August 15, 2014
Happy Friday! This week has been light on RJR, but will be back to its normal posting schedule next week 🙂 Today I am linking up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia. Many of my co-workers ask how I am able to sign up for so many races, so today I am sharing 5 ways how I save on race registrations. Hope these tips are helpful!
1. Planning / Early Registration
Like many of you, I have a running bucket list of races! Right around the Spring season I begin mentally checking off races I am almost 100% sure I want to do (there are a couple). Here is my little tip, I set alerts for registration fees increase – I make sure to sign up before then. See Shamrock Dolphin Challenge below – a difference of $80 compared to race weekend prices. Even a savings of $20 can be a registration fee to another race.
If you are traveling out of town, you can start planning your hotels/flights etc earlier – lock in on the lower prices.
2. Register Throughout the Year
Some registration fees stay the same all year round, so I usually sign up for them at a later date so my wallet is not hit up at once (especially if you know there is not a chance it will sell out).
3. Missed the Lower Fees? Wait for the Discounts
The RnR series is usually good about emailing discount specials/sales – although this can lead to impulse buys…I know some of you understand this dilemma! Follow a race on twitter or FB and sometimes they will tweet/announce special codes! Also, there are so many blogger friends who are race ambassadors (hello Zooma friends) and they share discount codes. Combine that with early registration fees = more savings!
4. Balance the Big vs. Small Races
RnR, Disney, Destination Races, while fun events, they are on the “pricier end.” I also sign up for smaller races put on by a local running club or store (ex. DCRR, MCRR, Pacers, PRR). During the holidays Potomac River Running sold a 4 race pack for $100 = $25/race (this is worth it if you know you want to at least race 3 times this year).
5. Budget/Prioritize
I am a SINK (single income no kids <-my cousin taught me this acronym), however I do have rent to pay, grad school loans, and have a social life beyond running. Like anyone, I budget and prioritize! Instead of going out every Friday I prefer to save that money (and who am I kidding… I rather be in bed by 10:00 on Friday nights). How about traveling? Stay with friends or family in the area! That is how I am able to do the B.A.A Distance Medley.
Do you register for races throughout the year? Or signup all at once?
Do you have any saving tips?
Elizabeth
August 26, 2015I sign up throughout the year before price hikes. Most of my future halves are cheap ones in small towns. 😉 We have a really great race company in Columbus that gives you a free future race (and shirt and beer!) for volunteering at a race or packet pickup. It’s awesome and we’ve been taking advantage of it this year. I wish more places would do that.
Elizabeth recently posted…Race Recap: Emerald City Quarter Marathon