We hear everyone complain constantly about signing up for an M-Dot a year in advance, can’t get in, sells out too fast etc… Why don’t more people take advantage of the community fund entries? I decided to go this route this season after coming off an injury. It’s been great still having the option to sign up for a summer race, end of the season or the new Utah race. Keeping my options open has certainly made the process easier to manage. Obviously this option only applies to certain races but I don’t believe I’ve heard this topic discussed more than a handful of times ever on ST when these races dominate the landscape here.
Probably the one and only discussion point that will come up is cost, and this is valid for those who legitimately can not afford the additional increase (CF spots are ~$1300). However, given the travel, training etc… costs generally associated the actual increase is mitigated and people have more of an emotional reaction to the dollar amount. However, this a deductible charity contribution. If you consider this part of your yearly charitable donations you essentially have a ~$525 race fee and a ~$775 donation. If donating 800 bucks a year breaks your bank then yes its not for you, for the majority of folks who donate over this annually why not ease the stress a bit and look into a community entry?