A better way to register, race, and feel supported — every step of the way.

At Negative Split Productions, we’re committed to putting athletes first. That’s why every event we produce now includes the Athlete First initiative, a collection of athlete-friendly policies designed to give you flexibility, protection, and perks from the moment you register.

Whether you’re a first-time 5Ker, a returning age-group winner, or just trying to make it to the start line around a hectic life schedule, Athlete First is here to make your experience better.

What’s Included*:

  • Flexible Registration Options. Free refunds, bib transfers, deferrals, and the ability to switch to virtual or change distances, all without extra fees.
  • Instant & Human Support. Get quick answers through our race-specific chat bots, or connect with a real person (often the race director) via email, with responses usually within hours.
  • Proactive Communication. You’ll never miss a deadline or update. We send reminders before things happen.
  • Sustainable Event Practices. Cup-less racing, smarter swag, and even the chance to plant a tree instead of receiving a shirt.
  • Referral Rewards. Every athlete is an influencer, share your link and earn perks when your friends and family sign up.
  • Recognition & Community Support. Past age group winners get commemorative swag, and our Athlete First Entry Fund helps others get to the start line too.

Athlete First isn’t just a policy, it’s a promise.

One that says: when you sign up for one of our races, you’re more than a bib number. You’re part of something built for real people, real lives, and real finish lines.

*More details and explanations below by clicking the + on each Athlete First benefit.

Registration Flexibility

Life is unpredictable, your race registration shouldn’t be. Athlete First gives you flexible options so you can sign up with confidence.

Plans change. Get a full refund for any reason, no questions asked. No hoops to jump through, just send us an email requesting a refund and we will refund your race registration fee. 

Optional Add-on: Purchase event insurance at checkout to cover injury, illness, travel delays or family emergencies after the refund window closes. Click here to learn more about RegShield.

*See specific race website for details and deadlines. 

  • Houston Resolution Run
  • Houston Kids Tri
  • Houston Fourth Fest

What you see is what you pay. We display the full registration price upfront, including all processing fees so there are no surprises at checkout. It’s one simple total, shown clearly before you hit “SignUp.”

Can’t make it to the race? Transfer your entry to someone else through your registration dashboard for no charge. 

>> Click here for instructions to process a bib transfer.

*See specific race website for details and deadlines. 

  • Houston Resolution Run
  • Houston Kids Tri
  • Houston Fourth Fest

Move your registration to next year’s event free of charge. No explanation needed, just click and defer. We’ll send you a registration link when registration opens for the next year. 

>> Click here for instructions to defer your registration.

*See specific race website for details and deadlines. 

  • Houston Resolution Run
  • Houston Kids Tri
  • Houston Fourth Fest

If you can’t make it in person, you can still participate. Switch to the virtual event and we’ll ship your packet. See race website for details about the virtual events. 

>> Click here for instructions to transfer your registration to the virtual event. 

*See specific race website for details and deadlines. 

  • Houston Resolution Run
  • Houston Kids Tri
  • Houston Fourth Fest

FForSwitch distances (e.g., 10K to 5K) at any time before race day. Just log in and update, no calls or emails required.

>> Click here for instructions to change your registration distance.

*See specific race website for details and deadlines. 

  • Houston Resolution Run
  • Houston Kids Tri
  • Houston Fourth Fest

Community & Support-Oriented Benefits

You shouldn’t have to dig through information or wait days for a response (if you can even get a response). Athlete First ensures you’re supported at every step from pre-registration to race day.

Have a question? Get instant answers from our race-specific chat bots, trained on real event info. No waiting, no hunting through FAQs — just type and go.

  • Question about Houston Resolution Run? Ask The Res.
  • Question about Houston Roast Run? Ask [insert bot name].
  • Question about Houston Kids Tri? Ask Texi.
  • Question about Houston Fourth Fest? Ask Frankie.

Prefer a real person? Every message gets a response from the race director, usually within 2 hours, and always within 24 hours. We take athlete communication seriously.

You won’t miss a thing. From refund deadlines to course updates, we email key reminders before they happen so you’re always in the loop.

Loyalty & Recognition

Athlete First isn’t just about flexible registration, it’s about recognizing the people who bring others along for the ride and those who are top performers. Whether you’re promoting the race on social or just convincing your run club to join, we think that deserves something extra.

Every athlete gets a personal referral link after signing up. Share it with friends, family, coworkers, or your training crew — and earn rewards when they register.

Crushed your age group last year? We’ve got something special waiting for you. At select events, previous age group winners receive commemorative swag as a nod to their podium-worthy performance.

Sustainability & Responsibility

We believe endurance events should be good for athletes and the planet. Athlete First includes race-day practices and registration options that reduce waste and support a more sustainable future.

Starting in 2026 all Negative Split Productions produced events will be cup-less. We encourage runners to bring their own bottles or use the reusable cup provided. It keeps courses cleaner and helps reduce single-use plastic.

Don’t need another race shirt? You can opt out during registration and we’ll plant a native tree in your name through our partnership with One Tree Planted. It’s a small choice that makes a big impact — and it’s available at every event we produce.

We order shirts and gear based on actual demand, not guesswork. That means fewer leftovers and more thoughtful, eco-conscious ordering without compromising on quality.

We consolidate equipment deliveries, reuse signage, recycle wherever possible, and prioritize vendors and materials that align with our sustainability goals.

Social Good & Accessibility

Athlete First means creating a race experience that’s open, inclusive, and gives back to the community because endurance events should uplift everyone at the starting line.

When you register, you’ll have the option to donate a few extra dollars to support athletes in need. These donations help fund free or discounted entries for youth athletes, first-time racers, or those facing financial hardship. 100% of the funds donated go directly toward covering race entries, no overhead or red tape.

We reserve a limited number of entries at each event for participants who need financial assistance. Whether you’re a student, a first-time runner or triathlete, or going through a tough time, this fund helps ensure you’re not left out of the race.

>> Check out and apply for the Athlete First Fund

Our events are designed to be inclusive and accessible. We welcome wheelchair athletes, push teams, and athletes with adaptive needs. If you need accommodations, just reach out. We’re here to support you.

Note: Course details are available on each event website. Please make sure you review the courses in detail and, as always, feel free to reach out with any questions.

We are always looking for ideas to add more benefits to the Athlete First initiative. Contact us and we’ll work together to create events that put the Athlete First.