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| by barney nicholls |
We all want different things from a race: PB hunters, medal collectors and those that just want to run alongside others because misery loves company. But one thing we all want from a race is value for money. I can run 10 miles on my own and time it on my Garmin, so if I’m paying to take part in a race you’d better give me something more than a few likeminded people to run with for my money.
Like most people who have signed up to a race online ,I get lots of emails promoting races and a lot of them I ignore. Today though I was amazed to see I was being asked to sign up for either a 5k or 10k on Battersea Park for £38.50. Excuse me? No I read it right, that’s £38.50. Somebody clearly hasn’t told the organisers that a) running is supposed to be a cheap sport and b) there’s a recession on.
Last year 25,000 runners took part in The British 10K, you could say the course is ‘cosy’. This race charges runners £29.50 to take part. Granted, for that price you do get to run through the centre of London with no traffic, but if you want chip timing you’ll have to pay £5.90 extra.
Last summer I took part in the South London 10K. It wasn’t traffic free and it had less sites to see but this event cost me £13. It had chip timing, water half way round and a few friendly marshalls to make sure we didn’t get run over which is all the basics that any race needs. And £13 is a very reasonable price for that.
If £13 is still too much to spend on a race, there’s a Parkrun in more than 50 parks across the country every Saturday morning. These timed 5k races are run by volunteers and are free to take part in.
I’d much rather take part in a race organised by local runners who do it because they love running than someone trying to make a few quid out of my blood, sweat and tears. So when you’re next looking for a race, why not look around a bit more and see if there’s a smaller, friendlier, local (and perhaps cheaper) option.
For a great value race in London, try the Self Transcendence runs. http://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/races/london
You can run (or float) around Battersea for a few quid – I did the 10 miler in 2007 and remember it was cheap as chips. Instead of a medal, you got a snack and some squash at the end: what most runners really want!
Next 10 miler is in July – £8! It’s early in the morning, but you can go out for a big ole breakfast after with the cash saved 🙂
I agree – some races are so expensive! I am loathe to pay 50$ (Canadian) to run 10km, even if is it through a traffic-free Toronto and for a good cause. I’ll stick with my free running group!
I’m new to this running lark. After trying a few times and giving up I have now been going since the start of July and can do about 3.5km.
I think one of the main things that has got me that far without giving up this time has been the 3km fun run I entered last week. Listed as being for the Mayor’s charity it cost me £9.50 and included a timing chip, free t-shirt, medal on completion and water half way round. As well as them offering a free park and ride service to get to the park. If Enfield council can do it why can’t everyone else.
[…] No I haven’t achieved that yet but I have learnt some interesting things. Firstly I found this post on Lazy Girl Running about the cost of entering events where she talks about a 5km race […]