posted on social media that she was looking at running this July’s San Francisco Half Marathon, when she noticed the registration fee for the first half, which takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge (you can run either the first or second 13.1 of the race’s full marathon) — and when I looked it up, I saw the same thing:
That, I thought, is an eye-popping number — I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a registration fee that high. (By contrast, I ran this race back in 2010 and I’d guess the fee was around a half to a third of that.)
So my question to you is, what are the registration fee numbers you’re seeing out there? Do you feel squeezed by the cost of some races, or do they make you think twice about signing up? I know most races aren’t quite this high, but I’m curious to learn how registration fees in general are looking right now — what’s your take?
I once did some calculations on how much will I have to pay to qualify for the New York City Marathon through the 9+1 program, and my calculations came to something close to $900, and that is only race fees. If you have to train for and go through 9 races, and training for a Marathon, how many pairs of shoes do you have to go through?
So, in short... Hell yeah.. I kind of given up on racing..
I think San Francisco may be the exception for that high of a price but all have gone up. Larger city races all typically have larger prices, too. I try to register early, volunteer some, and look for discount codes.
Years ago, a lot of full marathons went to a double loop route of the half marathon to cut down on cross streets, but now I’ve noticed many cities are utilizing Greenways or Paved Path systems to reduce the number of road shut downs and police sentries needed. Logistically, I understand this but as a traveler, I miss the opportunity to see more of the city.
In 2023, Birmingham, AL basically said they don’t have the police force to man anything as long as a marathon or half marathon. The Mercedes marathon was not held in 2024 due to this and I’ve heard they’re looking for a new home close by. The Vulcan 10k route had be changed to a double 5k loop. The BHM 26.2 had to move to a suburb of Birmingham to be able to still offer a full option.
I do love smaller, local races so that’s what I try to look for when booking my half marathons on my 50 state journey.
The prices even for 5 and 10K races have even gone through the roof. I signed up for Disney last year and then got pneumonia. No refund which i understand, but it puts a crimp on runners. Years ago I used to do every 5K in my area. It was a fun way to start a Saturday...no longer. I do however volunteer to help on a few halfs where they can't get enough help at any price.
Yep… I’ve run marine corps marathon 3 or 4 times, and I idly went to the website recently with the thought of doing it this year. $220! Great race but I don’t want to do it that badly. It also seems to no longer require a lottery to get in. Those two things seem related…
By contrast, my favorite 24-hour ultra event is 75 bucks, and they pack a lot of fun into it.
I also believe the prices of over $200 is out of my range unless it is a signature event. As most of the events I do are charity events they keep some of the costs to have it down through donations. I have only done a few "out of town" events and if I remember correctly they didn't over $200 (trying to remember how much the NYRR Brooklyn Half was). Thanks to Chris for bringing up some of the things that RD's contend with that we might not think about.
Wow! I had no idea races cost this much. I usually run locally. The prices for a half are just over $100 for most of them.
A local organizer offers $100 gift card for their races or merchandise for volunteering for a four hour shift for another one of their races. I worked for the New Years Day 5k/10k and then applied my gift card for the Asheville half and only paid $23... a great option for local races.
The Miami and Ft. Lauderdale races where I live range between $130-$150. For the half marathon, that is. I used to run races everywhere in South Florida, but I’m over those. I can find the same great feeling running the distance by myself. I only do the Miami marathon because it the race that got me into running and I’ve never missed it since 2008.
I never did Disney because they are always too expensive, given I have to spend for lodging, etc. my family held Disney’s annual passes for 4 consecutive years and I was dreamed of doing it. They wouldn’t even throw a discount for pass holders.
The first half of the SF marathon was my first-ever half marathon, and the $ was irrelevant because it was totally a run-cation race to get out of hot Houston in late July. The year I did it, only the full marathon went over the bridge but it was still 50s at the start, so after training in 70s and 80s, I was a frickin’ gazelle. I did the 2nd half the following year, and intended to do the full—and cross the bridge—the year after that, but Covid 😖. Lost quite a lot of $ from Covid for Chicago, Berlin, and SF marathons. They offered deferrals but by the time everything was going again, I was caretaking aging parents, and my body had decided it was done with marathons. 🤷🏽♀️
Pre-COVID, I basically raced everything within xx miles of home, plus one good run-cation half or full marathon. Now I race a few local events, enjoy the occasional free Parkrun 5k, and run for enjoyment and fitness. I’m done with paying $ for the pleasure of driving 35 miles into the city at 0-dark-30, scrambling for parking, and running an ugly city course for a piece of metal and a banana. I don’t mind a large entry fee for a run-cation race if it has great value (sights, weather, ‘must-see’ location, great route, etc.) but the average “fill-in-the-calendar-race-series” is just (as the meme says) racing on streets where you run for free during training.
