Smart Financial Strategies for Runners: Save on Costs & Gear

Race Entry: Plan Ahead and Weigh Your Options

Marathon entry fees for the Majors can range from $200 to $400. Charity bibs and tour groups are also common, but they can be pricey. Here’s how to navigate:

Plan Early for Cheaper Entry

Many major marathons offer early registration options, including lotteries or early bird specials. If you have the flexibility, sign up as soon as possible to lock in a lower fee. Some races allow international entries through lotteries, which may offer better odds and prices than local registration.

Charity Bibs: Fundraise Smart

Charity bibs are another way to secure your spot, but fundraising can be daunting. Start early and break down your goals — using platforms like GoFundMe or social media can help. Set up a clear plan and communicate your progress to donors. Consider partnering with organizations that align with your personal values to make the fundraising feel more authentic.

Tour Groups: Shop Around

Tour groups are convenient, but they can vary significantly in price. U.S.-based groups are often more expensive compared to international ones. Shop around, and consider whether you’re willing to share a room or prefer a private one — this can drastically impact your total cost. Also, some tour groups include additional perks like guaranteed entry and city tours, so factor in the value of those extras.

Travel Costs: Shop Smart for Flights and Accommodations

Travel is one of the biggest expenses for a marathon, especially if you're flying internationally. Here are a few ways to save:

Book Flights with Price Alerts

Use tools like Expedia or Google Flights to set price alerts and monitor fare drops. If you're loyal to an airline, stick with it, but don’t overlook budget airlines, especially for short-haul flights. Flexibility with your travel dates can also help you snag cheaper fares. Consider subscribing for cheap flight alerts with offerings like Dollar Flight Club.

Maximize Credit Card Rewards

You don’t need a specific airline credit card to rack up rewards. Many general travel rewards cards allow you to redeem points for flights, hotels, or even race entry fees. Start accumulating points well ahead of time to cover a portion of your travel costs.
Want more tips on how to use credit card points for marathon travel? Tune into this week’s episode of the Marathon Running Podcast, where we dive into maximizing rewards programs to cover flights, hotels, and other race-related expenses.

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Feel Better on Raceday with VKTRY Carbon Fiber Insoles

VKTRY Insoles are a carbon fiber alternative to the foam inserts that come in your running shoes.

Using a plate customized to your weight and sport, they are changing the game for runners by offering performance-benefits to every shoe. Not only do VKTRY Insoles offer great energy return with their carbon plate, but they have demonstrated a reduction to injury risk for feet and knees as well.

Running Gear: Be Smart, Shop Smart

Shoes, tech, and gear can quickly add to your budget. While some gear is essential, like good shoes, other items can be more budget-friendly:

Score Deals on Gear

Wait for big sales like Black Friday or check out outlet stores for discounts on shoes and clothing. Prioritize what’s essential — invest in quality running shoes but look for deals on other gear. Consider joining loyalty programs at running stores for early access to sales.

Loyalty Programs and Refurbished Tech

Sign up for programs like Road Runner Sports to get exclusive discounts. If you're in the market for a GPS watch or other tech gadgets, check out refurbished options, which come with warranties but at a reduced cost.

Conclusion: Run Smart, Spend Smarter

Running marathons doesn’t have to empty your bank account. By planning ahead, shopping smart, and using available resources like credit card rewards and travel points, you can run the world without breaking the bank. Again, tune into this week’s episode of the Marathon Running Podcast to learn more about using financial smarts to make your running goals affordable!

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Build a budget for your community’s race

If you organize a race for your community and would like to impress others on your committee, Run The Day is here to help! Click below to access an excel template to help you create a professional looking race budget.

For more stories, insights and tips that help race directors build community, consider subscribing to Ian’s weekly Build Your Community Newsletter.

This Week’s Running-Shoe-In-Review 👟

We’re always on the hunt for the perfect pair of kicks to help our audience find their ideal fit. Pun intended! This week, we put the New Balance Fuel Cell Supercomp V3 to the test:

Your Daily Dose Of Usain⚡️

Words To Run By 🏃‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️