2024 was the year of running. There were running clubs, marathons, etc Olympic Games in Parisand parkrun just celebrated its 20th anniversary.
But the year isn’t over yet – the fall marathon season is just getting started, with marathons still coming up in Chicago and New York next month. Athletes around the world will consult their training plans, lace up her shoes and as we speak, we’re pounding the asphalt in preparation for the important race days.
Races are a great way to prove to yourself (and the world) that you have determination, courage and the ability to achieve big goals – so it’s no wonder you’ll find the likes of Fortune 500 CEOs at the starting line.
Britt OlsenCOO at On, has previously spoken about her passion for trail running, while Priscilla Almodovar, CEO of Fannie Mae told Assets She ran “three marathons and too many half marathons to count.”
But while races can be beneficial for individuals, they also serve as serious money-makers – from the millions runners raise for charities to huge sponsorship deals such as: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)an Indian tech company that sponsors marathons in New York, London, Boston and Amsterdam (among others) and pays $30 million to $40 million annually for the privilege.
Local businesses also benefit greatly from races – the Valencia Marathon in Spain €31.3 million generated (around $34.7 million) in tourism for the city in 2023, for example.
But how much does running cost for the individual?
The Cost of Becoming a Runner
“Running is free,” say people who have only ever run for a bus.
Of course, there is no cost per session, but running is anything but cheap.
“It costs too much”, running and mindset coach, Ronnie Staton told Assets. Staton supports and trains ultramarathon runners (those who run more than a 26.2-mile marathon distance – usually much further) and is no stranger to long-distance running himself, having previously completed a 200-mile run across England.
He says the initial cost of basic equipment starts at around £200 ($260), depending on the person. This will buy you a good pair of running shoes and clothing suitable for running.
“But that would be without a watch, running vest, tech-specific gear, headphones, hats, whatever,” Staton said.
“If you said, ‘Let’s go shopping now and get all the equipment I need,’ you’d come up with about £1,000 ($1,313).”
Ronnie Staton on the costs of running.
Once you start running, “the costs start to go up,” Staton said. “If you said, ‘Let’s go shopping now and get all the equipment I need,’ you’d come up with about £1,000 ($1,313).”
This doesn’t include the cost of fueling your runs, from running gels (carbohydrate gels that provide energy for long-distance runners) to protein powders (which aid recovery).
Regular supplements, gels, sports drinks and protein powders can also cost runners an additional £50 to £100 ($65 to $260) a month, depending on the person, Staton said.
While jogging in the park doesn’t require gels (unless you want to), once you start running half marathon distances, you may want gels to replenish your blood sugar levels and thus increase your performance.
The important costs
Don’t have $1,500 left? Staton said many new runners simply start with a few key items – namely appropriate running shoes – and gradually build up from there.
He also recommends buying good running socks early, which can cost around £15 ($20) but prevent the dreaded blisters, as well as a cheap smartwatch that tracks your mileage and costs from around £100 ($130).
To prevent costs from spiraling out of control, Staton advises staying focused when you walk into a running store and not getting seduced by all the random extras offered to you.
“Just get what you need and start rocking.”
Keep costs down
There are a few other ways to reduce costs in the long term.
First, you’ll want to stay away from sportswear brands that focus on making “cool-looking clothes,” says Staton, who favors brands like Brooks and Saucony that make gear specifically for runners.
Items from these brands are more likely to work for you and last longer.
When it’s time to replace your kit, double-check if it’s absolutely necessary. For example, some brands suggest replacing your running shoes once they reach a certain mileage, but Staton disagrees.
“People who walk a lot generally don’t follow this rule. We run until they fall off our feet.”
You’ll know it’s time to throw out your old shoes if you develop new knee problems, shin splints or hip pain but haven’t changed your exercise plan, Staton said.
Of course, if your toe comes through the front, you should also grab a new pair, he adds.
When it comes to fueling yourself, keep costs down by avoiding protein bars and opting for natural foods that are cheaper and better for you.
Costs for the racecourse
They may just enjoy jogging around the local park, but many want to commemorate their running achievements with a race. But the costs for this can also be high – especially when it comes to marathons. For the London Marathon, for example, UK residents pay £69.99 ($91), while international participants pay a hefty £225 ($295).
You can run most races for charity at reduced entry prices. However, to do this you have to collect donations, the amount of which can vary. You must raise at least £2,000 ($2,625), often more, for a charity event at the London Marathon.
“Cost of Life”
Long-distance running can also be time-consuming.
In addition to marathon training, around six to eight hours of running per week are planned. According to Staton, this can increase to over 10 hours per week for ultrarunners.
This doesn’t take into account the hours you spent stretching, foam rolling, looking at running stats, evaluating routes, getting massages, physical therapy, finding and booking events, and more.
Running can “become your life.” And when it becomes an obsession, as it does for many ultrarunners, it leads to sacrifices in other areas of life, be it relationships, social needs or other areas.
“I sacrifice a lot,” Staton said. “I would like to write more, but I don’t. I would like to learn to play the harmonica, but I don’t. I would like to learn a language and I don’t.”
He shared that some ultrarunners even become estranged from partners or children due to the excessive time they spend on training.
While many runners who complete 10 miles a week don’t achieve this feat, you may need to make compromises in other areas – for example, by reducing alcohol consumption, foregoing social plans, or making major dietary changes.
Can anyone become a long-distance runner?
Staton says he believes “without a shadow of a doubt” that any reasonably fit person could run a marathon “and beyond” if they had the desire.
“Can everyone do it well? I would say no,” Staton said.
Staton said, “You have to consider your resources, your time, your financial obligations, your children, your work and everything else before you embark on something like a marathon.”