Maybe South Florida hasn’t gotten ridiculous … $140 for a 5K/Half combo in New Smyrna Beach in January; even Palm Beach in December was only $115; the races I have NOT done in FL for years are the ones at Disneyworld … 2025 half advertised as $225! Even Space Coast (one of my favorites and 2024 will be my 7th year) is $135 and you get a medal, shirt and towel. I could go on … but I have to get the pasta going for dinner (Singer Island … Palm Beach… half is tomorrow)
This is all very eye-opening. I generally don't travel for races, just run the same handful of local and state races each year. Those area races here in the South are usually around $100 for a half if I register months prior to the race. I have never considered that there might be entry fees out there cresting over $300, or even $200, although that's more conceivable to me for big cities.
To the question of whether these costs have a hit a ceiling, my first thought would be that no, they have not, because what is being offered is a premium experience. I would imagine that the more people are priced out, the more race companies can appeal directly to richer and richer demographics that will pay for and then continue to expect more amenities. Much like what universities have done.
As a local, I've run one of the SF half marathons many times, but not this year. The prices for both are way too high as far as I'm concerned. At most I'll run the 10K. Hopefully enough people do the same and they figure out how to make it more reasonable in the future.
Registration fees have skyrocketed in recent years. As a race director, yes, costs have risen, but there are still ways to keep the fees reasonable. Where I used to run maybe one race/month, I now might only do 4-5 annually. Some races, at this rate, will price themselves out of existence.
In a nutshell YES! I'm amazed at the price of the SF, though I was going to run the 2nd half because I've already done the Golden Gate Half 2 or 3 times (basically the same route). When I was going to sign up last Fall for the Marathon it was running over $200. . .and I'm sure it isn't any less!
I'm with Raven in Running with Raven, which you've read. Why should it cost money to do something for fun? I well understand what goes into planning an event--as florist we do lots of them-- but there comes a time when the promoters get greedy knowing that runners will pay darn near anything--Raven also mentioned that in the book! (Wasn't the character called the "promoter??)
Gosh, I remember thinking I was so lucky to get into the Big Sur Marathon at$300 when the final price was $625! Even the Eugene Half Marathon was expensive for me, but I was going to do it for the community!
As a side, I am going to be with Alexi Pappas in July in SF for the 10K. It was a special, and I got it early for $80.00. Figure the travel, the hotels, etc, etc and the total will be around $1000.00. Worth it or not, I don't know, but I've always wanted to run the Embarcadero in SF.
I was also thinking on getting in early on our Meet-up for the Fall. I'd love for it to be in the Southeast where it is warm.. . . hopefully not the East coast. I'd love to be in Georgia cuz your photos are so beautiful! NC is another option. Up to you and the members of the community!
In the meantime, I'm focusing on the Bend Half next April. The virtual tour takes me in the kind of country I want to be in. . . and there may be an early bird special!
Have a good run! Thanks for asking a very pertinent question! :)
Carlsbad Half Marathon, recently voted the best half in California, was $168. Great goody bag with 2 really nice long sleeve shirts amongst other things. Easy parking. Lots of ports-potties, aid stations, water, and finisher festival. Medal was really nice too.
Avenue of the Redwoods Marathon this May was less than $120 when I signed up. It's sold out now as is the half, but I assume the half was cheaper.
Based on this, my guess is the high price for the SF race is due to the logistics of closing down and keeping secure such a populous city and such an iconic and touristy bridge.
Such a complicated situation. The costs are getting much more expensive. Remember when a half-marathon cost $50. I try to keep a cost of $100/race, but less is better. I do pay more for something special. It is hard to get volunteers these days too. I continue to be willing to pay the price for being around so many amazing people.
