AORTA News: March 17th, 2025

Local Races This Weekend!

Mar 22nd: Colors for Children's 5K
When: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Where: Auburn High School, Auburn, AL
Fee: $15 (1-Mile), $25 (5K)
Description: This exciting event is not only a chance to lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement but also an opportunity to support a wonderful cause.

Benefiting the Children's Hospital of Alabama, every step you take helps make a difference in the lives of children in need. The race will unfold around Auburn High's campus on a 1-mile loop for the 1-mile Fun Run, or 3 times for the 5K.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, there's something for everyone at the "Colors for Children's" event.Mark your calendars for March 22nd and join us for a day filled with colorful fun, fitness, and philanthropy. Together, let's make this event a memorable one for all while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. We can't wait to see you there!

Mar 23rd: Alpha Chi Omega 5K
When: Sunday, March 23, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM
Where: AU Student Center Green Space
Fee: $30
Description: Epsilon Zeta chapter of Alpha Chi Omega at Auburn University is hosting the 5k for DVA Race for the promotion of awareness, education and prevention of domestic violence. AXΩ is happy to share an event full of community spirit, integrity and fun that students of Auburn and members of the local community can participate in and look forward to. 100% of proceeds from the event will be donated to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and the Domestic Violence Intervention Center of Opelika.

Mar 29th: Book It For Drake
When: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM (1-Mile), 9:00 AM (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Fee: $30 (1-Mile), $30 (5K)
Description: Registration is now open for Book It for Drake 5K and Fun Run, taking place Saturday, March 29 2025 at Town Creek Park. All proceeds will benefit Drake Middle School. Packet pickup will be Friday, March 28 at Drake Middle School from 3:45 (after bus dismissal) until 6:00, as well as at the Town Creek pavilion beginning at 7:00 am on race day. The fun run begins at 8:30 am, followed by the 5K at 9:00 am.

Mar 29th: Live. Laugh. Run. 5K
When: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Cater Lawn, AU Campus
Fee: $30
Description: The Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi will be hosting its annual Sarah Anderson Live.Laugh.Run. 5K on March 29, 2025. In November of 2009, Sarah Anderson lost her life in a tragic car accident. Sarah was a sophomore studying to go to veterinarian school at Auburn University, a piccolo player in the Auburn University Marching Band (AUMB), and a brother of Kappa Kappa Psi.

In honor of her memory, the Pi chapter will be using all proceeds to fund the Sarah Anderson Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship that is granted to a deserving band member at the end of each fall semester. The recipient will be someone who best exhibits the qualities of our fraternity and who shares the same positive attitude and love for life that Sarah Anderson had.

Apr 12th: KD Shamrock 5K
When: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM (5K)
Where: W. Thach and Wire Road, Auburn, AL
Fee: $35
Description: The Sigma Lambda chapter of Kappa Delta at Auburn University will host its 31th Annual Shamrock 5k Run to raise money for Prevent Child Abuse America and to locally support Special Deliveries of Lee County. Kappa Delta will host its 5k run on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The Shamrock Project is a national Kappa Delta program, that both collegian and alumnae support, to raise money for the national and local child abuse prevention organizations.

Apr 19th: D1 Life 5K / 1-Mile
** Hosted by DeMarcus Ware **
When: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Fee: $30 (1-Mile and 5K)
Description: The D1 Life Foundation was established in loving memory of Dylan Pegues, a 17 year old Auburn High student that led a life of love, kindness, and generosity through Christ. The D1 Life 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will take place on April 19, 2025 at Town Creek Park in Auburn, Alabama. All proceeds from the race will go towards scholarships for seniors preparing for college, as well as helping send our youth to church conferences, soccer camps, photography seminars, and much more. This event is a great way to support the D1 Life Foundation, and remember, you don’t have to run—feel free to walk or bring the whole family for a fun outing to support a great cause!

Apr 26th: St. Michael’s Literacy in Motion 5K / 1-Mile

When: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM (1-Mile), 8:00 AM (5K)
Where: Town Creek Park, Auburn, AL
Fee: $15 (1-Mile), $30 (5K)
Description: Mark your calendars!  Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join our community for a day of fitness, fun, and fellowship! St. Michael’s 1-Mile Fun Run and 5K event welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re an experienced runner, a walker, or just out to enjoy the day, this event is for everyone! All proceeds will go to benefit our local school libraries.

Apr 26th: Warriors for Freedom 5K
When: Saturday, Apri 26, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM (1-Mile), 8:30 AM (5K)
Where: Opelika SportsplexFee: $25-40 (5K), $15-25 (1-Mile)
Description: The Warriors for Freedom 5K Race is in memory of Lily Alyscia Ledbetter. Lily's dream was to graduate from Auburn University's School of Building Science. In 2022, Lily went to St. John, USVI for an internship with a local developer. Tragically, Lily's life was suddenly cut short while living in St. John. The circumstances surrounding Lily's death were linked to exploitation and possible trafficking, and the investigation is ongoing. 

