♠ Posted by Paul Naylor at 7:39 PM
Recently, someone has asked me how much can they expect to spend when it comes to running. This can be tricky, because a lot depends how involved you want to get with the hobby. A few things to consider though are these:
-Am I running to just stay in shape or lose some weight?
-Am I running to running to be social? Such as, running with a group of friends on the weekends.
-Am I running to prepare for and run in a distance race?
-Am I looking to become a serious runner and run in several races?
For the casual runner, there may not be a lot of cost involved. You many only need to purchase shoes, shorts and shirts. And for the more serious runner, you are looking at races entry fees, travel, and higher quality shoes, shorts, shirts and other running gear.
So below is going to be a breakdown of cost that you can expect when getting more involved with running. These are not going to be exact prices, they can vary from location, sports stores, and vendors.
Running Gear
Running Shoes: $80 - 130 for a good pair of running shoes from a running store. Places like Big5, Dick's Sporting Goods, Sports Authority and similar places sell running shoes as well. I suggest looking at other places for shoes as well, such as outlets stores and online.
Running Shorts/Shirts: $50 - 120 for two pairs of shorts and shirts. This can vary greatly from whether you buy from Wal-Mart or a running store. For the casual running, I'll suggest not buying really expensive performance gear. And for the more serious running, you want to spend a little more money for higher quality gear that is going to last longer.
Sports Bra: $50 - 100 for a good quality pairs. Now I may not be the best at knowing prices for these, but threw some research, this is the ball park you're looking at.
Running Sunglasses: $30 - 150 I suggest getting polarized lenses, and again, these prices vary from where you buy. Sunglasses should be the athletic kind, so that they'll stay put while running. You can save money buying online from places like Amazon or eBay.
Running Watch: $15 - 300 these prices can be from a basic wristwatch with stopwatch capabilities. The more serious runner may be looking at GPS watches, that can start around $100 and up. Depending what you want your GPS watch to do, will affect the price.
Fuel/Water Belt: $10 - 45 depending on the kind of belt you choose.
Running Socks: $5 - 20 for a good quality pair.
Race Expenses
Race Entry Fees: $50 - 300 depending where you run. Smaller community races are going to be a lot cheaper, and for the bigger city events, prices can get a little high. Try to plan ahead for a race and register early to better prices.
Race Travel: Varies widely. If you are running a local race, then you travel fees are going to be gas. If you are traveling to that city, prices can be vary different if you are taking car, bus or flying.
Race lodging: $100 - 250 for a hotel near the race. If you can plan ahead and book a room early, it can save a few dollars.
Race Day Photos: $25 - 100 depending on size of the pictures and how many you want.
Miscellaneous
Body Glide: $5 - 10 from your local grocery store in the pharmacy isle.
Sports Gels: $8 - 12 for a five-pack.
Foam Roller/Stick or other recovery tool: $10 - 50
In closing, depending where you buy can affect how much you pay. For the casual runner, you may not be paying as much as someone that is running several races through out the year. If you are first getting into running, I don't suggest going to the store and buying the entire above list. Just buy what you need and stay within your budget. Buying running gear can quickly get out hand, and before you know it, you've spent hundreds of dollars on running gear.
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