I am from Chicago so the first race I ever ran was the 5K of Marathon Week end back in 2018.........I loved the opportunity to meet so many interesting and very friendly people......come the Marathon I was a spectator and we tracked my niece as she ran..........it was then I fell in love with the idea of running in a big city (LOL, I have only run races in Chicago and Minneapolis).........I participate in local races in NW WI......we have fun but even in small towns a simple 10K "takes a village".........Police, Fire and EMS all have to be ready to do their part plus nothing happens without the volunteers! I can only imagine what the major cities go thru to make sure that both runners and spectators stay safe. Costs also cover charities so I guess it all boils down to what are you willing pay........your own decision.........I love to compete ( I love that there are virtual races and I can match my skills with others in my age group....I also do CrossFit).......just figure out your budget and decide what you really want to do..........I do not think there is one race out there that is being run by greed.........that's not the running community.........it's the cost of doing business. Love your run......pick the ones that
mean the most to you.........Blessings to all.........Happy Easter!!!!
Yes the SF Marathon has been that expensive for a while! It's a big reason why I chose not to run it and will be running the smaller Golden Gate Headlands marathon this year. Also I. general given that races are so expensive, I don't feel a strong need to compete in races as I already enjoy running for fun
I agree the race fees have gotten out of hand. There are costs involved, but the organizers are also truing to make a buck. Twelve years ago I started on a quest to do all fifty states. Average early sign up was around eighty dollars, included shirt and medal. Recently I encountered an entry fee over 150.00 dollars and shirt was extra and medal was less than impressive. I had 15 states done when I broke my hip and now that I am able to run again I can't afford the entry fees. Even local 5k and 10K races have become ridiculous. I could ramble on with more examples, overall it has left me very disappointed. Thanks, Mark
I think everyone would agree that the cost is high.
The Full is $320, the 1st half is $314 an over the bridge run, and the 2nd half is a city run at $207.
I can image the logistics for making this race run smoothly is a nightmare and most people wouldn't want any part of it. If I lived on the west coast, I would sign up for this race in a second. I ran the Boston Marathon in 2023 and the cost was $425.00. Most half marathon costs start around $75.00 and increase in cost as the race date closes in. I wonder if the first race entry fee was any cheaper.
The good thing about the race community is that there is a race out there that works for just about everyone.
Examples:
People looking for a destination experience.
Terrian
Competitive experience
Fun family vibe
Tradition (Turkey Trot/Santa Run)
People only interested in value - metal, shirt, free parking, stuffing as much food and free samples in their pockets as possible. We know you are out there.... we see you at every race.
The good news is that if you chose not to run the Bridge race on July 28th, you probably have several other race options that weekend.
Responding as RD for the St. Petersburg Distance Classic, which includes a marathon, half, 10K and 5K. If you think entry fees are costly, consider the challenges us RDs face. While St. Petersburg, Florida may not be considered an urban area compared to NYC, Boston, San Francisco, and all the other major cities, the reality is that we do have a thriving downtown area loaded with cross streets and roads. This means all intersections need to be controlled by police, cones, and barriers. Our City services cost for our race in February is expected to be around $100,000. That is just the start of the expenses we face to stage a race that hosted just under 2,100 finishers TOTAL for all four races, which are staged concurrently, not individually over the course of the weekend. Factor in USATF sanctioning, insurance, standby ambulances, timing services, paid crew, equipment rentals, water, Gatorade, finisher medals, overall / Age Group awards, finish line food / beverages, advertising, course entertainment and every other expense and the total is nearly impossible to operate in the black. It is a HUGE financial risk race directors for smaller events take on, races that we stage so "everyday athletes" can achieve goals they once thought impossible. With regards to our entry fees, and since this discussion is focused on half marathons, we will offer blitz pricing when our permit is approved for 2025 for $80, then increasing incrementally to a race weekend registration peaking at $130. We believe our entry fees are very reasonable, especially for those who commit early. With all that said, y'all should consider joining us next February 9 as Florida in February is a GREAT place to race. The half course is extremely flat with just one bridge that rises about 10 feet just 1 mile into the race. It is also aesthetically varied, taking athletes through exclusive waterfront residential areas, our bustling downtown area, and finishing at our waterfront park. C'mon down! Registration opens soon at: www.StPetersburgDistanceClassic.com
Way too much unless that race is at the top of your bucket list. I have been running 1/2s and marathons since 1978 and have seen prices inflate over the years, realizing it has become more expensive to put on a race. The most I paid for a 1/2 (DC Rock and roll -2022) was probably around $125. One of my pet peeves is the "processing fees" - some races charge them and others don't. I think they are an unnecessary expense.
