Tahoe 200 Cost Breakdown for a Family of 5
The following is a cost break down of running a 200+ mile race that requires travel.
In a future post, Ryan will breakdown the cost of training for the race.
Preparing for and running a 200 takes an investment on all fronts.
Time obviously, but also major financial commitments.
They say all you need to run is a pair of shoes and shorts and sometimes a shirt, but in reality, it can be a bit sickening when you step back and look at what the actual costs are.
You most likely will have to fly, have a place to stay, a way to get from the airport to the race start, food, and gear.
Sure, the cycling world will come back with “Well just be glad your shoes don’t cost $13,000.” And while that is true, it’s also true that a $13,000 bike is going to perform a little bit better than a $250 Huffy or at the least make the experience a bit more enjoyable.
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The same thing in running (usually). Assembling the best gear for the best performance and comfort can be costly. The longer the distance, the more important that becomes, and the more of it you are going to need.
Let’s take a quick look at what the all in cost of running the Tahoe 200 may look like. Obviously, everyone has a slightly different situation, but I tried to be as accurate as possible and used real costs where I could.
For example – Flights, Lodging, Rental Car, Race Fee, etc. And used an accurate “guesstimation” around the gear piece based on previously purchased items.
Tahoe 200 Cost Breakdown for a Family of 5
Race Entry
Entry - $1,595
UltraSignUp Fees - $103
Total - $1,698
Travel, Lodging, Food
Flights from Columbus to Reno - $1,690
Lodging for 8 nights - $2,550
Car Rental for 9 days - $970
Food (estimate) - $600
Gas (estimate) - $300
Total - $6,110
Standard Running Gear
Shoes - $160
Socks - $21
Shorts - $60
SS Shirts - $50
Vest - $160
Hat - $50
Mandatory Tahoe 200 Gear
Hooded Jacket - $125
Head Lamp - $135
Gloves - $45
Pants - $115
LS Shirt - $70
Recommended Tahoe 200 Gear
Poles - $220
Down Jacket - $300
Sun Hoodie - $90
Battery Packs - $25
Misc (sunscreen, chapstick, blister prevention, etc) - $75
Total Gear Costs - $1,700
Race Nutrition
Calories - $300
Electrolytes - $175
Total Gear Costs - $475
Estimated Total All In Cost: $9,983
Obviously, not everyone has 3 kids and a spouse coming along for the journey.
You could choose to camp and drive or shorten your stay.
You can cut these costs by finding alternatives, sales, or purchasing off brand.
Also, hopefully you have a lot of this in your gear closet already.
But this doesn’t include the fact you are more than likely to have more than one pair of shoes, changes of clothes, multiple head lamps, race nutrition, a race crew, the soft costs of training, etc.
I am very aware that the ability to travel to and run these races is a privilege.
One that I don’t take lightly.
I chose to involve my family because I want my kids witnessing and surrounded by what I believe is one of the most incredible communities on this planet.
I have not found a better example for my kids than ultra running.
To me that is worth the cost of admission.
