The mental and literal cost of running long distances

But the year isn’t over yet—the fall marathon season is just getting started with the Chicago and NYC marathons still taking place next month. Athletes around the globe will consult their training plans, tie their shoelaces and pound the pavement as we speak, in preparation for those important race days.

Races are a great way to prove to yourself (and the world) that you have determination, courage and can achieve big goals – so it’s no surprise that you’ll find 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 speak Luck she has run “three marathons and too many rounds to count.”

But while races can benefit individuals, they also serve as serious money-makers – from the millions of dollars athletes donate to charities, to Huge sponsorship deals, e.g Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)an Indian tech company sponsors the New York, London, Boston and Amsterdam marathons (among others) and is paying $30 to $40 million annually for the privilege.

Local businesses also benefit greatly from the races—the Valencia Marathon in Spain generating 31.3 million euros (about 34.7 million USD) in tourism for the city in 2023, for example.

But how much does it cost to run for individuals?

The price of being a runner

“Running is free,” said those who previously only ran to catch the bus.

Sure, there’s no cost per session, but running isn’t cheap.

‘”It’s so expensive,” says running and thinking coach, Ronnie Staton speak Luck. Staton supports and coaches ultramarathoners (those who run farther than the 26.2 mile marathon distance — often much farther) and is no stranger to long distances himself, before completing into a 200-mile run across England.

He said initial costs for the absolute basics start at around £200 ($260), depending on the individual. This will help you buy a good pair of running shoes and clothes suitable for running.

“But that will be without watches, running vests, without any specific tech kits, headphones, caps, you name it,” Staton said.

“If you say ‘go shopping now and buy all the kit I need’, it will cost you around £1,000 ($1,313).”

Ronnie Staton on the costs surrounding running.

As soon as you start operations, “costs start to skyrocket,” says Staton. “If you say ‘go shopping now and buy all the kit I need’, it will cost you around £1,000 ($1,313).”

That won’t include the cost of fueling your runs, from running gels (carbohydrate gels that fuel long-distance runners) to protein powders (which aid recovery).

Common supplements, gels, sports drinks and protein powders can also cost runners an extra 50 to 100 pounds ($65 to $260) per month, depending on the person, Staton said.

While gels aren’t necessary for jogging around the park (unless you want to), as soon as you start running a half marathon, you may want gels to boost your glucose levels to support your performance.

These costs matter

Don’t have $1,500 to spare? Staton says many new runners will start with just a few core products—namely the right running shoes—and gradually build from there.

He also recommends buying good running socks early, which can cost around £15 ($20) but prevent those dreaded blisters, plus a cheap smartwatch that tracks your distance. you and start at around £100 ($130).

To keep costs from getting out of control, Staton warns you to stay focused when you set foot in an active store and not be tempted by all the random extras you might be offered. grant.

“Just grab what you need and start rocking.”

Keep costs low

There are several other ways to help reduce costs in the long run.

First, stay away from sportswear brands that focus on creating “cool clothes,” says Staton, who likes brands like Brooks and Saucony that make suits 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 that it’s really necessary. For example, some brands recommend replacing your running shoes once they hit a certain distance, but Staton disagrees.

“In general, people who run a lot don’t follow that rule. We run until they fall off their feet.”

You’ll know it’s time to throw out your old shoes if you start experiencing new knee problems, shin splints or hip pain, but don’t change your workout plan, Staton says.

Of course, you might also want to buy a new pair if your toes protrude forward, he adds.

When it comes to fueling yourself, keep costs down by avoiding things like protein bars and sticking to natural foods that are cheaper and better for you.

Race venue costs

You can have fun jogging around the local park, but many people want to mark their running achievements with a race. But the costs of these activities can also be very expensive, especially when participating in marathons. For example, the London Marathon costs UK residents £69.99 ($91) while international participants pay a hefty fee of £225 ($295).

You can run most races for charity at a reduced entry cost—however, this requires you to do a number of fundraising activities of varying amounts. For example, you must donate at least £2,000 ($2,625) or often more for a charity place in the London Marathon.

The “price” of life

Running long distances can also be time-consuming.

During intense marathon training, plans include about six to eight hours of running per week. Staton says this number can increase to more than 10 hours per week for ultrarunners.

That’s not counting the hours spent stretching, foam rolling, looking at running stats, reviewing routes, getting massages, working out, searching and booking events, etc.

Running can “become your life”. And when it becomes an obsession, as it is for many ultrarunners, this leads to sacrifices in other areas of life, whether it’s relationships, social needs or other fields.

“I sacrifice a lot,” Staton said. “I want to write more but I don’t. I want to learn to play the harmonica but I don’t. I want to learn a language, but I don’t.”

He shared that some ultra-long runners are even estranged from their spouses or children due to spending too much time practicing.

While many runners who will run 10 miles during the week won’t reach this level, you may have to make sacrifices in other areas – such as reducing your alcohol intake, skipping social plans or Make major dietary changes.

Can anyone become a long-distance runner?

Staton said he believes “without a doubt” that any reasonably healthy individual can run a marathon “and beyond” if they want to do so.

“Can everyone do well? I would say no,” Staton said.

“You have to consider your resources, your time, your financial commitments, your kids, your job and everything before you commit to something like running a marathon,” Staton says.’