When the Disney races got so cost prohibitive, I stopped running in them (they are local as I live in Central FL). Then I stopped volunteering when they cut back the perks for the volunteers (no longer a free one-day pass - as if I wouldn't spend the same $$ in the parks on food alone). The biggest fee for the big races is the police presence and insurance. In some cases, it may also cover entertainment. But I am like you, some of the races are way too expensive, especially when you consider the travel expenses as well. BTW - I will miss meeting you in Eugene, OR - it won't be my best race either, but I am still committed to going.
NYC and Chicago are both in that range. I volunteered at NY last year and got to see all that has to happen in a big city to make it successful and kind of get the price (at least for big-city races).
That's absolutely insane! I've been running for a long time, and remember when a half marathon cost me $35. AND there was a better goodie bag and shirts to boot, and trophies for each placement category. We pay a lot more and get a lot less now. By comparison, now that I have moved to Europe I am now in an area of the world where races are more reasonably priced - from 13 euro for small local events to 50 euro for bigger races --- and there are often showers on site, better goodie bags, and t-shirts. Even the London marathon is only 146 pounds for international entries and 70 pounds for locals....and London is a lot more prestigious a race in an expensive area of the world.
I just searched through my email archives for the receipt for my first full marathon (Jacksonville, 2005) and it was $53. There was a long stretch where I was doing half-marathons for $20-30. I know things have changed, but geez...
That is really high for a half marathon. I recently paid $315 for the NYC marathon (on top of last year’s $295 I paid for my cancelled entry). I thought that was expensive. Everything costs more these days so the entry fees are a reflection of that. I would be interested to know what is driving the fee for that race though.
Wow, that's . . . a LOT. Most race fees I've entered are in the low $100s. Currently, Baltimore is $130, price going up end of May. That's the priciest one I've done. How do they justify that?
That is the highest I've seen for a half. I've seen (and paid LOL) $80+fees for a 5k in LA County...oomph.
I once did some calculations on how much will I have to pay to qualify for the New York City Marathon through the 9+1 program, and my calculations came to something close to $900, and that is only race fees. If you have to train for and go through 9 races, and training for a Marathon, how many pairs of shoes do you have to go through?
So, in short... Hell yeah.. I kind of given up on racing..
I think San Francisco may be the exception for that high of a price but all have gone up. Larger city races all typically have larger prices, too. I try to register early, volunteer some, and look for discount codes.
Years ago, a lot of full marathons went to a double loop route of the half marathon to cut down on cross streets, but now I’ve noticed many cities are utilizing Greenways or Paved Path systems to reduce the number of road shut downs and police sentries needed. Logistically, I understand this but as a traveler, I miss the opportunity to see more of the city.
In 2023, Birmingham, AL basically said they don’t have the police force to man anything as long as a marathon or half marathon. The Mercedes marathon was not held in 2024 due to this and I’ve heard they’re looking for a new home close by. The Vulcan 10k route had be changed to a double 5k loop. The BHM 26.2 had to move to a suburb of Birmingham to be able to still offer a full option.
I do love smaller, local races so that’s what I try to look for when booking my half marathons on my 50 state journey.
The prices even for 5 and 10K races have even gone through the roof. I signed up for Disney last year and then got pneumonia. No refund which i understand, but it puts a crimp on runners. Years ago I used to do every 5K in my area. It was a fun way to start a Saturday...no longer. I do however volunteer to help on a few halfs where they can't get enough help at any price.
this is totally insane. Seen a raise to 50-60€ in larger cities but at one point it just doesn’t make sense anymore to charge so much money.
Wow. Another reason I want stay in Korea. Cost between 30 and 60 dollors for most races here.
Yep… I’ve run marine corps marathon 3 or 4 times, and I idly went to the website recently with the thought of doing it this year. $220! Great race but I don’t want to do it that badly. It also seems to no longer require a lottery to get in. Those two things seem related…
By contrast, my favorite 24-hour ultra event is 75 bucks, and they pack a lot of fun into it.
