Races aren’t cheap. These days it seems like even the small local races are starting to up their prices. Don’t get me wrong – I know that there are a lot of costs that go into races, even if you are able to get volunteers to handle much of the packet pickup and day of activities. There are costs for permits, cops, food, supplies, t-shirts, and sometimes medals. I get that, but sometimes it feels like the races are trying to make as much as they can off the runners. (Spoiler: they are – either to maximize the amount they are giving to a charity or to make a profit, sometimes a combination of both.)
Today’s topic on Tuesdays on the Run is “how much are you willing to pay for a race?” We all have our breaking points and sometimes it varies depending on where the race is, how long it is, and how sweet the swag is. For me, I haven’t hit my maximum yet, but I did have a really hard time with the $200 Nike Women’s Half Marathon. That’s the most expensive race I’ve ever run and I’m pretty sure I would not have forked over the $$ if I hadn’t needed it for my trip to Venus. Even with the necklace.
For shorter races, I try to stay under $50. I’m not going to pay more than $75 for anything shorter than a 10K unless the swag is amazing, the course is unbelievable, or the cause is something I’d send that amount to anyways.
So, how can you combat the rising cost of races?
- Register early – races usually offer the best prices the earlier you register.
- Take advantage of ambassador codes or special day discount codes – a quick Google search can often net a code on a blog page or a coupon site. Also, if you sign up for emails, many races offer “flash sales” on special days like New Years or National Run Day.
- Volunteer or become an ambassador – Some race organizations will offer you a free or discounted race if you volunteer a specific number of times. And if you are active on social media or even in a big group (like MRTT), don’t hesitate to apply for an ambassador position. Many races don’t require that you blog – just that you have connections that would be interested in the race. Most races offer their ambassadors a free entry.
- Join a group – Groups like Moms Run This Town, Half Fanatics, Marathon Maniacs, and 100 Half Marathon club are often able to negotiate discounts, but you usually need to be a member to benefit. I know I’ve more than made back my Half Fanatic membership fee with all of the discounts I’ve gotten as a member.
- Get your friends to pay for it – Kidding, mostly. Fundraising is sometimes a way to get a free entry, but it depends on the race and the organization. And it’s nor really free – fundraising, especially if you do it often, is a LOT of work. (I’m not good at asking for money, so I’ve only done it one time. I’ll only do it again in the future if it’s the only way to get into a race.)
What’s your price break point? Got any tips for saving $$ on a race?
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These are great suggestions. My only issue with signing up early is that sometimes things come up (like getting hurt) and I end up not being able to run. Its frustrating to sign up later and pay more but I guess its better than losing all my money and not being able to run!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…8 Ways for Runners to Improve Mobility
These are all great tips, Erika!
My entry fees range all over the place. Mostly they’re not too expensive, as I tend to run smaller races to keep Mr. Judy happy, but some of them have been on the pricier side.
Not really sure what my cap is, either!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Setting the bar high
I think the most I have paid would be for a Ragnar, but I guess I don’t know cost breakdown of that either, we all just pitch in $250 and have sponsors that cover that rest of our trip. I hate paying more that 50 for shorter races and more than $100 for longer. I just paid $50 for a 30k and thought that was a great deal
Christy recently posted…Weekly Wrap: Week 3 of January
For the longest time I never tried promo codes before registering. Now that is the first thing I do. I would have spent that money on that race too for a Tiffany’s necklace. I wish they still had those races.
I would have spent that much for the race registration for that Tiffany’s necklace. I wish they still had those races.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Collect Moments
I like that more races are offering a no shirt option–that’s a good way to save. I still have a pet peeve with races that only offer “unisex” shirts. And medals for shorter races? If it means I pay less for a race with no medal, I’m good with that too.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…It’s my Blogaversary!!!!
In the early years (before I’d even done any half or full marathon) that Nike Women’s race topped my bucket list. Since then I took it off the list completely. I think there’s an increased demand for better shirts/swag/medals/food and that all comes at a cost. Not that I wanna pay it.
Marcia recently posted…Running and Blogging Then and Now
That necklace is beautiful! I would have a hard time with $200 to, but I’ve heard great things about the race. I don’t know if I have a price point, but under $50 for 5K sounds like a good idea.
Melissa recently posted…Training Tuesday: Getting Outside Again!
Great tips! I try to register as early as possible, but sometimes the race fees are still crazy!
My life is too crazy to register early most of the time LOL.
Volunteering for a race really helps, because it’s fun to get in behind the scenes, and they often are willing to offer a free registration in exchange. 🙂
Great tips! I’d have a hard time paying over $50 for a 5k… not sure what my breaking point would be on other distances.
vicki recently posted…Sweet Potato and White Bean Stew
$200 is too much for a half. And after the Nike women’s series is really no more, how that work out for them? Sorry, snarky I know. I like it when races have packages you can choose. The BB has 4 packages, each at different prices, between short sleeve and long sleeve, tech and no tech. I like some options like that so I decide what I want to pay.
These are all great tips! Following race brands on social media are helpful so you’ll be one of the first to know about updates. And it is awesome getting to be a race ambassador because you do get to run for free and sometimes get some great swag!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Tunes Tuesday – The Exciting Return of Craig David
Visit a friend or a virtual friend and stay with them do you don’t have to pay for a hotel. Hint hint.
Only kidding.
Darlene recently posted…TOTR: Affording Races
Great tips!
Races are my entertainment/recreation, so I am more willing to pay for the experience and the swag, rather than just the course. We all have our vices. 😛
Jenn recently posted…tuesdays on the run: a race? take my money!!!
I love volunteering for race credit! I have a goal to volunteer at 3 races (at least) this year, mostly for the race credit. 🙂
Clarinda recently posted…What’s Your Limit?
Now I forget how much the NYC Half is. Maybe that’s part of the plan. When you enter a lottery you don’t pay attention to the price because you might not get in, and then when you do you’re so excited to see that your CC got charged you don’t pay attention to the price!
Coco recently posted…Wholesome Breakfast Cookies
Great practical tips on saving money on race registrations! I know my budget would appreciate it if I kept that list handy. 🙂
Jessica S recently posted…Castaway Cay Challenge 2017
I find, with triathlon in particular, that the branded races are more than twice the price. I’ve heard glamorous stories of ‘strippers’ who help rip your wetsuit off for you and hand you a bag of your next change of clothes, but I’d rather keep it simple, deal with my own nutrition and gear needs, and pay less! Plus, with a smaller race, there are usually half the people, so you don’t have to compete with the crowds in parking, at the water tables, and on the trail/path. I know it’s not big business but I like to support local races. My fave is DiamondMan Half-Iron.
Ashley @ TwynMawrMom recently posted…A letter of apology to my mother #womensmarch