Bike Shops
Coaches
Fitters
Race Calendar
*NEW* Running Stores
Stack & Reach
Training Log
Triathlon Clubs
MAIN
INDEX
RULES &
LEGEND
LOG
IN
Search
this forum
this category
all forums
for
All words
Any words
Whole Phrase
(
options
)
Newsletter Signup
Slowtwitch Forums
:
Triathlon Forum
:
Entry Fees out of control
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
View All
Tri Forum
Classifieds
Lavender Room
Jobs
The Womens
Print Thread
M~
Oct 28, 09 13:06
Post #76 of 168 (728 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [firemedic]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
So I have to ask. can I assume you think registration fees for IM races are too much then as well?
*****----------------------------------------*****
Interviewer: What's your prediction for the fight?
Clubber Lang: My prediction?
Interviewer: Yes, your prediction.
Clubber Lang: Pain!
ElGordo
Oct 28, 09 13:17
Post #77 of 168 (723 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [burnman]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
In Reply To:
The answer to this OP is simple. If you don't like "out of control" entry fees, do something else. You're not required, by law, to do triathlons. You choose to do triathlons. Dealing with the relative cost is your job, not the RD's. I don't know about you, but I've never known an RD that was swimming in the excess loot that everyone seems to think they're raking in. When all is said and done, it's for profit, but not like BoA or AIG executive profit.
While all of this is flying back and forth, let me take a brief moment to say I think Vigo over at Tri Columbia puts on an impressive series of events at a reasonable cost. The Columbia Tri (oly) sold out in a few days at $130; don't you think he could jack the price well beyond that if he wanted to? Eagleman is also a sell-out months in advance ( I think it is $265).
Since his entire organization is a non-profit you can look up his tax returns (Form 990) online (start with Goldstar or one of the other charity sites) and you can see how much came in, where it was spent, and how much money went to charitable programs when all was said and done.
Yeah, there is a bit of sticker shock out there these days. If you don't like it I say keep going until you find someone out there doing it right. Then support them.
Carry on.
thesnail
Oct 28, 09 13:30
Post #78 of 168 (703 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [ElGordo]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Sounds like we need a public option for triathlons.
'STICK EM UP PUNK ITS THE FUN LOVING CRIMINAL'
sevenride
Oct 28, 09 13:30
Post #79 of 168 (703 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [bad929]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Well, first of all it is the right thing to do. Moreover, giving back to society, in the form of money, services or otherwise, I believe will ultimatley improve the company's bottom line. A positive public image is very powerful when it comes to market share and profit potential. I know I will be flamed for this but I still think there are some good people at some of these big businesses. OK I have my insulated suit on--flame away.
Roar Lion Roar
hoss19
Oct 28, 09 13:43
Post #80 of 168 (695 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [firemedic]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
No one is holding a gun to your head to do the NYC triathlon. You have other options, you know.
"Triathlon?!? I play a real sport, I don't want to be the best at exercising." ~Kenny Powers
Jerry
Oct 28, 09 13:44
Post #81 of 168 (693 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [firemedic]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Wa! WA ! WA!.. okay so I don't like the price either but it is a sport I enjoy. I am no pro or even elite athlete. I am a BOPer. I do this cause I enjoy it, period. Yes there will probably come a point in time that the cost will be more than I can afford, so I will go to a smaller venue or even just train for the sake of swimming, biking and running. This sport is my exercise program.
This is just like alot of other stuff, the demand is there and the price gougers will continue till they see their product is no longer in demand. Hell, look at golf, there are courses out there that charge over $245 just so you can go hit a white ball around 18 holes!!! and yes I do golf too!. So I guess I am saying if you feel that strong about it don't do it and wait and see if the price comes down!.
bad929
Oct 28, 09 13:54
Post #82 of 168 (680 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [sevenride]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I'm not saying that it is the right or wrong thing to do. What I'm argueing is that a company cant maximize profit, while at the same time, giving back to society. It may be able to improve it's image and therefore keep it's ability to make money improved, but it wont be maximizing profit. And that was what the discussion was, while you seem to suggest that a company can maximize profit while still giving to society.
But I think a smart company will look at a scenario and figure out that they can make 90% profit and have a "good" image by giving 10% of it to charity and be as succcessful as a company that keeps 100% profit and gives 0% to charity/society.
Another thing. Why is it the right thing to do? According to who? You....Yet you have nothing to do with that company, so what is right or wrong has everything to do with the values a company has and or the mission it wants to have. That will decide what is the right thing to do, not your opinion of what is the right thing to do.
I agree that I think it benefits companies to live by the standard of doing good things for profit but also having a good "PR" by giving to society, etc. But I disagree that it is the right thing to do. It's the right thing to do for you or me, but not necissarily everyone.
(This post was
edited
by bad929 on Oct 28, 09 14:03)
gbot
Oct 28, 09 13:57
Post #83 of 168 (675 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [sevenride]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
In Reply To:
Why does it have to be one or the other. Why can't the company maximize its profits and still give back to society. I think IBM does a fairly good job of this.
