Trail running is becoming an increasingly expensive sport, and race entry fees are one of the major culprits. While most think of shoes, gear and nutrition products (electrolytes, energy bars, gels, etc.) as the largest costs involved in the sport, many overlook the prices of races themselves. Average trail races in the United States cost approximately fifty to one hundred dollars, while ultra marathons (distances 26.2 miles and above) are more often between one hundred and three hundred dollars. Prestigious ultramarathons, Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, Leadville Trail 100, High Lonesome 100, Javelina Jundred, often have even higher entry fees. Some races, such as popular two-hundred mile races, are closing in on two thousand dollar entry fees! This is just the cost for race registration and does not include transportation to and from the race, accommodations, or required gear.
Steven Aderholt has a fun moment on the trails.
Steven Aderholt, co-race director of the Cocodona 250 (one of the country’s most popular 200 plus mile races), speaks on the costs of both putting on 200-mile events as well as signing up for them, “Although the cost of 200-milers is high, the experience it can give you is unparalleled. If everyone could experience it, we feel the world would be a better place. Oh, and just so that everyone knows, the costs to ORGANIZE a 200-miler would blow your mind.”
Aderholt explains several unique ways participants of the Cocodona 250 can lower their race entry costs, “At Cocodona we have a charity bib program where runners commit to raising a minimum amount for charity. A portion of these funds go to cover the race organizer’s costs and the charity bib administration costs and the rest goes to a non-profit of the runner’s choosing. This way, the work you do raising funds for a non-profit covers your race registration fee.”
Cocodona also has a scholarship program where several deserving runners are awarded free entry into the race (apply by mid-October for the Cocodona 250 in 2027), as well as awards discounts to participants who have volunteered at the event in previous years.
Costs are high, but save with these tips
While there are many reasons for increased race entry fees: land-use permits, aid station foods and supplies, fuel and equipment costs, medical personnel, paid employees, event insurance, etc., there are strategies participants can use to reduce their entry fees and not pay full price. The following tips are designed to help all runners searching for ways to reduce their costs when signing up for races. Not just talented or elite athletes receive race entry comps and discounts. With proper planning and an understanding of the way races work, athletes can actually race more frequently and spend less money doing so.
Cirque Series @arapahoe_basin
Compete in race series
One of the most effective ways to race more and lower race entry costs is to sign up for race series or bundled race options. With certain race organizations, signing up for the entire series will provide a much better price-per-race ratio. When signing up for races, always check to see if the race is a part of a series or bundled with other events. Additionally, a race series is also a great way to compete consistently, as races in series are usually separated with an optimal amount of time in between events to maximize recovery while keeping participants focused on their upcoming race.
Look for early bird pricing
When signing up for races, don’t wait until the last minute! Race directors typically offer large discounts (roughly 15-30 percent) for runners who sign up for early bird race entries. These discounts are often awarded to runners who sign up at least three to six months before the event, which gives race directors sufficient time to better plan their events and avoid unwanted expenses.
Mandy Mullen, race director of run.Windsor events based in Fort Collins, CO, said about the benefits to both participants and race organizations of early bird registrations, “As lead times and costs continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly important for runners to sign up early. It is difficult to budget and order the correct number of finisher shirts and race medals—which often have lead times of six to eight weeks—without an accurate participant count…Additionally, early bird pricing or “bundling” discounts for multiple races can help remove financial barriers to entry. Registering early also encourages a more successful experience for runners, as it prompts them to focus on training and nutrition earlier to ensure they reach the start line healthy and prepared.”
Photo of The Running Kind group at the end of the EcoEndurance tour.
Join run clubs/groups
Run clubs are one of the best ways to receive racing perks and discounts. Members of run clubs are often provided with discount codes to the club’s affiliate races. Clubs may also organize their own events and offer discounts or even free entries to members.
