Trail running costs - ridiculous

[PaulGreene]

I've run a few trail runs, and while I enjoy the scenery, the typical organisation leaves a lot to be desired. Incorrect distance measurements, lack of logistics and water-tables (I understand the eco-issues - but what about a table at the finish-point ), non-existent route markers (eco-issues again ).
I suppose you have the choice to run if you want, and stay home if you don't like it. But what about the cost?
No marshalls, no traffic cone hiring etc., and yet the costs are ridiculous.

The clincher has to be Runners World SA October 2009, pg 82.
Advertising a range of events at the RW/Bicyling Dirt Festival 2009 in JHB on the 18th October:
4km trail run, 12.30pm, R50!
Did anyone actually do this 4km event?

[Jaje]

[PaulGreene]

This is in a place called Northern Farm - doesn't seem like a nature reserve...

I forgot to add, that if you enter on the day,
"Limited on the day entries until 8am only. Add R30."

So let's make that (for on-the-day-entry)
4km trail run, 12.30pm, R80!

What a bargain!
Next year I'll make sure I go to JHB for this one. I'll just make sure I plan for this 4km and pre-enter so that I only pay the pre-entry special of R50.

[Seb Coe]

I suppose unlike Road Races trails runs are mostly organised by private companies that want to make a profit. Most road races are organised by clubs(that still want to make a small profit) that don't have the overheads and staff to pay. I agree - R80 for a 4km run is ridiculous

[DuaneD]

The costs are ridiculous, but in the 2 Trail races that I have run, I have made a profit, because of the high entry fees - most of the elite runners don't enter and I have therefore ended up in the prizes

[pseudo porra]

luckily you are not forced to run these races. the high prices limits the field which i like.. and maybe some of the money finds its way back into conservation so thats also fine by me... i just wish there were more of them up here in gauteng..and the more remote the area the better

[DuaneD]

[PaulGreene]

[OMI]

It might seem expensive compared to road running, but then to compare the two is comparing apples and potatoes. If paying R40 to run with thousands of other people is your thing then fine, but if you want to experience fun trails away from traffic, with 300-400 other runners, and enjoy a healthy family friendly lifestyle then go trail running. The reality is you pay for the exclusivity.

Unfortunately there are a lot of trail run organizers out there who do as little as possible - running you around a field and calling it a trail run, or simply putting them on in combination with MTB events etc. You should try the Trail Series (www.trailseries.co.za) - sure R80 entry for the 10-13km long route, but you get R150 worth of Capestorm & Montrail vouchers, a finishers medal and most importantly ONLY trail running routes and well marked (every 100-150m).

From an organizers perspective, dividing the costs by thousands of runners as in a road run brings the cost down per runner. Well organized trail runs, such as the Trail Series, would carry the same operations costs (medics, staff, marshals, medals etc) and thus I would expect 2/3 of the entry fee goes straight to cover costs. Besides, I would be more than happy for trail run organizers who run events like the Trail Series to make some profit, if it means they come back and run more trail events!

Quite frankly, R80 is only a 10% tip away from a average priced pizza, and personally I am happy to pay that for the joy of running on trails.
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[PaulGreene]

I like the idea of exclusivity. In actual fact, it actually becomes cheaper the more exclusive you get - I'm gonna run in the veld around my house, by MYSELF, and guess what it's going to cost me? For 4km, for 10km, for 50km - it costs me absolutely nothing.

Comparing R80 to a cost of something else is flawed logic. R80 may be the cost of a pizza, but compared to the cost of a R5 chocolate, it is a lot of money.

Might as well make it cost R1000 for a 2km run, as trail running is great and R1000 is a lot cheaper than buying a R30000 LCD TV.

Fortunately we all have choices.

[MKT]

[pseudo porra]

[sim]

As one of the founding sponsors of the trail series (CAPESTORM) we didnt jusrt jump on the trail running band wagon but went to the expense and effort to set up a series that used Owen's course finding and event running expertise to make an enjoyable experience. We provide a great venue (often on private land where we have to pay a venue fee) real money off vouchers, make sure that the lucky draw prizes are equivalent to the winners/placed runners prizes, give a medal at every event, provide free photos, results updated and posted within a day of the event. Being both a road and trail runner i can testify to the 'value' of the trail series when compared to other events. I as marketing manager of CAPESTORM would never be involved in a race where i didnt believe that participant was getting value for their Rand. We are also associated with the Crazy Store Table Mountain Challenge where runners get a 35km race around TM, a quality, unque CAPESTORM tee based on our tracer tee which retails at R275, a running cap, a discount in our stores and again an awesome experience with the best views in the Cape all for R195 in 2009.

So my point is, yes, just like any sport with large participation there are going to be good events and bad events. Sometime, you have to experience it to appreciate it, and then have to rely on the pedigree of the organiser, sponsor, venue, promoter or whatever. With the trail series and TMC we believe we offer value for money.

regards
sim

[pseudo porra]

[sim]

a ha, the problem of a limited number of retail stores. only at bryanston, clearwater or bedford centre JOBURG. I know, i know, trying to get to joburg from pretoria, but best i can do.

regards
sim

[pseudo porra]

[Tukkies]

My opinion: exclusivity = the wealthy runner.

It does not cater for the poor or even the middle income runner … I’m not saying paying R230 for Comrades is “catering for the poor” but it is a once-off expense … Meaning - a lower income runner cannot afford running more than one trail race.

As stated – it’s my OPINION ….
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Mense wat dink hulle weet alles, maak ons mense wat alles weet die bliksem in.

[pseudo porra]

[quote="Tukkies"]My opinion: exclusivity = the wealthy runner.

It does not cater for the poor or even the middle income runner … I’m not saying paying R230 for Comrades is “catering for the poor” but it is a once-off expense … Meaning - a lower income runner cannot afford running more than one trail race.

As stated – it’s my OPINION …. [/quote

Ok so I want to drive a Merc but cannot afford it as it is geared at the rich...do i now cry discrimination or do i drive what i can afford..same enter the races that you can afford ...thats my opinion I save money throughout the year to enter mont-aux-sources yes its very expensive but i said I want to run three of them and I gear myself for that..after that I will then find anotherrace that will take me a year to pay for and go for it..

[sim]

Depending on how many road races you do a year, you have to either buy a temporary licence or join a club. Half marathon next weekend;
Distance & Entry Fee
Club Members:
21.1km - R51.00
10km Run / Walk R31.00
Junor 10km Run / Walk R21.00

Non Club Members:
21.1km - R79.80
10km Run / Walk - R46.00
Junior 10km Run / Walk - R26.00

Even you join a club and only run a couple of races the cost is almost the same. i would also say that a half marathon on road is equivalent to 10-15km offroad in terms of effort and very often time!

To me a fee of R80 for one trail series race or R195 for TMC with a tee that you can actually run in again and again rather than just throw in the cupboard with the other cotton tees, does offer value.

But you like it's just an opinion and running on the mountain in CT is often free, although not altogether safe.

sim

[pseudo porra]