RunSignup launches 2025 Timer Industry Research Survey
Now in its 7th year, the annual survey continues to serve as the industry’s leading research effort focused on the evolving landscape of race timing.
20 March 2025
The chatbot, nicknamed "Ron Synup", is already making a positive impact in efficiently resolving customer enquiries.
RunSignup, the leading technology provider for endurance events in the United States, is embracing the power of artificial intelligence to enhance customer support. In a major step forward, RunSignup has launched its first AI Chatbot, "Ron Synup," currently in Beta testing. This innovation aims to streamline customer service by providing faster and more accurate responses while delivering smarter insights for customers. With more than 30,000 events using RunSignup in the endurance registration market, the company recognizes intelligent and efficient customer service is essential to support the needs of races and their participants.
“As AI continues to evolve, we see significant potential to enhance the way we support our customers,” said Bob Bickel, Founder and CEO of RunSignup. “Early results show that Ron Synup is making a positive impact, and we’re excited to refine and expand our AI-driven support capabilities.”
Ron Synup is powered by Freshdesk, RunSignup’s customer support platform, which houses an extensive library of over 300 knowledge base articles. By leveraging these resources, the chatbot can provide instant answers to common inquiries. Additionally, the chatbot is continuously monitored and refined based on real user interactions, allowing for specific Q&A enhancements and improved accuracy over time.
Key features include:
In 2024 alone, RunSignup’s support team managed 26,786 tickets and responded to 41,011 customer emails. With ticket volume already increasing by 14% in early 2025, the AI chatbot represents a significant step toward maintaining efficient support as the company continues to grow. By assisting with frequently asked questions, Ron Synup allows the support team to focus on more complex inquiries.
While the Beta version of Ron Synup is already demonstrating value, RunSignup is committed to ongoing improvements. Future plans include expanding chatbot availability across additional platforms, experimenting with new AI-driven features, and further refining chatbot interactions to enhance accuracy and customer satisfaction.
“AI offers an exciting opportunity for us to improve the overall customer experience while maintaining the high level of service our users expect,” added Bickel. “We are committed to continually integrating AI-driven solutions to better serve race organizers and participants.”
Click here for more information about the Ron Synup Beta release.
RunSignup, an employee owned company, is the leading event solution delivering the art of technology to endurance events and nonprofits. More than 30,000 events use our free and open platform to register over 10 million annual participants, raise more than $3 billion and grow their events. Our expertly crafted, open and all-in-one solution powers event revenue generation and supporter engagement through flexible registration, free event websites, free email marketing, integrated fundraising, and a suite of RaceDay Real-Time products. No subscriptions, no plans, no monthly fees.
To find out why customers like the Richmond Marathon, American Cancer Society, Vacation Races, and RaceDay Events use RunSignup, visit www.runsignup.com.
