Athlete First Initiative
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.
Click the buttons below for full details about what is included in the Athlete First initiative for Houston Kids Tri.
🧾Registration Flexibility
Life is unpredictable, your race registration shouldn’t be. Athlete First gives you flexible options so you can sign up with confidence.
✅ No-Questions Asked Refunds (up to 90 days before race day)
Plans change. Get a full refund for any reason, no questions asked, up to 90 days before race day. No hoops to jump through, just send us an email requesting a refund and we will refund your race registration fee.
Deadline for 2026: February 28
👉 Click here to request a refund.
Optional Add-on: Purchase event insurance at checkout for refunds after the refund window closes. Click here to learn more about RegShield.
🔁 Free Bib Transfer (up to 30 days before race day)
Can’t make it to the race? Transfer your entry to someone else through your registration dashboard for no charge.
Deadline for 2026: March 11
⏩ Free Deferrals (up to 7 days before race day)
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.
Deadline for 4th Annual ResRun: April 4
💻 Free Transfers to Virtual (up to race day)
If you can’t make it in person, you can still participate. Switch to the virtual event anytime before race day and we’ll ship your packet. See race website for details about the virtual events.
Deadline for 4th Annual ResRun: April 11
👉 Click here for instructions to transfer your registration to the virtual event.
🔄 Easy Distance/Day Changes (up to14 days before race day)
Switch between race distances (e.g., long course ↔ short course) or race days (Saturday ↔ Sunday) up to 14 days before race weekend. Just log in and make the change — it’s quick and hassle-free.
Deadline for 4th Annual ResRun: December 28
👉 Click here for instructions to change your registration distance.
👥 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.
💬 Instant Chat Support (race-specific bots)
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 Texi.
📧 Human Support via Email
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.
👉 Click here to send us an email.
📣 Proactive Communication
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.
🌎 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.
♻️ Cup-less Events
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.
🌱 Optional Skip the Shirt, Grow a Tree.
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.
🎽 Smarter Swag Practices
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.
✅ Behind-the-Scenes Sustainability
We consolidate equipment deliveries, reuse signage, recycle wherever possible, and prioritize vendors and materials that align with our sustainability goals.
🧡 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.
📣 Everyone’s an Influencer (Even If It’s Just Your Group Chat)
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.
👉 Click here for more details about the referral program.
🏆 Returning Age Group Winner Recognition
Crushed your age group last year? We’ve got something special waiting for you. Previous age group winners from last year's Houston Resolution Run will receive commemorative swag as a nod to their podium-worthy performance at packet pickup.
🤝 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.
💸 Pay-It-Forward Entry Donations
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.
🎟️ Athlete First Entry Fund
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 triathlon, 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
♿ ADA & Adaptive Athlete Support
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.
