Okay, I admit that is not a very politically correct title for a post. The JFK 50 opened up for registration yesterday. So, I headed to the website to register only to find the entry fee is $135! I thought it was a joke but then no matter how many times I hit the refresh button, the numbers stayed the same. This is a a ludicrous entry fee for a 50 mile race. Massanutten is only $5 more an 55.8 miles longer. I have not run JFK before but from what I have heard, the aid stations are decent at best. Through chatter with some VHTRC folks, it appears the entry fee has doubled over the last five years. I am not sure why the race costs so much more this year, maybe it is a way of stemming demand. I also noticed that entry is limited to only 1,000. The last two years have seen JFK record over 1,000 finishers so I am not sure where the new limit comes in either. Regardless, I am out as there is no way I am paying that much for a 50 miler. So, now I am looking at a replacement 50 for the fall. Maybe Stone Cat in November or Vermont in September? I am open to any suggestions.
6 comments:
I am not a huge fan of Masochist either. Course is not that tough - what makes it hard is the extra 4 miles. Way overrated in my opinion. Plus, it already filled. I may just get a group together and go run in the NC mountains one weekend rather than race.
JFK and MMTR are among the best 50 milers on this side of the US. Too bad MMTR is already full........ I think. I signed up within the first 15 minutes of that one opening. They only allow 300 runners due to insurance reasons.
The price is steep but you only live once and great ultras are sometimes hard to find.
Best of luck with the search!
I've run MMTR twice and never planned on going back this year. Tussey is one to think about for sure.
Run Vermont, great course, and not 135 bucks, that is ludicrous. Sounds like they are just trying to make some extra cash, that's wrong. 135,000 in entry fees should also yield prize money....substantial prize money, not just 1000 bucks.
The Ultra camp was cancelled due to "issues", to discuss further, email me and I'll give you the scoop. -
Agree on the prize money. ALL the supposed "big time" races (i.e., Montrail Cup events, etc.) should offer substantial prize money. Especially with the fees they are charging. I will likely stay close to home and run a rugged 50 mile course in the NC/TN mountains this fall.
Right, basically less people ion the field but the RD wants to make the same amount of money. In my opinion, only a sucker pays $135 for that.