By Marnie Kunz, NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified running coach

Budgeting for runners can help you combat the costs of race fees, travel, and running gear. Although running is one of the few sports that requires so little equipment - just your running shoes, it can get surprisingly pricey. Whether you have a lineup of races you want to run, a unique travel race, or need new running shoes, these tips can help you save money and plan for your running expenses.

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The Costs of Racing

If you enjoy racing, the cost can add up quickly. Race entry fees are one of the major expenses for runners. The registration fee for a race can vary, depending on the size of the race, sponsors, course, and presenting sponsor.

Generally, smaller races cost less than larger ones, and shorter-distance races also cost less than longer ones. For instance, a local 5K race for a charity or running club will cost less than a large city half-marathon or marathon. T-shirts and swag can add more costs to your racing budget.

How to Save on Races

Here are some ways you can save on the cost of your race entries:

Sign Up for Small, Local Races

Sign up for local races to work on your speed, support a cause, or gain experience. These smaller events can cost $50 to $100 less than larger races with a high number of participants.

Pass on Extra Swag

To reduce your entry fees, forego the shirt and swag options. If you would rather do a lot of races than have a bunch of running shirts, prioritize your races and skip the added shirt and swag costs.

Volunteer at Races

Volunteer at local races to earn racing credit. Many race organizations offer a discount or even free entry in exchange for volunteering. NYCRuns, for instance, gives volunteers $50 or more in race credit that can be used to pay for up to 50% or $40 (whichever is greater) of any given race’s costs.

Consider Memberships

Become a member of a race organization if you plan to do a lot of their races in a year. Make sure you calculate your total savings versus membership costs to make sure this option is worth it to save money. The more you race with one group, the more likely a membership will pay off.

Register in Advance

Register early. This is one of the best ways to save money when budgeting for runners. Early registration usually offers an incentivized discount, and you can save a lot by registering for races months in advance.

Get Sponsors

Seek sponsorships. If you have a significant and engaged social following or impressive rankings in your races, seek sponsorships. Reach out to running apparel, shoe, and nutrition companies that supply gels or other running fuel. Be creative in your outreach and contact brands you love and use to find the best sponsorship opportunities.

Book Travel in Advance

Plan and book travel in advance to save on travel races. If you’re traveling for a big race, don’t limit yourself to suggested hotels or race-sponsored hotels, as you can often find better savings on travel discount sites like Hotwire. Be flexible with your exact location and hotel amenities, and book in advance. This will help you save a lot on your race travel.

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Budgeting for Runners - How to Save on Gear

The costs of running shoes, clothes, and accessories can add up quickly, especially if you’re training for longer races like marathons. If you’re putting a lot of miles on your shoes and doing long runs, you’ll need more gear than someone training for a 5K race.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ultra runner, budgeting for runners will help you plan for your costs. Some running costs, such as running shoes, are predictable, while others may be more irregular - such as new tights or a water bottle for long runs. Here are tips to keep your running gear costs in line with your budget:

Set up a running checking account. This will help you set aside money just for your running needs.
Save a little each month in your running account for your significant running expenses, such as running shoes or GPS watches. Setting aside $50 a month, for instance, can help you cover your shoe costs and any other large purchases when you need them. Then you won’t have to worry about being out of pocket $150 for new shoes or a couple hundred dollars for a Garmin watch if yours suddenly breaks. Saving ahead will also help you avoid going into debt and paying finance charges or high credit card interest rates for months to come.
Shop seasonal sales for running clothing. If you buy out of season, you can save a lot. For instance, winter running jackets and accessories often go on sale in spring and summer, and you can snag great deals.
Research the average price of items you need, such as running shoes. Shop for deals by getting older models of your favorite shoes or last season’s colors to save on running shoes.

Saving on Gym Costs

Strength training is crucial to help you become a better runner, but gym memberships can be costly. If you’re on a budget, join a low-cost gym or your local YMCA. You can also strength train at home with no equipment by doing bodyweight exercises.

Invest in some budget-friendly resistance bands or dumbbells to add intensity to your home workouts. You don’t need to spend a lot to set up your home gym, and you won’t have to worry about the cost of a monthly gym membership.

Final Tips for Runners on a Budget

Budgeting for runners may not sound like a lot of fun, but it can help you prioritize and afford the races and gear you want most. By taking some simple steps, you can cut down on your running expenses and still enjoy fantastic running experiences.

Here are some final budgeting tips for runners:

Distinguish needs from wants. Do you really need the latest color of running shoes or another running shirt? Instead of buying an expensive high-tech fitness tracker, you can start out by using a free running app. Learn to forego the extras, and you’ll be able to afford the things that will help you run best - quality running shoes, bucket list races, etc.
Plan ahead and register early for the races you want to do the most. Then if you have extra disposable income throughout the year, you can add more races to your lineup if you want.
Set aside money for running expenses regularly, and you’ll be able to cover big costs more easily and avoid debt.
Balance out your costs. If you have a high-cost race that means a lot to you, forgo a local race and save for your big race.

I hope these tips on budgeting for runners help you enjoy running without high costs. How do you keep your running expenses in check? Follow and tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your tips. If you need a training plan, head to our Runstreet Training Center, and we can help you have an incredible racing season ahead.

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

Budgeting for Runners: How to Afford Racing, Shoes and More