I also believe the prices of over $200 is out of my range unless it is a signature event. As most of the events I do are charity events they keep some of the costs to have it down through donations. I have only done a few "out of town" events and if I remember correctly they didn't over $200 (trying to remember how much the NYRR Brooklyn Half was). Thanks to Chris for bringing up some of the things that RD's contend with that we might not think about.
Wow! I had no idea races cost this much. I usually run locally. The prices for a half are just over $100 for most of them.
A local organizer offers $100 gift card for their races or merchandise for volunteering for a four hour shift for another one of their races. I worked for the New Years Day 5k/10k and then applied my gift card for the Asheville half and only paid $23... a great option for local races.
I only run one “expensive” race a year: only small charity runs. I hate T-shirts and medals for finishing 5Ks. Not worth it.
The Miami and Ft. Lauderdale races where I live range between $130-$150. For the half marathon, that is. I used to run races everywhere in South Florida, but I’m over those. I can find the same great feeling running the distance by myself. I only do the Miami marathon because it the race that got me into running and I’ve never missed it since 2008.
I never did Disney because they are always too expensive, given I have to spend for lodging, etc. my family held Disney’s annual passes for 4 consecutive years and I was dreamed of doing it. They wouldn’t even throw a discount for pass holders.
The first half of the SF marathon was my first-ever half marathon, and the $ was irrelevant because it was totally a run-cation race to get out of hot Houston in late July. The year I did it, only the full marathon went over the bridge but it was still 50s at the start, so after training in 70s and 80s, I was a frickin’ gazelle. I did the 2nd half the following year, and intended to do the full—and cross the bridge—the year after that, but Covid 😖. Lost quite a lot of $ from Covid for Chicago, Berlin, and SF marathons. They offered deferrals but by the time everything was going again, I was caretaking aging parents, and my body had decided it was done with marathons. 🤷🏽♀️
Pre-COVID, I basically raced everything within xx miles of home, plus one good run-cation half or full marathon. Now I race a few local events, enjoy the occasional free Parkrun 5k, and run for enjoyment and fitness. I’m done with paying $ for the pleasure of driving 35 miles into the city at 0-dark-30, scrambling for parking, and running an ugly city course for a piece of metal and a banana. I don’t mind a large entry fee for a run-cation race if it has great value (sights, weather, ‘must-see’ location, great route, etc.) but the average “fill-in-the-calendar-race-series” is just (as the meme says) racing on streets where you run for free during training.
Maybe South Florida hasn’t gotten ridiculous … $140 for a 5K/Half combo in New Smyrna Beach in January; even Palm Beach in December was only $115; the races I have NOT done in FL for years are the ones at Disneyworld … 2025 half advertised as $225! Even Space Coast (one of my favorites and 2024 will be my 7th year) is $135 and you get a medal, shirt and towel. I could go on … but I have to get the pasta going for dinner (Singer Island … Palm Beach… half is tomorrow)
This is all very eye-opening. I generally don't travel for races, just run the same handful of local and state races each year. Those area races here in the South are usually around $100 for a half if I register months prior to the race. I have never considered that there might be entry fees out there cresting over $300, or even $200, although that's more conceivable to me for big cities.
To the question of whether these costs have a hit a ceiling, my first thought would be that no, they have not, because what is being offered is a premium experience. I would imagine that the more people are priced out, the more race companies can appeal directly to richer and richer demographics that will pay for and then continue to expect more amenities. Much like what universities have done.
As a local, I've run one of the SF half marathons many times, but not this year. The prices for both are way too high as far as I'm concerned. At most I'll run the 10K. Hopefully enough people do the same and they figure out how to make it more reasonable in the future.
Registration fees have skyrocketed in recent years. As a race director, yes, costs have risen, but there are still ways to keep the fees reasonable. Where I used to run maybe one race/month, I now might only do 4-5 annually. Some races, at this rate, will price themselves out of existence.
In a nutshell YES! I'm amazed at the price of the SF, though I was going to run the 2nd half because I've already done the Golden Gate Half 2 or 3 times (basically the same route). When I was going to sign up last Fall for the Marathon it was running over $200. . .and I'm sure it isn't any less!
I'm with Raven in Running with Raven, which you've read. Why should it cost money to do something for fun? I well understand what goes into planning an event--as florist we do lots of them-- but there comes a time when the promoters get greedy knowing that runners will pay darn near anything--Raven also mentioned that in the book! (Wasn't the character called the "promoter??)
