caffeinated Runner asked about what I look for in a race, as she's a new runner she'd like to know what are key points to look for.
One. Cost.
Living in Chicago means races are generally pretty costly. In other parts of the country people can pay for a marathon what I pay for a half marathon or 10 miler. I won't pay more than $30 for a 5k, $65 for a 10 miler, or $85 for a half. Of course, there are always special circumstances. I paid $35 for the Rock n Roll 5k because I would be running with my brother and sister in law. I paid $40 for the Undie Dash (5k) because it was the inaugural run and it seemed like fun and I wanted to have a fun race. Both of those 5ks were definitely worth the money. You got TWO free beers, flip flops, and a medal at RnR. Undie Dash gave out cool sling backpacks and had great post race food (Freeze Pops!)
Two. Course.
For me, the course is a very important thing. Is it a loop? Out and back? Weave all around with lots of turns? Point to point? How many people are allowed to sign up and will the course easily fit everybody? Is it on city streets? A small running path? A trail? Hills or flat? Also important here: race day travel. I do not own a car, I need to rely on the CTA to get me to the start line. Can it get me there? More importantly, can it get me there early in the morning? I guess for those driving you'll have to look at parking info. Also important here, is race support. How many aid stations are there? How often are they? This is especially important in longer distance races.
Three. Swag.
Let's be honest, swag is one of the things runners run for. Do you get a medal? Shirt? Is the shirt technical or cotton? Gender specific or unisex? Or maybe you get a cool mug or flip flops. Maybe you get nothing at all, and that's ok some races are small. Most 5ks you don't get a medal, in fact, most distances under a half marathon don't hand out medals. If you find a race and you get one, you are lucky!
Those are the 3 things I look for. What do you look for in a race?
those are very good things! i also look into the distance from home and the surrounding area...is it somewhere that I want to visit. oh and I am kinda big on the post race festivities and food. haha!
ReplyDeleteThe course is a big thing for me. I ran a 1/2 marathon with my friend last year and I was so bored. The crowd needs to be good, so I've found that the races in bigger cities are usually more fun.
ReplyDeleteI look at all of those things too ...
ReplyDeleteLocation - if it's very local, then I don't care too much about the course or swag. And since I'm out in the burbs, the local races are cheap.
Course - if it isn't local (and especially if I have to pay for parking), then it has to be a pretty cool course, or have some other cool novelty about it. I've already done two races that went from Grant Park, south along the lake and back up (Hot Choc 15K and SF10) so I'm avoiding races that follow that route for awhile.
Price - I don't mind paying a little bit more for a race (like RnR Chicago) but I can't do that very often. I try to limit myself to one race every 1-2 months. It adds up, especially if I run it with my husband. I don't know how people who race every weekend (sometimes twice) can afford it. They are probably paying well over $1,000 per year in race fees. Races are a lot of fun though, so I wish I could afford more.
Aww - thanks for picking my question!! Very helpful answers. I'm already learning about cost - running races can truly add up. For that reason I'm focusing primarily on charity fun runs for the time being. OH - and the swag..... love the swag!!! I must admit that I can't wait to get my first medal though.
ReplyDeleteThanks again!! xo
Maggie, you bring up a good point with Chicago races. Courses NOT on the lakefront path featuring Soldier Field are rare these days. Until recently, that was where I did all my running, since I lived right there. Then I did multiple races on the same ground as I ran 4 days a week. Just with aid stations and medals. I ran SF10 twice, and I won't be doing it next year due to my best friend's wedding, I also ran Hot Chocolate and a few others. I'm tired of paying $80 for a half marathon that is on the trail. If it's on the trail the cost should be $50 max since you aren't paying to close off anything. Now since I've moved to the north end of the trail (Foster Ave) I miss my path, but not enough to pay to run on it. I can still run on it for free! After this year I'll be looking for races with different courses. That's why Rock n Roll was fun, because it was ALL on streets! No lakefront path at all!
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