Race Fees

I have noticed some prices going up a bit. My half marathon I think went up 5 or 10 dollors from what I paid last year but it is a good race so I did not mind.

Personally I would not pay that much.

I agree that race fees may be getting out of control.  Is it all about business, marketing and sponsorships.

I know we could do our own race without the support of a big name backing us.  I've already done a half IM distance in training, and, didn't have to pay $225 for it.

Which leads me to this - why should we pay to race anyway?  Most of us are not going to get such a course time that will land a pro ranking or sponsorships.  I know a race pushes a person to a level that they cannot attain when training by themselves.

What are some of your thoughts?  Why pay to race?  Considering the fee, the travel time, hotel, etc.  Is it worth it for what you get in return (a shirt, water bottle, etc.)?

It's a hobby! How many people really do a cost/benefit analysis on their hobbies?

I don't really do "destination races" so there is no hotel cost to worry about. I eat about the same whether at home or staying with a family member two hours away, about the only difference would be gas usage which, even at these prices, is not bad.

A race for me is about getting to do something with other people who love doing it. They also let you, some of them at least, experience things you would not otherwise be able to do. For instance the Seahawks 12k lets you run around the Seahawks training camp/field area and closes down the road for people to run on it. Decent course with a lot of runners from super fast to super slow. I think the race was about 30 bucks this year (maybe 35 but it goes to support a charity - boys and girls club - so I do not mind, plus they have pretty good shirts and lots of post race goodies)

Organization, timing, website results, course markings / traffic control, aid stations / porta potty... a lot of things go into a race beyond your average solo workout.  You can argue that the prices might be too high, but free?  Not likely.

I don't care about the "race goodies".  I wish more races would let you register at a lower fee w/o that stuff.

With other recent comments, I'll add that I have paid the fees in the past and did not "complain" about it.  One benefit that comes to mind in a race is being able to go a certain distance - whether it's a HIM, half marathon, etc. - without having to stop for traffic lights and intersections! 

I actually have no problem with paying the fees, though, I'm content with remaining in the HIM category and not graduating to the fees involved for a full IM.  Plus, the time involved to prepare for that distance and finish it without going to a med tent is too much for my current schedule.

However, this is one "hobby" that I've never considered a "hobby," per se.    It has become a lifestyle that runs through every fabric of my existence, including the fees paid once or twice a year.

Is there a fee limit that you won't cross?

Yes, there is a line, and it's why I will never do an IM-branded event, or a Tri-Rock.

If you are looking for an inexpensive run, try Bloomsday on the first Sunday in May in Spokane.  It was only $15 this year and included great support and a finisher t-shirt for a 12K race.  The race would not happen without volunteers.

I sometimes pay more for races, but those races usually have the best support.  The least expensive tri I have done is the Iron Eagle sprint at $25, which is a fun race, but no timing chips and only water at the bike and run turnarounds.  In many ways they charge what the market will bear, but you do also get what you pay for in more expensive races. I enjoy the experience of pacing myself with others on the course, and cycling on a course where I don't need to stop all the time.  When it stops being fun, I stop racing, and for me it is still fun.

I race close to home, so food and lodging don't drive up the price of races for me.