Gosh, I remember thinking I was so lucky to get into the Big Sur Marathon at$300 when the final price was $625! Even the Eugene Half Marathon was expensive for me, but I was going to do it for the community!
As a side, I am going to be with Alexi Pappas in July in SF for the 10K. It was a special, and I got it early for $80.00. Figure the travel, the hotels, etc, etc and the total will be around $1000.00. Worth it or not, I don't know, but I've always wanted to run the Embarcadero in SF.
I was also thinking on getting in early on our Meet-up for the Fall. I'd love for it to be in the Southeast where it is warm.. . . hopefully not the East coast. I'd love to be in Georgia cuz your photos are so beautiful! NC is another option. Up to you and the members of the community!
In the meantime, I'm focusing on the Bend Half next April. The virtual tour takes me in the kind of country I want to be in. . . and there may be an early bird special!
Have a good run! Thanks for asking a very pertinent question! :)
Carlsbad Half Marathon, recently voted the best half in California, was $168. Great goody bag with 2 really nice long sleeve shirts amongst other things. Easy parking. Lots of ports-potties, aid stations, water, and finisher festival. Medal was really nice too.
Avenue of the Redwoods Marathon this May was less than $120 when I signed up. It's sold out now as is the half, but I assume the half was cheaper.
Based on this, my guess is the high price for the SF race is due to the logistics of closing down and keeping secure such a populous city and such an iconic and touristy bridge.
Such a complicated situation. The costs are getting much more expensive. Remember when a half-marathon cost $50. I try to keep a cost of $100/race, but less is better. I do pay more for something special. It is hard to get volunteers these days too. I continue to be willing to pay the price for being around so many amazing people.
I am from Chicago so the first race I ever ran was the 5K of Marathon Week end back in 2018.........I loved the opportunity to meet so many interesting and very friendly people......come the Marathon I was a spectator and we tracked my niece as she ran..........it was then I fell in love with the idea of running in a big city (LOL, I have only run races in Chicago and Minneapolis).........I participate in local races in NW WI......we have fun but even in small towns a simple 10K "takes a village".........Police, Fire and EMS all have to be ready to do their part plus nothing happens without the volunteers! I can only imagine what the major cities go thru to make sure that both runners and spectators stay safe. Costs also cover charities so I guess it all boils down to what are you willing pay........your own decision.........I love to compete ( I love that there are virtual races and I can match my skills with others in my age group....I also do CrossFit).......just figure out your budget and decide what you really want to do..........I do not think there is one race out there that is being run by greed.........that's not the running community.........it's the cost of doing business. Love your run......pick the ones that
mean the most to you.........Blessings to all.........Happy Easter!!!!
Yes the SF Marathon has been that expensive for a while! It's a big reason why I chose not to run it and will be running the smaller Golden Gate Headlands marathon this year. Also I. general given that races are so expensive, I don't feel a strong need to compete in races as I already enjoy running for fun
I agree the race fees have gotten out of hand. There are costs involved, but the organizers are also truing to make a buck. Twelve years ago I started on a quest to do all fifty states. Average early sign up was around eighty dollars, included shirt and medal. Recently I encountered an entry fee over 150.00 dollars and shirt was extra and medal was less than impressive. I had 15 states done when I broke my hip and now that I am able to run again I can't afford the entry fees. Even local 5k and 10K races have become ridiculous. I could ramble on with more examples, overall it has left me very disappointed. Thanks, Mark
I looked at the "Bridge Half" site.
I think everyone would agree that the cost is high.
The Full is $320, the 1st half is $314 an over the bridge run, and the 2nd half is a city run at $207.
I can image the logistics for making this race run smoothly is a nightmare and most people wouldn't want any part of it. If I lived on the west coast, I would sign up for this race in a second. I ran the Boston Marathon in 2023 and the cost was $425.00. Most half marathon costs start around $75.00 and increase in cost as the race date closes in. I wonder if the first race entry fee was any cheaper.
The good thing about the race community is that there is a race out there that works for just about everyone.
Examples:
People looking for a destination experience.
