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Running Broke
1/23/2004
16:03:45
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 Subject: Marathon Fee
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The Austin Marathon states the entry fee is $80. This is incorrect! The fee is really $85.70. Shouldn't the correct fee be stated when we have no choice but to register online. What are we getting for $85.70. I remember paying $50 just a few years ago. I thought that was a fair price - even $60. It is now getting out of hand. Sure we get a t-shirt and a bag. That is wonderful! Shouldn't we also get our pasta dinner free too. $15 for pasta is a little high. If 7500 people enter, the marathon stands to bring in $600k in revenue. I know about the cost of closing down the streets and all that, but the fees are getting high. This will likely be my last marathon - at least in Austin. I know there will be somebody to replace me, but let's give the everyday runners a break instead of giving the top elites all of our money!
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tgarr
1/23/2004
16:41:54
| RE: Marathon Fee
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This is a straw horse argument first of all 85 bucks for the race is not out of line at all with other marathons. Second, the myth that having elite runners in is what makes the price higher is just that a myth. The increased support to bring those runners in usually comes from a sponsor(s) that want to be associated with a world class event. In addition Hotels etc.. typically can be talked into comping rooms for elite runners for the same reasons. It probably has more to do with the basic tenat of supply and demand. I chose not to run the half at Houston because it was 75 bucks but am quite sure I wasn't missed at all because there are many otehrs who will pay that cost. It seems to me that more and more the everyday runner catches plenty of breaks from the races, i.e.. extended course times (which add to the cost of the race) etc... In fact one could argue that as the races are sold as more of an entertainment outing rather than a competitive race the price goes up. In the end I don't think the runners, elite or non-elite, are to blame, but as with everything else in life the more popular it becomes the more we end up paying.
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trigal
1/23/2004
22:06:20
| RE: Marathon Fee
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Message:
Try payimg 150.00 to compete in Buffalo Springs!! I think this year is 170.00
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oncearunner
1/24/2004
12:12:46
| RE: Marathon Fee
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Message:
This is a continuous topic on message boards.
I think that there are numerous reasons for the price increase.
For example it may be so the race directors and staff can afford more luxurious rigs or there fancy digs for race events.
Or as stated previously the marathon official finishing times have gotten out of hand.
For example lets compare it to Japan. If you go to Japan most marathons have a 3:30:00 time limit. First you must submit some type of qualifications such as recent marathon, half marathon, or 10k times in order to gain entry to there event. The cost of these races has not increased except for maybe a total of 1000yen which is equal to 10 dollars. Total average cost to run a marathon is 60.00.
Also the addition of numerous award categories is insanity. We (American) society actually are rewarding people to be LARGE. This message is clear there is going to be a steady increase in order to produce such events because they are no longer a sporting competition. The majority of marathons are nothing more than a jogger�s world of entertainment.
And to blame a runner who is considered elite is not only wrong it is unfounded. Hell most of the elite guys barely eat enough food for it to be called an expense.
Where has the runner who would run for lower times at each event? Is that not what a race is for to share in competition against the clock?
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Poor guy
1/27/2004
14:08:11
| RE: Marathon Fee
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Message:
Entry fees are getting out of hand. Marathon fees are especially ridiculous. It has gotton to the point that the entry fee is now a major determining factor in which races I choose (and if I choose to race at all.)
Attn. race directors: You'll soon price yourselves out of the market. Better think about what you're doing.
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dfwrunner
1/27/2004
16:25:35
| RE: Marathon Fee
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Message:
this new big D texas marathon in
March... The early fee is $60 (a fair
price). Then it goes up to $80 and
$100 on the race day!!! A matter of
supply and demand, I guess. But
that's still insane!
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tx runner
1/27/2004
16:53:27
| RE: Marathon Fee
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It's only insane if you pay it. I'm not defending high priced races, but if you don't like the entry fee to any race whether it's $10 or $100, don't go. That's the best way to show your disapproval.
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Bob
1/27/2004
17:49:47
| RE: Marathon Fee
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The fee goes up to encourage people to pay earlier in order to have upfront money. The upfront money is necessary to ensure the event is able to pay for all the necessities and yes maybe make a profit :)
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Tgarr
1/28/2004
08:32:30
| RE: Marathon Fee
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Message:
Makes sense Bob, except that organizations like the Houston and AUstin marathons should have the upfront money to avoid such issues.
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dfwrunner
1/28/2004
14:08:19
| RE: Marathon Fee
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"... don't go. That's the best way to
show your disapproval."
that's what I'll do (or as a 'bandit'). thx
for the advice :)
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