A total of 292 runners took part in this years Bweeng 5k road race, an increase of 13% on the figure for 2022. This is in line with a lot of other road races which have showed a similar recovery post pandemic.
While I was looking at the results on the MyRunResults website, I found the numbers for 2017, 2018 and 2019 as well. 2017 & 2018 included a 10k race as well and the totals are shown in the chart above.
The numbers for 2023 are almost half of what they were in 2017 for the combined total. After the recent Midleton 5-mile race, someone left a comment that the numbers were way down because the club road races are now too expensive.
It wasn't that long ago that a 5k race was €10 and if it was something special then maybe €15. I was looking at the calendar and the Bweeng 5k cost €15. Add on the online charges and you have the best part of €20.
€20 for a 5k road race on a Sunday when people can do the 5k parkrun in Mallow or Ballincollig for free on Saturday.
I saw someone make a comment that club runners should support other club races which is fair enough but at €20 a pop, it's not cheap. People can also support the Cork BHAA races and it only costs them €5 per race.
At the end of the day, it's up to clubs what they want they charge and it's up to runners what races they want to go to. We're lucky in Cork because there are plenty of options.
1 Eric CURRAN 15:34 519 MS Leevale A.C.
2 Tom MCKENZIE 15:50 614 MS Leevale A.C.
3 Andy GOULDING 15:54 553 MS Grange/Fermoy A.C.
21 Niamh MOORE 17:15 618 FS Leevale A.C.
23 Martina KIELY 17:19 586 F40 St. Finbarrs A.C.
29 Orla BYRNE 17:51 477 FS St. Finbarrs A.C.
Full results HERE
I understand your explanation behind the race fees mentioned here, but I think it's very unfair to pinpoint it to Bweengs very successful race, and all the hard work they put into it.....the post race spread and super atmosphere is worth the entry fee alone. It was widely advertised that funds from this race are going towards a new training facility so the €15 that is nearly a standard fee for races now (apart from mentioned bhaa/Park run) was actually pretty modest.
ReplyDeleteWas unable to attend myself this year, but its one that is always in my calendar. People have a choice whether they want to pay it or not!?
Numbers are up from last year well done Bweeng on a super run race. Its not easy these days with the cost of running a race, clubs don't want to be charging large amounts but they also need to breakeven / make money for fundraising. Cost of everything is up, if anyone went to a shop they'd know that. So road races aren't any different. BHAA have backing of companies so its a lot easier to keep costs low, which is brilliant but we need to support our clubs as well.
ReplyDeleteWell done again Bweeng, keep up the great work.
And not to forget the cost of driving to these events too, A 5K run could easily cost you €30 for entry & travel alone. Some people do not have a choice whether to pay it or not, they simply haven't got it!
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