Read my post again, I'm agreeing with you.
gbot
Oct 28, 09 14:01
Post #84 of 168 (666 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [bad929]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
In Reply To:
I'm not saying it has to be either or, but I think by default if a company gives back to society it therefore cant maximize profit. The company looks "better" to society by contributing to society and helping the homeless, but I think it also loses a bit of profit. BUT the next question is, by contributing to charities, does that company benefit more than the company that is Bottom Line only?
I more or less agree with you - if a company's singular goal is to maximize profit, anything that takes away from this profit is a negative. That includes giving to charity, or providing its services at a lower cost than the maximum possible, or even stuff like christmas parties and dental coverage for its employees. Obviously some of these things have the potential to impact profit positively but you get the point.
I have worked for an organization where there was not a singular focus on maximizing profit. The company was profitable, but it could have been more profitable, had the owners chosen to run it differently. They did not make this choice because they felt that they would rather 'do good' and make a comfortable living instead of just making as much money as humanly possible, and getting rich.
(This post was
edited
by gbot on Oct 28, 09 14:02)
Devlin
Oct 28, 09 14:08
Post #85 of 168 (656 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [firemedic]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
In Reply To:
You seem to think I have something seriously against RD's in general, or that I am on some sort of crusade. This was an opinion on something I experienced that's one of the things this forum is for. I didn't ask YOU for figures, but I certainly know I have the right to ask questions about where my money goes. Many people ask that in many situations. I'm not wound tight, but in having a discussion, don't I have a right to respond to a statement made about me? the same way the person has the right to make it? (that's America for you). I didn't say that responding to the Towers made me "more American", I merely said I take things like that a little more seriously, because of having experienced it. And I say thank you for your service in the Air Force. End of story. The idea of my original post was to prompt discussion, maybe gain some insight w/ regards to concrete costs, to see if I was alone in my thinking. It was not to open up a war of words, with people calling other people "whiners" for not liking a situation (isn't that how change starts, voicing an opposing idea), or saying "I know more about it than you". Then again, there will always be people can't just discuss stuff intelligently without being trying to push other people's buttons. I guess wanting to compete in a race that was once more affordable, that I enjoyed doing, that has seen a sudden escalation in entry fees and wondering why, isn't permissible as a point for discussion to some people....
Ok, fair enough. :D
You'd have to find out how much each segment costs, and how willing the city is to work with the race for road closures, police, ems, etc. That's one of the reason that the SOMA has a sort of funky bike course is because of city restrictions.
So police, road closures, EMS, city facility rental, equipment, fencing, awards, insurance, permits, etc etc.
Along the same lines, has anyone else been notified that credit card interest fees are going up across the board, even for formerly low interest cards?
John
Sponsors:
Rudy Project
That is 11 dimensions of awesome. Yes, string theory is necessary to fully appreciate the meta-nature of your post.-DaveRoche
Mito Chondria
Oct 28, 09 14:57
Post #86 of 168 (623 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [firemedic]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Triathlon organizers are like advertisers. They still live in a bubble times and with that demand bubble pricing. It's only a matter of time until races won't sell out anymore and with that prices will come down. I think we are noticing a delayed effect here as signing up for them has to be done in advance. The first signs will be that tri races sell out but people opt to not go due to the other costs that are associated with it. People will do more local races and reduce the number of races on their race schedule. The TriBubble is bursting, it's just a matter of time 'til everybody gets the memo.
Before I get attacked here, I'm not anti-triathlon but reality will set in soon.
“The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” -Michelangelo
MoodBoost Drink : Mood Support + Energy.
FJB
Oct 28, 09 14:58
Post #87 of 168 (620 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [firemedic]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I thought this board was a place where people could air their thoughts and opinions with intelligent discussion, not being lambasted for being of a different mindset.
You haven't been around here long have you?
Actually, your post is welcome and I hope people actually start acting on the fees and stop paying them. So far in this thread I have read at least a few who say "it will hurt but I am going to pay it" which is exactly the problem. If people pay, they will keep going up, it's simple economics.
FJB
Oct 28, 09 15:02
Post #88 of 168 (617 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [Yknot]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Regulate the registration fees for events we voluntarily do. I am speechless. Please come over to the Lavendar room and discuss this.
Now that could get ugly :)
sevenride
Oct 28, 09 15:10
Post #89 of 168 (611 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [bad929]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I think it is intuitive and part of the definition of capitalism. While profit maximizing is certainly central to a company's success, that same company supporting and funding the poor and charities are also paramount to a successful society based on capitalism.
Roar Lion Roar
JollyRogers
Oct 28, 09 15:17
Post #90 of 168 (603 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [sevenride]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Last year's local Wed night training crit series cost $10/race or $30 for all 5 if you pay up front. No aid stations, no finishers hat/shirt/medal, no announcer telling you how great you were for just being there, and you had to use the same number for every race (if you signed up for the series). Just pain, suffering, and speed. Tremendous bang for the buck.