Terrian
Competitive experience
Fun family vibe
Tradition (Turkey Trot/Santa Run)
People only interested in value - metal, shirt, free parking, stuffing as much food and free samples in their pockets as possible. We know you are out there.... we see you at every race.
The good news is that if you chose not to run the Bridge race on July 28th, you probably have several other race options that weekend.
Enjoy the road.
Rick
Responding as RD for the St. Petersburg Distance Classic, which includes a marathon, half, 10K and 5K. If you think entry fees are costly, consider the challenges us RDs face. While St. Petersburg, Florida may not be considered an urban area compared to NYC, Boston, San Francisco, and all the other major cities, the reality is that we do have a thriving downtown area loaded with cross streets and roads. This means all intersections need to be controlled by police, cones, and barriers. Our City services cost for our race in February is expected to be around $100,000. That is just the start of the expenses we face to stage a race that hosted just under 2,100 finishers TOTAL for all four races, which are staged concurrently, not individually over the course of the weekend. Factor in USATF sanctioning, insurance, standby ambulances, timing services, paid crew, equipment rentals, water, Gatorade, finisher medals, overall / Age Group awards, finish line food / beverages, advertising, course entertainment and every other expense and the total is nearly impossible to operate in the black. It is a HUGE financial risk race directors for smaller events take on, races that we stage so "everyday athletes" can achieve goals they once thought impossible. With regards to our entry fees, and since this discussion is focused on half marathons, we will offer blitz pricing when our permit is approved for 2025 for $80, then increasing incrementally to a race weekend registration peaking at $130. We believe our entry fees are very reasonable, especially for those who commit early. With all that said, y'all should consider joining us next February 9 as Florida in February is a GREAT place to race. The half course is extremely flat with just one bridge that rises about 10 feet just 1 mile into the race. It is also aesthetically varied, taking athletes through exclusive waterfront residential areas, our bustling downtown area, and finishing at our waterfront park. C'mon down! Registration opens soon at: www.StPetersburgDistanceClassic.com
Way too much unless that race is at the top of your bucket list. I have been running 1/2s and marathons since 1978 and have seen prices inflate over the years, realizing it has become more expensive to put on a race. The most I paid for a 1/2 (DC Rock and roll -2022) was probably around $125. One of my pet peeves is the "processing fees" - some races charge them and others don't. I think they are an unnecessary expense.
And I thought Disney races are expensive...which they are!! The Disney World half for 2025 is $224.00.
When the Disney races got so cost prohibitive, I stopped running in them (they are local as I live in Central FL). Then I stopped volunteering when they cut back the perks for the volunteers (no longer a free one-day pass - as if I wouldn't spend the same $$ in the parks on food alone). The biggest fee for the big races is the police presence and insurance. In some cases, it may also cover entertainment. But I am like you, some of the races are way too expensive, especially when you consider the travel expenses as well. BTW - I will miss meeting you in Eugene, OR - it won't be my best race either, but I am still committed to going.
NYC and Chicago are both in that range. I volunteered at NY last year and got to see all that has to happen in a big city to make it successful and kind of get the price (at least for big-city races).
That's absolutely insane! I've been running for a long time, and remember when a half marathon cost me $35. AND there was a better goodie bag and shirts to boot, and trophies for each placement category. We pay a lot more and get a lot less now. By comparison, now that I have moved to Europe I am now in an area of the world where races are more reasonably priced - from 13 euro for small local events to 50 euro for bigger races --- and there are often showers on site, better goodie bags, and t-shirts. Even the London marathon is only 146 pounds for international entries and 70 pounds for locals....and London is a lot more prestigious a race in an expensive area of the world.
I just searched through my email archives for the receipt for my first full marathon (Jacksonville, 2005) and it was $53. There was a long stretch where I was doing half-marathons for $20-30. I know things have changed, but geez...
Yeah I think 130 is the most I’ve ever paid unless I was garenteed a personal no line porta potty don’t think I would pay that much that’s crazy
That is really high for a half marathon. I recently paid $315 for the NYC marathon (on top of last year’s $295 I paid for my cancelled entry). I thought that was expensive. Everything costs more these days so the entry fees are a reflection of that. I would be interested to know what is driving the fee for that race though.
Wow, that's . . . a LOT. Most race fees I've entered are in the low $100s. Currently, Baltimore is $130, price going up end of May. That's the priciest one I've done. How do they justify that?