| Running is a relatively cheap sport to take part in. | | | | approximately how many people are going to arrive |
| You don't need much in the way of equipment, since | | | | for the starting line. Some races close registration in |
| you can get by with a few sets of shorts, shirts, | | | | advance of the race, requiring you to register |
| socks and shoes. Some people even skip the part | | | | months in advance if you want to run at all, let alone |
| about getting running shoes. | | | | save a little money. Those races tend to get many |
| As a runner, the biggest expense can often be | | | | more people attempting to register than the race |
| running road races, or competing in triathlons or bike | | | | course can support. |
| races, which can get to be pretty expensive. | | | | Many races give away free t-shirts to people that |
| I have participated in races from a wide range of | | | | pre-register as a further incentive. Other races give |
| fees between being free and costing me over $100. | | | | away free t-shirts no matter when you pay for the |
| The average cost of a 5k or 10k race from what | | | | race. Sometimes the early registrations can get other |
| I've seen seems to be about $20 to $30. Marathons | | | | goodies in their bags along with their race numbers |
| can get to be a little more expensive and tend to | | | | and chips. |
| cost around $70 on average, with the large ones like | | | | Proceeds from race registrations and sponsors often |
| Boston or New York City costing upwards of $100 or | | | | go towards a charity or local non-profit organization. |
| even $200. | | | | Costs that are eaten up by the registrations include |
| Add traveling expenses on top of the race fees and | | | | the timing chips and computer equipment to run |
| you'll realize that it can add up fast. You really need | | | | them, licenses and fees from where the races are |
| to be budget for your racing if you race very | | | | being held, any food or water that is not donated by |
| frequently. | | | | sponsors, and fees for local police departments to |
| You can often save a few dollars by pre-registering | | | | provide support along the course. |
| for a race, but then you risk the loss of your entry | | | | It isn't uncommon for a race to break even or lose a |
| fee if you can not compete for one reason or | | | | little money on the race registrations once you add |
| another. Injuries can prevent you from running, as | | | | up all of the costs, which is why finding good |
| can work schedules or vacation plans. | | | | sponsors is so important for them and why you |
| It is certainly worth it to the race to give the | | | | should support the sponsors of your favorite races |
| discount for early registrations, as they can much | | | | whenever possible. |
| better plan ahead for the race if they know | | | | |