photo credit: ojbyrne
I recently had a reader email me and ask if I had any ideas how runners can enter a race or marathon for free. Running or jogging is certainly a frugal sport and can provide a wonderful workout for the price of a pair of shoes. But, if you are interested in competitive races or marathons, the costs can add up quickly. Whether it’s the registration fees or the cost to travel to the event, races can be costly. Below are some free ideas as well as money saving tips for runners.
When my wife and I were first married we would enter 5k and 10k races around the bay area for both exercise and as a way to have a fun day trip. We had a friend who was working as a volunteer for the Bay to Breakers and told us we could volunteer for a few hours after the event and we would have our entry fee paid and receive a free shirt for the race. A beverage company was looking for volunteers to hand out a new sports drink at the end of the race. This sounded fantastic as the fee was $50 for both of us and we would love to volunteer and help out with a fun event. We spent a couple of hours after the race handing out t-shirts and bags with drinks for the runners. Many sponsors want to get a new product or sports drink in front of runners during race day and will pay people to hand them out. This is a great opportunity to market a sports drink to a group of athletes that are thirsty and influential. I think we also received a few bags of the sports drink as a free gift as well for helping out. I would have done it for free since the work was not difficult and the weather was beautiful. What we did get was free admission and a great workout from the run. We then spent the rest of the afternoon visiting the booths and tasting all the energy bar and drinks from sports vendors and feeling great from the runners high. The Bay to Breakers was a fantastic event.
What are other ways to receive free entry to a marathon or 10k race? Contact a sponsor of the race and see if you can trade an hour or two for a free registration. You might also contact local sporting good stores or suppliers to see if they need help setting up or taking down tents. Many races are full of corporate and small businesses that need help during the race event. Check craigslist and search for the event by name in the listings. You will probably find companies looking to hire people part time for the race. A couple hours of easy or light work might be worth your time to cover the $40+ entrance fee of most races. Marathons can cost even more and you might even establish a contact that you can utilize each year you enter.
Radio station or store promotions. Check the website or newspaper ad of the race you want to enter and check radio station sponsors. Many radio stations host contents or promotions for race events and you can enter and win a free entry to the race. Many newspapers also run promotions for a free entry and you could have family and friends enter for you. The more that enter, the better your chance of winning.
Last minute business trip or change of plans. Check craigslist a few days or even hours before a race. A racer may have become ill, had a last minute business trip, or can’t compete and is willing to sell or give away a number. Be sure to check race details if you can transfer a number or registration before making any purchases.
What if you can’t find a free entry to a race or marathon? Register early for a race. Many races have a tiered registration process and offer discounts for early registration. As time gets closer to the day of the race, the prices can go up. If you procrastinate and wait until race day you might be paying more money.
If you are passionate about running and races, get creative and contact vendors and sponsors about your next upcoming race. Get on the mailing list of all the races you want to participate in and find a local merchant that you can volunteer. Chiropractors, nutritionists, gyms, and sports shops are active at races and might need help during race day. You could benefit by trading your time for a discount or free race registration. Have you helped volunteer at a local race in your community? Do you have any money saving tips you utilize with your sports activities?
