I came across an article this weekend in Bloomberg that made my blood boil. The article by Michael Buteau was discussing the rise of the entry fee at the New York Marathon to a whopping $255 (more for international
athletes). The article wonders how much runners are willing to pay before they
revolt and stop attending. Buteau presents a quote from a New York Roadrunner who
says “I’m afraid it’s becoming an elitist sport that nobody can
afford.”
This article mirrors the grumbling that had already been
going on at the grassroots level in running discussion groups I take part in. I
did a little research on marathon prices. Of the big marathons, New York tops
the chart at $255, with Boston and Chicago
both at $150 and Los Angeles and Rock and Roll Las Vegas close behind at $145 and $140. Definitely the big city marathons are becoming
expensive, and that does not even include travel and lodging. However, as the
article points out, demand for these marathons is up, so I am guessing that the
price will not be dropping soon, as people who have these marathons on their
bucket lists race (pardon the pun) to check them off.
What is even more troubling to me, though, than the cost of
these mega-marathons is the rising cost of the smaller marathons around the
country. Here in Michigan we have two brand new, unproven marathons starting
this year. One is the Lansing Marathon and the other is called The Qualifier, which is located in Bay City.
These brand new marathons, in their first year, and with courses that have no
real scenic appeal, are charging $100 and $110, respectively.
Let's put this in perspective. Runs such as the Detroit Marathon, which is both a big city marathon and which
offers a unique course, is only $80, while Bayshore, which is the most popular marathon in the
state if this can be judged by how quickly it sells out, and which has a very
scenic course, is only $85.
What makes the race directors of these new races think that
their races merit premium prices? They don't have a beautiful course to draw
runners, although the Qualifier course claims to be fast (hence the Qualifier
in the name). Whether or not it will be fast, though, is not yet proven. The
race directors may point to other races that they have run successfully, but
this does not guarantee that their new race will measure up. What do these runs
have to draw runners for that hearty chunk of change?
The question that comes up in my mind is "How much is
too much?" At what point will runners start voting with their feet and
running away from these races with exorbitant entry fees? When will you walk
away? How much is too much for you?
What amazes me, is that I can register for a 5 day bike tour that includes camping, support, and 2 meals per day for less than many of these races. Yes, fees definitely impact my decision, especially on the smaller races. I'll splurge for a once in a lifetime big race that has a reputation of being well run.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, this is supply and demand gone rampant, and as long as NY is considered a bucket-list race for people around the globe, organisers will be able to charge what they like. This is one reason (of many) why I stick to the trails, where race entry is more along the lines of $60.
ReplyDeleteThat is true. As long as there are people willing to pay it, it probably won't change. I think the big races will be able to keep raising prices. I just hope people will start resisting in the smaller races.
DeleteI actually did NOT register for the Bayshore Half because I thought the price was too steep at $80 for the half. I would swear I paid much less back in 2009 when I last did it, but maybe I've forgotten. I'm a bit of cheapskate though, I'll admit it :).
DeleteI did register very early for Detroit (the full) at $60. So that's a deal!
I am very curious about the Lansing Marathon and how that will end up. I'll reserve any opinions until I hear more about it, after it is completed.
I don't know much about the Qualifier, but since I work in the area, I can say that at the very least, it starts and finishes in nice areas. Looking at the map, I'm not sure I'd want to run it though--long stretches of fairly straight roads. The Qualifier does have connections with the Crim organizers, which would make me feel a whole lot better about running it. Still, $110 is a fairly hefty price, especially for a race that is not on most people's radars at this point.
I suspect that sooner or later these prices will backfire. How long it will be before that happens remains to be seen. Here in Southern California we have a lot of local races and the price ranges vary quite a bit. There are half marathons from $45 to $100 and more. Obviously some race directors are more conscientious concerning prices than others and it appears that, locally anyway, runs put on solely for charity tend to be the lowest in price, but that is not always the case.
ReplyDeleteThanks for chipping in with info on the prices in So Cal. I was wondering if things were the same out there. Actually I am surprised that they aren't more in California.
DeleteI used to like to race once or twice a month. If it is just $20 for 5ks, it is still doable, but at $40 and up a race, it just is not in the budget for a lot of people, especially when travel costs are factored in. Luckily I like those small charity races anyway.
I'm looking at hotel prices in Chicago right now. Entry fees are small change when compared to the expense of travel, lodging, meals out, etc.for an out of town race. The host hotel for Chicago is $344/nt. There are still rooms available. I wonder why? That being said, I'm generally more concerned with the overall tab, than the entry fee itself, at least for big races. I am starting to balk at the Ironman entry fees, however.
ReplyDeleteFor me more that $70-80 is too much. I paid $69 for the Martian marathon and $60 for the Detroit marathon. I was thinking about the Lansing but refused to spend $100 for a first time race (and hearing plenty of stories about how unorganized things were I didn't want to chance it). When I finally settled in on doing Detroit it was because Chicago was $150 and I just can't afford to pay that. Personally NY and Boston are not on my bucket list. When you add in the cost of lodging, food, what you spend at the expos, etc, etc you are paying for a vacation for just a night or two. In 2011 I spent well over $3500 just in race fees, hotels, food, etc...that's a lot of $$$$
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a lot race money for a year, but a lot of fun too! It adds up fast, but I'm sure it was worth every penny! Like you, I don't really have any bucket list specific races. I'm more about distances. While NYC would be fun, it's just not worth the hassle of the lottery and overall expense to me. I don't need to worry about Boston. There is no way on the planet I'd ever qualify! I tend to plan vacations, then check to see if there happens to be a race in the area, or I pick a vacation location then schedule when I go around a race. I'm fortunate to have a husband that humors me!
DeleteJanet,
DeleteThat is a lot of $$$$ for racing, but I always say "running is my only vice," so I don't feel too bad about it. I know I have frittered away money on things that weren't nearly as important to me. However, when we downsized and came to MI, I did have to adjust my priorities some and cut back.
I am willing to pay a little more for a race that is raising money for a good charity, rather than the money going to pad the pocket of the race director, organizer or group.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on that 100%!
ReplyDelete