Put your money where your mouth is and support lower cost (and frill) races. They exist and they can be a blast.
bad929
Oct 28, 09 15:23
Post #91 of 168 (599 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [JollyRogers]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
JR, I live in Richmond, VA and I've been trying to come up with a small 10 mile weekly TT type of racing series. If you created the series, if you charged $10 dollars per race, do you by definition have to have some type of support system (IE, insurance to cover the racers, etc.). I'm wanting to create this series, but I'm also not wanting to go through some big ordeal, all while I'm also wanting to cover my ass because now adays people will sue you even if its there fault.
So if I were to do a summer TT series and charge $10 dollars a head would I have to have some type insurance to cover the whole thing or can I just say Race at your own risk. But by charging, and I taking on legal obligations?
If I didnt charge anything would I be free of all risk?
GMAN 19030
Oct 28, 09 15:39
Post #92 of 168 (587 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [JohnnyEndurance]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
I'm with you on this. NYC or not... $245 for an olympic race is absurd.
firemedic
Oct 28, 09 15:40
Post #93 of 168 (586 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [Devlin]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
At least we're on the same page now, that it's more an argument of principle than actual numbers. It is good to see that many people do feel that keeping fees down is a good idea in the long run, and that there is an economic triathlon bubble will burst. There will always be people who say make as much as you can as long as you can, but that goes back to the old fable of the tortoise and the hare. It's been shown that companies that have solid long range plans to maximize profit often have better survivability than those who look to maximize profit in the short term, and those long range plans often involve taking less money up front. The same might be said for triathlons possibly.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way...
CamR
Oct 28, 09 15:45
Post #94 of 168 (581 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [FF Boots]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
In Reply To:
I know that in my city the RD gets billed for the police costs by the city. It is $65.00 per hour per officer w/ a 4 hour minimum. This fee is mandated by the police unions contract with the city for special events. It is the Police that also lets the RD know how many officers are needed to cover the course.
For a city based half marathon the bill will be around $35,000 NOT including city permits or barricades. That is police coverage only.
Austin is this way also, even though the per hour fee is a little less. Then you tack medical on over that... At one race, we had to pay park rangers AND the police!
jkahan
Oct 28, 09 16:33
Post #95 of 168 (560 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [Mito Chondria]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
for what it's worth (and this is NOT scientific) but I believe last year IMWisco sold out in about 12 minutes -- this year it didn't sell out till the next day -- that's at least how it appeared on my end via active.com access- if I am wrong I am happy to be "politely" corrected -- please don't say anything mean - I'm emotionally a wreck these days.
******************************************
Have Fun ** Tri Hard ** Be Kind
******************************************
support crew
Oct 28, 09 16:40
Post #96 of 168 (556 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [Jancouver]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Quote:
BTW maybe those volunteers serving you water or Gatorade are expensive
Actually they are. Volunteers COST the RD money. There are T-Shirts, insurance, refreshments and food for them, volunteer thank you parties, salaries for personnel who organize them, not to mention the charity donations to the groups they "work" for.
Just one of the many little things that most people don't take into account when they say "where does all the money go".
Support Crew
This information contained herein has been assembled for your assistance and convenience. It is believed to be reliable, however, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All opinions shown are subject to change without notice.
furiousferret
Oct 28, 09 16:43
Post #97 of 168 (553 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [FJB]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
My big thing is that everyone has a right to a profit.
That being said, I think one of the other posters was right when he said the sport is in a bubble now. Races have tripled in some cases in the last few years, and last I checked, everything else is going down. Its not hurting the premier races, but it is hurting the other local races. It used to be, you races 5-6 times during the year, but more and more I see people doing 1 or 2 because the financial burden of the high end races cuts out the other 'low priority' local sprints and Olys. I could easily see this backfiring on the sport, but I don't want to be too judgemental on RD's; if I had access to thier budgets and costs I might understand more but now it looks like some races are running others out of business.
JollyRogers
Oct 28, 09 17:26
Post #98 of 168 (534 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [bad929]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Tidewater guy here. I didn't put on the race series - one of the local USAC Clubs did. Very simple - course was a .7 mile loop around the parking lot at the Sportsplex in VB.
I would think that TTs are trickier than crits since there are probably road closures/restrictions involved unless you have access to something that's already restricted access.
sevans
Oct 28, 09 17:51
Post #99 of 168 (519 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [Devlin]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Why do people always put their times in their posts even when it's irrelevant?
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought that.
tomziebart
Oct 28, 09 21:05
Post #100 of 168 (491 views)
Re: Entry Fees out of control [firemedic]
[
In reply to
]
Can't Post
Lake Louisa Sprint Triathlon Series - 6 races for $100.00 - Series starts in April and ends in Sept. One race every month - works out to $16.66 per race.
www.usantc.com
You can find triathlons that do not have high entry fees. Z
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
View All
Print Thread
Are equipment rules important?
What organization's rules do you seek to comply with before you purchase bikes, wetsuits, etc.?
UCI
USA Cycling
UCI/USAC
WTC
USAT
WTC/USAT
ITU
All
None
MAIN
RULES &
LOG
