I know some of you are thinking, "So, what's the catch? There must be a catch..." Actually, no, there is no catch.
If you register for one of my races, you will be added to two of my mailing lists: one for running events, and the other for my monthly free fitness newsletter, but you can easily unsubscribe if you're not interested. That's the only thing even remotely close to a "catch"!
Seventeen reasons I organize free races:
1. I don't have to open a Paypal account and figure out how to add a button to this site.
2. You don't have to figure out what to do with YaRS ("yet another running shirt"), and I don't have to design and try to sell them.
3. Some people spend $100 or more on a day of skiing. I'm not particularly fond of skiing, but I love to organize events so that's what I'd rather spend my money on.
4. I don't have to worry about anyone requesting a refund.
5. You aren't out $40, or whatever you'd normally pay, if you come down with the flu or break a leg and can't run.
6. I don't have to bother with accountants and the IRS because this is not a business. It's a "hobby" (according to IRS regulations).
7. I get to interact with a lot of really happy people who love to run, and who really like the idea of a free race.
8. Bigger is not always better, and more $$$ doesn't necessarily mean better either.
9. For first-timers, this is a great opportunity to try a 5K or 10K before you pay for a more "serious" race. For the experienced runner, it's a way to check how your training is going as you prepare for that major race later this spring. Think "time trial"...
10. I don't need the anxiety of "I have to have x number of runners to make $$$". I already know I'm not going to make money doing this so no worries.
11. Non-runners may not understand that races are like parties for runners. If I threw a party at my house, I wouldn't charge you to come, right? Party on!
12. You, the runner, now have more choices: you can run a commercial race or a free one, you can choose your distance even at the last minute, and if you choose a free race, now you can choose to spend your money on something else!
13. "Cheap is good. Free is better!"
14. I love to see that little light bulb come on when people realize this is not a gimmick or some kind of marketing ploy. It's really just a free race with no strings attached.
15. Businesses like "Same Cafe" (http://www.soallmayeat.org/about/), a local nonprofit restaurant, inspired me to create events that are fun and unique.
16. I don't do timing chips because that would be another unnecessary expense, and you don't usually get your results in real time. Because I use a wristwatch timer, and write down your time as you finish, just check with me for your time and place. You can also go to the "race results" tab on this site after the race. It's that simple.
17. A family of 4 running a race can easily spend $200.00 total to enter. Free registrations are way more affordable, and promote the joy of running for the next generation of runners!
Thank you for your support!
If you register for one of my races, you will be added to two of my mailing lists: one for running events, and the other for my monthly free fitness newsletter, but you can easily unsubscribe if you're not interested. That's the only thing even remotely close to a "catch"!
Seventeen reasons I organize free races:
1. I don't have to open a Paypal account and figure out how to add a button to this site.
2. You don't have to figure out what to do with YaRS ("yet another running shirt"), and I don't have to design and try to sell them.
3. Some people spend $100 or more on a day of skiing. I'm not particularly fond of skiing, but I love to organize events so that's what I'd rather spend my money on.
4. I don't have to worry about anyone requesting a refund.
5. You aren't out $40, or whatever you'd normally pay, if you come down with the flu or break a leg and can't run.
6. I don't have to bother with accountants and the IRS because this is not a business. It's a "hobby" (according to IRS regulations).
7. I get to interact with a lot of really happy people who love to run, and who really like the idea of a free race.
8. Bigger is not always better, and more $$$ doesn't necessarily mean better either.
9. For first-timers, this is a great opportunity to try a 5K or 10K before you pay for a more "serious" race. For the experienced runner, it's a way to check how your training is going as you prepare for that major race later this spring. Think "time trial"...
10. I don't need the anxiety of "I have to have x number of runners to make $$$". I already know I'm not going to make money doing this so no worries.
11. Non-runners may not understand that races are like parties for runners. If I threw a party at my house, I wouldn't charge you to come, right? Party on!
12. You, the runner, now have more choices: you can run a commercial race or a free one, you can choose your distance even at the last minute, and if you choose a free race, now you can choose to spend your money on something else!
13. "Cheap is good. Free is better!"
14. I love to see that little light bulb come on when people realize this is not a gimmick or some kind of marketing ploy. It's really just a free race with no strings attached.
15. Businesses like "Same Cafe" (http://www.soallmayeat.org/about/), a local nonprofit restaurant, inspired me to create events that are fun and unique.
16. I don't do timing chips because that would be another unnecessary expense, and you don't usually get your results in real time. Because I use a wristwatch timer, and write down your time as you finish, just check with me for your time and place. You can also go to the "race results" tab on this site after the race. It's that simple.
17. A family of 4 running a race can easily spend $200.00 total to enter. Free registrations are way more affordable, and promote the joy of running for the next generation of runners!
Thank you for your support!