For a sport that requires little in the way of gear, running can get expensive. For most, cutting costs by passing on a beloved race or doing without new running shoes is unimaginable. So we’ve rounded up some bargains to help you start the New Year in good financial shape.
Racing
Value Experience: The iconic Lilac Bloomsday 12K in Spokane, Washington, remains a steal among major U.S. races. Heading into its 39th year, it only costs $17 to enter (about $2.28 per mile) and that includes a T-shirt.
Ask the Coaches: Foamy Sweat: On summer Wednesdays, the Oregon Track Club holds all-comers meets at historic Hayward Field, so anyone can sprint where the greats have before them. Participants pay $3 to compete.
How to Run Twice a Day Without Injury: Whether you’re jumping in the open race at the local college meet or participating in a community event, cross country race fees are often considerably less—think $15 to $25—than their road racing counterparts.
Find a Deal: On National Running Day, the Competitor Group usually offers one-time discounts on its races. Mark June 3, 2015 on your calendar. Other races have similar one-day sales, publicized to the previous year’s finishers.
Best Running Shoes 2025: Running Shoes - Gear. RunSignUp.com uses a low-cost pricing system that charges runners $3 or less for races costing up to $49 and 6% or less of the total checkout cost for races priced at $50 and higher.
Gear
Under-the-Radar Staples: SteepandCheap.com, a website for outdoor enthusiasts, is worth checking out for basement prices on all-weather brands, like Marmot, Salomon and Outdoor Research.
Discounted and Discontinued Shoes: No one wants to pay a $10 processing fee on anything, including races RoadRunnerSports.com, where the site has an entire collection of discontinued shoes selling at up to 50 percent off retail price. Sign up for the company’s “endangered shoe” email alert.
Click-to-Mortar: If you spot a deal online, it’s worth asking your local running shop if it will match the price, so you can still reap the savings while giving the hometown store your business. Another option is to ask if your local shop will offer a bulk discount, like wine shops often do for those buying a case.
Buy Off Color: One of the best ways to find a shoe deal is to buy a beloved pair in a less popular color. For instance, Amazon is showing the charcoal Skechers Go Run 3, in a women’s 8, as $79.99. But select the same size in mint, and you’ll pay only $42.15.
Miscellaneous
Shoes & Gear: They offer member discounts, which can be on anything from race entry fees to gear to the unexpected, such as massages and food at local restaurants.
Recovery Aid: A $5 rubber lacrosse ball can massage sore spots as well as any foam roller, which can cost six times as much or more.
Don't Join that Gym: In New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston, the American Health and Fitness Alliance sells bundle gym, yoga and Pilates trials at different fitness clubs for $85. As long as you don’t mind trying out different spaces, you can score savings of $1,000 or more.
Outlet Savings: Going to the outlets? First root around online for coupons, starting with the outlet website. And many outlets have deals for members of the military or perks for shoppers over 50, with days of the week when they can save an additional 5 or 10 percent.
Everything You Need to Know About Hip Pain: Corporations have long offered gym membership reimbursements, but as more fitness options become available, they are starting to go beyond the gym. It’s worth asking your employer if races or training plans would also fall under their coverage.
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