
Name your event following the naming conventions of the Read & Run OTR Rules.
Apply with enough time. Remember that once you submit your application, we will review your application within one month. You may only start to plan your event once you receive approval. Be realistic about things like:
Marketing/advertising: Do you have enough time to spread the word?
How much lead time do venues need?
Do you already have relationships with local authors and bookshops?
Do you or the content guide have enough time to prepare the material?
In the application, we’ll ask for you to evaluate why your first event is a good fit for a Read & Run OTR and if there are any red flags with the book inspiring the event and the author. If so, why is it still worth highlighting this book and author?
Showcase what steps you will take to fulfill the mission of connecting runners to literature. Will you plan to work with a local bookshop, host the event at a library, or feature a small business that aligns with the mission?
Explain the overall goal and objectives of the event. What will runners leave understanding more about?
If you have those basic questions fleshed out before you begin the application, the process will not only be easier, but you’ll already have done the preliminary work to host a successful Read & Run OTR event!