How to Save Money on Race Registrations

We all know how expensive signing up for races can be. The average cost of a 5k is around $30 while a marathon is over $100. That adds up! I was going through my race schedule and noticed that I used coupons for most of my races. Here are some tips that I use to make racing more affordable. Remember every little bit helps. 

Register Early
Most events offer an early registration discount which could save you a lot of money versus registering on race day.  If you know you're going to attend, sign up early. The catch is to read the fine print-most are non-refundable due to the charity aspect, and most smaller events don't offer bib transfer. 

Get on The List
Most racing companies have newsletters that keep contestants up to date on upcoming events. Make sure to get on these lists as many of them send coupon codes. This is how I get most of my coupon codes. Be sure to check out the race websites for the same reason too. If you can't find any of these, google the race and see if any coupon codes come up. 

Get Social
Do you have a massive social media following? If that's the case, some races offer ambassador programs which pay for your entry fee in exchange for you to spread the word on your social media posts. 

Volunteer
A lot of race directors offer complimentary race entries into future events for volunteers. By volunteering, you will also gain satisfaction by helping out your running community. 

Talk to Your Boss
Some corporations provide race sponsorship for their employees. This not only gets their name out there, but it helps their employees stay healthy and happy. Does your company offer this perk? It sure won't hurt to ask.