Picking a Race? 5 Deal Breakers that Make Me Say: No Thanks

I've run a lot of races over the years. Some races are favorites, races that I will return to year after year. Other races are one and done. When I'm considering signing up for a race, not only do I check out the race organizer's website, I also check out recaps written by other runners. Races are expensive and I want to get the best experience for my dollar.

I always try to keep things positive here on the blog but for this post, I wanted to share 5 of the biggest deal breakers that might make me say no to a race. If nothing else, these are things that are going to make me hesitate before I sign up.

Cost
Let's not sugarcoat it, races have become ridiculously expensive. At $255, last year the New York City Marathon was the most expensive marathon in the US. It's also wildly popular, with a lottery for entrants. Would I run it? Of course. Cost isn't the only factor when choosing a race. But I've run plenty of races, mostly half marathons, that seemed overpriced. I won't call out any of them by name, but there was a women's half marathon I ran a few years ago in Chicago that was very expensive. I ran it because several of my friends were running it but I was completely underwhelmed by the swag and the logistics of the race. I was also disappointed in another pricey half I ran because I placed 2d in my age group and there was no award. There were also no portapotties along the entire course.

Location
As Realtors often say, "location, location, location". A race close to home is a race that I'd run again. But what about a race that's in an ugly place? Or with boring scenery? You Disney runners might disagree with me, but character stops aside and that dash through the castle, most of the Disney race courses are boring. Not to mention that the race starts before the sun comes up. When I ran the WDW half, we lined up in a back lot with broken rides and ran mostly in the dark on roads that lined the parks. We made it a family trip and had a good time, but once was enough for me.

Race Shirts
Can we talk about race shirts? Call me irritated, but with more than half of runners being of the female persuasion, tell me why we still have to deal with unisex shirts? Personally, I'd rather not receive a shirt at all than receive a boxy man shirt. They may as well give us a garbage bag to run in. One local half marathon promoter used to advertise their race with a "best goody bag" tag and then provided a big, butt-ugly man shirt which went promptly into the Goodwill bag. It was a deal breaker for me and I've never run that race again. If I'm paying for it, give me something I can wear.

Weather
Any time of year, the weather can be a factor for races, but common sense tells me that certain times of year are more dicey for distance races. For years, I refused to sign up for R'n'R Chicago because it's held in July. Who wants to run a half marathon in July in Chicago? Even this year, when I became a Rock'N'Blogger, I hesitated on signing up. I'm so glad I ran it--check out my recap--but regardless, the weather was a huge factor for me. In contrast, there are 2 January half marathons in Chicago and even though I run outside all winter long, I have never run these races. If we have another mild winter like we did last year, I might change my mind on that. It would have to be a last minute decision, though.

Course Support
I mentioned above that half I ran that had no portapotties along the course. Had I known that, I might have hesitated to sign up for that race. Now I check the course map and planned aid stations before I commit to signing up. I carry my own fuel, but it's important for me to know that there will be water on the course so I can mix my Tailwind. I also check out what the race is offering at the finish line. The post race spread is never a deal breaker for me, but it might be a factor in deciding between 2 races on the same weekend. Can I have a nay for bananas and bagels? Chocolate milk, watermelon, and energy bars are what this runner is looking for. And who wants to drink Michelob Ultra? Real runners drink craft beers.

Bottom line, none of these factors alone are deal breakers for me. If a group of friends was running through a desert in 150 degree heat, I'd probably join them. Ok, maybe not, but you get the point. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have the perfect race? Low cost, great swag, 60 degrees at the start, flat, no hills, pretty scenery, luxurious portapotties every 50 feet, and delicious food at the finish? A runner can dream, right?

What are race deal breakers for you? If you could have the perfect race, what would you look for? Have you run a race that meets all your criteria?

I'm linking this post up with the Fairytales and Fitness and Running on Happy for the Friday Five!