I’m currently thinking about running a 10 mile road race in April. Specifically, I’m thinking of running in the Tar Heel 10 Miler in Chapel Hill, NC. As I mentioned in my goals for 2015, I want to get back into the swing of exercising. In particular, I want to get back into the swing of running.
The cold weather of late isn’t making me too inclined to lace up my shoes and get out there. While I figure it out, I figure there was no better time than now to plan out how much this decision might cost me.
Tar Heel 10 Miler Cost Estimates
Overall, I estimate that I would rack up costs for food, gear, cross-training, the race itself and travel.
Food – approx. $10 – $30
It almost sounds silly to add a food expense to the cost of running in a race, but training for a long(er) distance race means fueling oneself properly. Generally, I like to use something like CLIF Shot Blocks
If I end up buying energy supplements at my local running store a la carte, I expect that I would spend under $10. If I were to go the Amazon route and order by the case, I’d probably spend around $30, but would have supplements left over for the next race I decide to tackle.
Cross-training – $0
I currently have a membership to my local rock climbing gym. This membership gives me access to the gym for 3 months and cost me $210. I was tempted to add this as a cost of running in the race, but decided to not include it because I will be paying this membership regardless or whether I run in the race or not.
However, it’s important to note that cross-training is important for properly training for a race. There are plenty of ways to cross-train, both for free (riding your bicycle, doing body weight exercises, etc.) and at a cost (gym memberships, classes, etc.).
Gear – $90 – $120
While I have plenty of exercise clothing, it’s almost time to invest in a new pair of running shoes. I’ve had my trusty Mizuno Wave Rider 16s
If I commit to this race (and running more in general), I will likely invest in a new pair of running shoes sometime between now and race day, which adds another expense to the list.
Race Fees – $60 to $70
Depending on when I decide to register, my fee to run will change:
- $60 before March 1
- $65 before April 1
- $70 until the race
What do you get with the race fee? Entry into the race and a t-shirt. I’m sure there will also be a few other goodies included when I pick up my packet, but those are the major things that the cost of entry gets you.
Travel to Race – approx. $175
I do not live in Chapel Hill, where the Tar Heel 10 Miler occurs, so that will add to the cost of my excursion.
Fuel: $50
Since Chapel Hill, NC is pretty close (especially compared to when I lived in Rochester!), I would plan to drive down for the trip. Google maps tells me that Chapel Hill is approximately 250 miles from where I live. With highway driving, I can often get up to 300 miles per tank. Let’s round up and say that I will need two tanks of gas throughout my trip. With gas prices hovering near $2.00/gal. right now and an average tank (for me) costing $23, let’s assume that my fuel costs will be about $50.
Lodging: $0
If I go to this race, my plan would be to stay with one of my friends for two nights. If I were just going to a race like this by myself, I could easily spend $100 to $300 depending on what hotel I stayed at and whether I stayed for one or two nights.
Food & Entertainment – $125
Part of the point (and fun) of doing this race would be to visit friends at the same time. A twofer, if you will. I expect that I would incur the following expenses:
- Friday night food on the road: $20
- Post-run breakfast/lunch: $25
- Dinner & drinks out: $60
- Sunday food on the road: $20
The Verdict
If I choose to run in the Tar Heel 10 Miler, I would likely spend somewhere between $335 and $395. I’m feeling a little sticker shock as I read that number, but I’m trying to keep in mind a few things:
- A majority of the costs will be for travel ($175) and I’ve been wanting to go down to Chapel Hill anyways
- These expenses are split across two months
- I’d be getting new running shoes in the next couple of months anyways ($90 – $120)
When put that way, it seems a bit less scary. After all, the race itself costs $60 and the cost for the energy gels is not high either.
At this point, the only thing that is keeping me back is the training itself. I technically haven’t started to formally train, so there is some chance that I wouldn’t be able to properly train in time.
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