I no longer run local 5K races because of the price. Instead, I sign up for distance events. They are more expensive but running on a closed course with aid stations is worth it to me. I would run more 5Ks but hesitate at anything over $15. I don't care about the shirt or the post race party. A water bottle and a banana are what makes me happy at the finish!

I do not think we are the majority, though. A lot of people want to do a 5K and have the whole shebang. A tshirt to wear around and advertise that they're runners. A medal to feel great about participating. Etc. I did when I started running:). And the 5K tends to attract more casual & new runners.

Hello!

The price of running a 5k is getting out of control! I see race fees that are $30-$35. I realize that they are for good causes but at some point when did runners turn into the charity organization of the world.

Race fees shouldn't top $15 for a 5k.

Its getting ridiculous!

A lot of time and planning goes into organizing and carrying out 5ks. Also, you're not only paying to run the race but most races donate proceeds to an organization in need which fully justifys the cost in my opinion. $20-$25 is NOT too much to ask. If you want to talk costs, it's at least 1,000 dollars to put on a race, if not more. Timing and shirts and awards are the majority of this cost. You want a no frills event (no awards, chip timing, race shirt or premium, food after?) then those are the races that'll cost a lot less. If you're complaining about a $20 entry then my guess is you have no put on a race yourself to know the true cost and effort it takes.

Sure $25 is too much to ask. Myself, and a few others who have replied, have stated they no longer run 5Ks due to the cost. A few 5Ks have come up that I thought about running, I checked the cost, see it at $25 or so, and I move on. Thus, it is too much to ask.

I am a local race director and my race costs a little over $3000 to run...my costs include shirts (which everyone comments that they really like our shirts each year) timing, porta potties, and medals. Sponsors are VERY generous however they are tapped out and may not donate as much as you think. After we pay our bills 100% of our profit goes to the organization that we support. As a race director my goals are to put on a good race and increase what we can donate each year even if we give them $1 more than last year. I send a survey out to my participants after the race and your would be surprised what ppl comment about. I try to keep my race 'low frills' so that we keep out costs down but in the end there is always a handful if ppl that complain that we only have fruit and water/Gatorade at the finish line. I appreciate all the support we have gotten over the years from local runners and runners not so local! ? Reality is (in my situation) that the cost of everything has gone up and sponsors are stretched out in our community so sometimes that means a slight price increase in races. I appreciate everyone's comments and look forward to more conversation about the topic

I don't think many are complaining, but are just stating they can not afford the higher cost.

There is a race on Sept 18th that has a no shirt option located at Lake Carey. Benefits Equines For Freedom who provide free therapy to veterans in our area.

Just wanted to mention that one of my fav races of the year, the June Crusader Classic in Dunmore, appears to have raised their price. I know some of you who read this may laugh and say "Its only 22 dollars" and that its (I think) $2 higher than last year.

However, I have kids that I would like to run with. So if I bring 3 kids, it will cost me $88 to run a race? We can open the door and go run for free. As this forum has discussed in the past, if the shirts are driving up the costs, make a shirt optional for the runner, and lower the cost. I don't need any more shirts!!!!

So, to the race director of the Crusader Class, I am not running this year.

You mean 30 dollars a race, it just went up again. Money took away the great feeling of being in a race or just finishing one.