2024 was the year to run. There have been running clubs, marathons, the Paris Olympics, and parkrun has just celebrated its 20th anniversary.
But the year is not over yet, the fall marathon season has just begun, and the Chicago and New York Marathons will continue through next month. Athletes around the world will be reviewing their training plans, lacing up their shoes and pounding the pavement as we speak, preparing for those all-important race days.
Racing is a great way to prove to yourself (and the world) that you have the grit, determination and ability to achieve big goals – so it’s no surprise to find the likes of Fortune 500 CEOs at the starting line.
Britt Olsen, former COO of On, spoke about her passion for running, while Priscilla Almodóvar, CEO of Fannie Mae, said luck She has run “three marathons and too many half-races to count.”
But while racing can be good for the individual, it also generates serious money – from the millions raised by runners for charities, to the huge contracts secured in sponsorships, such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a… Indian Technology sponsors the New York, London, Boston and Amsterdam Marathons (among others) and pays $30-40 million annually for the privilege.
Local businesses benefit greatly from races as well, such as the Valencia Marathon in Spain He made 31.3 million euros (about $34.7 million) of tourism to the city in 2023, for example.
But what is the operating cost per person?
The cost of becoming a runner
“Running is free,” say people who have only run for the bus.
Sure, there’s no cost per session, but running is never cheap.
“It costs a lot,” running and mindset coach, Ronnie Staton He said luck. Staton supports and coaches marathon runners (who run farther than 26.2 miles in a marathon – usually much farther) and is no stranger to long distances, having previously completed a 200-mile run across England.
He says the initial cost of the absolute basics starts at around £200 ($260), depending on the individual. This buys you a good pair of running shoes and appropriate running clothing.
“But that would be without a watch, running jacket, any tech kit, earbuds, hats, you name it,” Staton said.
“If you said ‘let’s go shopping now and get all the tools I need’, it would cost around £1,000 ($1,313).”
Ronnie Staton talks about the costs of running.
Once you’re up and running, “the costs start to go up,” Staton said. “If you said ‘let’s go shopping now and get all the tools I need’, it would cost around £1,000 ($1,313).”
This won’t include the costs of running nutrition, from running gels (carbohydrate gels that provide energy for longer distance runners) to protein powders (which aid recovery).
Regular supplements, gels, sports drinks and protein powders can cost runners between £50 to £100 ($65 to $260) a month, depending on the person, Staton said.
Although gels aren’t necessary for jogging in the park (unless you want to), once you start running half marathon distances, you may want to boost your glucose levels to help your performance.
Important costs
Don’t have an extra $1,500? Many new runners will start with two key products — proper running shoes — and then gradually build from there, Staton said.
He also recommends buying good running socks early, which can cost around £15 ($20) but stops the dreaded blisters, as well as a cheap smartwatch that tracks distance traveled and starts at around £100 ($130).
To keep costs from spiraling out of control, Staton warns to stay focused when setting foot in a running store and not get caught up in all the random extras you might be offered.
“Just get what you need and start swinging.”
Keep costs low
There are several other ways to help mitigate costs in the long term.
First, stay away from athleisure brands that focus on making “great-looking clothes,” says Staton, who prefers brands like Brooks and Saucony that make gear specifically for runners.
Items from these brands are more likely to work for you and last longer.
When it’s time to replace your kit, double-check that it’s absolutely necessary. Some brands suggest replacing your running shoes once they’ve reached a certain mileage, for example, but Staton disagrees.
“People who run a lot, in general, do not follow this rule. We run until we fall off our feet.”
You’ll know it’s time to ditch your old shoes if you start having new knee problems, shin pain, or sore hips, but haven’t changed your training plan, Staton said.
Of course, you might also want to get a new pair if your toe runs through the front, he adds.
When it comes to fueling yourself, keep costs low by avoiding things like protein bars and sticking to natural foods that are cheaper and better for you.
Race venue costs
You may be happy running in your local park, but many like to celebrate their running achievements with a race. But the cost of these things can also be expensive, especially when it comes to marathons. For example, the London Marathon gives UK residents £69.99 (US$91) while international participants charge £225 (US$295).
You can run most charity races at a reduced entry cost, but this requires you to do some fundraising that varies in amount. You must raise at least £2,000 ($2,625), or often higher, for a charity place in the London Marathon, for example.
The “costs” of life
Long distance running can be expensive in terms of time as well.
In the midst of marathon training, plans include about six to eight hours of running each week. This can increase to more than 10 hours per week for ultra runners, Staton said.
And that’s without taking into account the hours spent stretching, foam rolling, looking at running stats, evaluating routes, massages, physical therapy, finding and booking events and more.
Running can “become your life.” And when it becomes an obsession, as it does for many ultra-runners, it leads to sacrifice in other areas of your life, whether it’s relationships, social needs, or others.
“I sacrifice a lot,” Staton said. “I would like to write more and I don’t. I would like to learn to play the harmonica, and I don’t want to. I would like to learn a language, and I don’t want to.”
He shared that some ultra-runners have become estranged from their partners or children due to the excess time they spend training.
While many runners who will log 10 miles over the course of a week won’t push that far, there may be sacrifices you make in other areas – for example, reducing alcohol intake, skipping social plans or making major dietary changes.
Can anyone become a long distance runner?
Staton says he believes “without a doubt” that any reasonably healthy individual can participate in a marathon “and beyond” if they have the desire to do so.
“Can everyone do it well? I would say no,” Staton said.
“You have to look at your resources, your time, your financial obligations, your kids, your job, everything before you commit to something like a marathon,” Staton said.