Now it seems that they are cashing in on the demand by charging an extra $60 for entries. Members of the New York Road Runners, the group that coordinates the event, will pay $216 to participate in the 26.2 mile race that winds through all five boroughs. Americans who are not in the club will pay $255, while non-U.S. citizens will pay $347!! The $11 fee to process the application will remain unchanged.
The excuse given is that various costs associated with putting on the marathon, like closing the streets and providing medical care to participants, have increased. Considering that the event already generates $350 million of economic activity and $10 million in taxes for the city, it seems a lot more likely that they are just taking advantage of the demand for places.
Applications for the 2012 race will be accepted starting Jan. 2 and stop on April 23. A spokeswoman for the event doesn't expect the price increase will affect the number of applications, which stood at 120,000 for the 2011 event—the largest in the 42 year history of the race.
From an Irish / European perspective, is it worth paying $347 (~€270) to enter??? Plus the costs of flights and accommodation??? No doubt, some people will decide that it is but it certainly isn't cheap.
Unfortunately, majors like New York aren't price sensitive and the organisers can basically charge what they wish. The demand will always be greater than supply. My advice to a runner wanting to run a marathon at that time of year should run Dublin, it's still 26.2 miles but much cheaper & nearer to home than New York. I'd also say that a PB or even a fast time must be difficult in New York with all the runners in the race.
ReplyDeletewould love to run it got time required for over 50 next year time reduced dramatically they are trying to eliminate ordinary joe soap and make it an elite only race entry fee is crazy hotel prices are crazy they will kill the golden goose eventually with greed
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