2024 has become the year of running. Running clubs, marathons, the Paris Olympics and parkrun just celebrated its 20th anniversary.
But the year isn’t over. The fall marathon season has just begun, with the Chicago and New York marathons still remaining next month. Athletes around the world are probably thinking about their training plans, lacing up their shoes and pounding the pavement as we speak, preparing for that all-important race day.
Racing is a great way to prove to yourself (and the world) that you have determination and grit and can achieve big goals. So it’s no wonder that people like Fortune 500 CEOs are at the starting line.
On’s Chief Operating Officer, Britt Olsen, previously spoke about her passion for trail running, while Fannie Mae’s CEO, Priscilla Almodovar, said: luck She has run “three marathons and half of them more times than I can count.”
But while the race is beneficial to individuals, it also has a serious money-making aspect, from the millions of dollars runners raise for charity to the huge deals offered in sponsorship. It participates in marathons in New York City, London, Boston and Amsterdam, among others, and pays $30 million to $40 million a year for the privilege.
Local businesses also benefit greatly from the race – Valencia Marathon in Spain Generated 31.3 million euros For example, the city’s tourism revenue in 2023 (approximately $34.7 million).
But how much does it cost to run for an individual?
How much does it cost to become a runner?
“Running is free,” say those who have only ever run for the bus.
Sure, you don’t have to pay for each session, but running isn’t cheap.
“It costs too much,” Running and Mindset Coach, Ronnie Staton said luck. Staton supports and trains ultramarathon runners (those who run further than the 42.2-mile marathon distance, usually much longer distances) and is no stranger to long distances himself, having previously run across England. I completed 200 miles.
He says the absolute basic start-up costs start at around £200 (about $260), depending on the person. This will help you buy good running shoes and suitable clothing for running.
“But that’s without watches, running vests, tech-specific kit, earphones, hats, anything,” Staton said.
“If I said, ‘Let’s go shopping now and get all the kit I need,’ it would cost around £1,000 ($1,313).”
Ronnie Staton talks about the costs of running.
As soon as you start operations, “costs start to go up,” Staton says. “If I said, ‘Let’s go shopping now and get all the kit I need,’ it would cost around £1,000 ($1,313).”
This doesn’t include the cost of running fuel, from running gel (a carbohydrate gel that provides energy to long-distance runners) to protein powder (which aids recovery).
Staton says regular supplements, gels, sports drinks and protein powders can also cost between £50 and £100 (about $65 to $260) a month for some people.
You don’t need gels if you’re jogging around the park (unless you want to), but as soon as you start running a half marathon distance, you may need gels to replenish your blood sugar levels to improve performance. there is.
important expenses
Don’t have a spare $1,500 lying around? Staton said many novice runners start with a few key products — a good pair of running shoes — and work their way up from there.
He also recommends buying a good pair of running socks early on. It costs around £15 ($20) but can prevent those dreaded blisters. He also recommends buying a cheap smartwatch, starting at around £100 ($130), that tracks your mileage.
To prevent costs from getting out of hand, stay focused when you walk into a running store and don’t be tempted by any extra services offered, Staton warns.
“Get what you need and start having fun.”
keep costs down
There are a few more ways to reduce costs in the long run.
First, stay away from sports fashion brands that focus on making “cool looking clothes,” Staton says. He favors brands like Brooks and Saucony, which make kit specifically for runners.
Items from these brands are more likely to be effective and last longer.
When it’s time to replace your kit, double-check that it’s absolutely necessary. For example, some brands recommend replacing your running shoes after a certain number of miles, but Staton disagrees.
“People who run well generally don’t follow those rules. We run until they fall off our feet.”
If you’re starting to develop new knee problems, shin splints, or lower back pain, but haven’t changed your training plan, you know it’s time to ditch your old shoes, Staton says.
Of course, if your toes stick out, you might want to get new shoes, he added.
When it comes to replenishing your energy supply, keep costs down by avoiding things like protein bars and sticking to cheaper, better-for-you whole foods.
Race venue costs
You might be content just jogging around your local park, but many people want to track their running accomplishments with a race. But the costs can also be high, especially for marathons. For example, the London Marathon costs £69.99 (about $91) for UK residents, while international participants are charged a dizzying £225 (about $295).
Most races for charity can be run with a reduced entry fee, but this requires a dollar amount to be raised. For example, to participate in the charity space at the London Marathon, you need to raise at least £2,000 ($2,625), or more.
“cost” of life
Long-distance running is expensive both in terms of time and money.
With marathon training in full swing, the plan includes about 6 to 8 hours of running each week. For ultrarunners, this can increase to 10 hours or more per week, Staton said.
This doesn’t take into account the time you spend stretching, foam rolling, checking your running stats, evaluating routes, getting massages, physical therapy, finding and booking events, etc.
Running can become “your life”. And when it becomes an obsession, as many ultrarunners do, it takes a toll on other areas of your life, such as your relationships and social needs.
“I sacrifice a lot,” Staton said. “I want to write more, but I can’t. I want to learn to play the harmonica, but I haven’t. I want to learn languages, but I’m not.”
He said some ultrarunners spend so much time training that they become estranged from their partners and children.
Many runners who run 10 miles a week don’t push themselves this hard, but they may make sacrifices in other areas, such as cutting back on alcohol intake, skipping social plans, or drastically changing their diet. Maybe.
Can anyone become a long distance runner?
Staton said he believes “without a doubt” that any reasonably fit and able-bodied person could run a marathon “and beyond” if they had the desire to do so.
“Can we all be good at it? I would say no,” Staton said.
“You have to consider your resources, your time, your financial commitments, your children, your job, everything else before you commit to something like a marathon,” Staton said.