In addition to the discount benefits at races, clubs also create a great community that brings with it more benefits for athletes searching for racing opportunities. Making friends in clubs can improve the odds of finding other runners to carpool to races with, or even to stay with during race travels. This will lower race costs by saving money on travel/lodging expenses, and make the experience more enjoyable by having others to share these race memories with.
Race volunteer groups can also be beneficial to join to lower race costs. Schuyler Hall, race director and avid recreational trail runner says about the benefits of volunteering for races, “If a company provides volunteer credits, that’s a great way to connect with the community and is usually an even cheaper entry point.”
“Many race companies offer discounted or free entries for the following year’s race for people who volunteer at the race,” said Aderholt of the Cocodona 250. “This is also a great way to get to know the course and the event from a different and deeper perspective which in the end, will help your race.”
Volunteers at the 25th annual Chuckanut 50K.
Opt out of perks
When signing up for races, carefully navigate both the race website and registration platform to know exactly what is being paid for. Races may offer varying degrees of entry, each with different categories, perks, and SWAG. Price options can be decided by categories based on experience level: some races offer higher prices to enter professional or elite fields given the potential in these categories to earn prize money, while recreational runners can sign up more cheaply in beginner or recreational categories.
Runners can also lower costs by choosing to opt out of certain perks and SWAG. Races may offer optional T-shirts, meals before/after the event, or even coordinate deals with local lodging and transportation. While these benefits may be worth paying for in some instances, the money-conscious participant might be able to spend less money than what the race suggests. Something as simple as choosing to forego a race T-shirt can save an average of thirty dollars per participant. But keep in mind that not all races may have clear instructions for how to forego the expenses of SWAG. Don’t be afraid to email the race about potential ways to reduce race costs through limiting race perks. Most races would be happy to accommodate their participants’ needs, especially if it is done well in advance of the time races order their sponsored products (T-shirts, water bottles, hats, etc.).
PROTIP: Opting out of race SWAG will not only save money, but can encourage races to become more eco-friendly by reducing material production and in turn their carbon footprints. Organizations such as Trees not Tees are outspoken about the unnecessary production of t-shirts in the racing industry, and encourage runners to consider the carbon footprint of the events they choose to participate in.
Seek scholarships
Many runners are eligible for racing scholarships that they may not even be aware of. Such scholarships offer discounts or free entries to runners of different ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Listed below are several scholarship examples across the country. Some scholarships, such as the All In, award young runners aged twenty to twenty-nine with free and discounted entries into several races across the country.
Trail Mix Fund: Aims to improve diversity at various trail races by removing financial barriers, specifically for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ runners.
Runners For Public Lands Everyone Runs Fund: Provides money, gear, and coaching to help underrepresented populations access and run on trails.
All In: A year-long coaching scholarship for young athletes, aged twenty to twenty-nine, that also awards free or discounted entries to affiliate races.
The Trail Team: An organization dedicated to supporting the next generation of elite level trail runners (aged twenty to thirty) through a year-long sponsorship. Selected team members receive travel and accommodations at goal races, coaching, media coverage, brand connections and more.
ATRA membership: Become a member of the American Trail Running Association. Since 2017, ATRA has awarded more than $40,000 worth of race entries, subscriptions, footwear, and gear provided by its corporate members. Giveaways are offered monthly to members through ATRA’s e-newsletter.
In addition to these organizations, some races offer their own scholarships. Many races provide both younger and aging athletes with free or discounted entries to encourage these communities to attend their events. Even if a race doesn’t explicitly offer scholarships, it’s always worth asking as most race directors recognize the importance of encouraging greater diversity on start lines and among communities of racers.
PROTIP: Check out youth races in ATRA’s online race calendar, all offering discount to youth participants.
Zach Friedley on the trails.
PROTIP: While it is less common, scholarship opportunities for adaptive athlete communities are growing. Zachary Friedley, professional adaptive athlete, has increased participation and awareness of adaptive trail running (read more about Friedley in our piece here).
PROTIP: Be sure to check out ATRA’s online race calendar here.