Have Gently Worn Running Shoes?
Are your running shoes past their useful running life? Most are normally good for 300 to 500 miles but can still have a lot of “sole” left in them!  If yours are ready for retirement, bring your gently used running shoes to Love2Run, our local running partner store, where they’ll collect them for a fantastic organization called “Sneakers4Good”, a social enterprise that ships them to developing nations for micro-entrepreneurs.

When you bring them, please check for the following:
1) Gently worn means they are clean in usable condition and have no holes.
2) Soles are intact and not too worn, cracked, or breaking apart.
3) Laces intact, in good condition, not frayed, and tied together.

Weekly Whimsy

Why Do Road Races Cost So Much?
Ashley Mateo, Runner's World

** Summary of Article **

Rising Race Costs & Popularity

Road racing has become more popular than ever, with participation growing 13% from 2023 to 2024. The average race registration cost varies by distance, from $20.71 for a mile to $91.62 for a marathon, but major events like the New York City Marathon ($255) and Chicago Marathon ($245) exceed these averages. Despite the increasing costs, 63% of runners feel race fees are too expensive, with most believing a 10K should be under $50, a half marathon under $100, and a marathon between $71 and $150.

Where Registration Fees Go

The majority of race fees go toward ensuring a safe and well-organized event. Around 50-60% of the registration costcovers expenses such as road closures, police presence, barricades, and signage. Another 30-40% is dedicated to runner experience, including race swag, entertainment, and post-race festivities. Many runners may not realize how expensive it is to create a seamless race day experience, from setting up the start and finish areas to providing hydration stations, medical support, and event staff.

Why Prices Keep Increasing

Inflation and rising city costs contribute to higher registration fees. Cities charge race organizers for road permits, emergency services, and logistical support, and many of these costs have increased post-pandemic. Insurance also plays a major role in price hikes. Race organizers now invest more in event cancellation insurance to cover extreme weather, safety concerns, or lack of personnel, ensuring participants can receive refunds or race credits if needed. These additional costs are ultimately passed on to runners through higher registration fees.

Premium Race Experiences Drive Up Costs

Some races justify their high entry fees by offering VIP experiences. Events like The Marathon Project ($500 entry fee) provide amenities such as indoor warmup areas, personal hydration stations, premium race swag, and pace groups. These features enhance the overall race experience, but they also add significant costs. For example, providing personal bottles for all runners in The Marathon Project requires renting thousands of tables, an expense that alone costs $17,000. The more unique and high-end the experience, the higher the race fee.

Economic Impact vs. Race Costs

Road races generate significant revenue for host cities, with the 2024 Boston Marathon bringing in $509.1 million for Massachusetts. However, this economic impact does not directly reduce race production costs. Race organizers still bear the financial burden of securing permits, staffing, and ensuring a high-quality event. Simply increasing the number of participants does not lower costs—larger races require longer road closures, more police, and additional event logistics, leading to even higher expenses. Participation caps exist not only to manage costs but also to provide the best possible race experience.

Bottom Line

Race fees are a reflection of the costs associated with safety, logistics, and runner experience. While major races can be expensive, runners have options to choose from a wide range of events that fit their budget and expectations. Ultimately, the price of a race is determined by the level of organization, amenities, and experience it provides, just like other premium athletic events.

Link to archived article: https://archive.ph/CY2HN

Quote of the Week

     Be not afraid

     of going slowly,

     Be afraid only

     of standing still.

                                            Unknown

Video of the Week

How To Step Up From 10K To A Half-Marathon (10:28)

Smashed that 10k and looking for a new goal? Join Mo as he chats you through stepping up to a half marathon.

** AORTA provides this informational video to its members as a courtesy and does not endorse any particular product, process, or service. 

Ongoing Events

RunGo For Turn-By-Turn Directions!
RunGo provides turn-by-turn navigation allowing you to just enjoy your runs without having to think about looking for street names and when you may have to turn next. Other great features include, audio cues with your running stats, split updates, the ability to share your runs via social media, and create new routes. Another great feature of the app is the ability to work offline. You can create and download your routes ahead of time, before your run so you don’t have to use data during your run.

Race Volunteers Needed!
As a runner, we know your time is valuable. But if you have a couple hours to spare, we could use your help for one of the upcoming AORTA supported or directed races! Assisting at a local race is a fun and rewarding experience. You are surrounded by health conscious individuals that, like you, are motivated fitness enthusiasts and appreciate the effort of volunteers.

Water Stop Volunteers Needed
Water stop signs and coolers are available at the following location: 1536 Professional Parkway, Auburn, AL. (Thank you Adahli Massey!). Coolers and signs can be picked up Monday-Thursday from 8AM-4PM and on Fridays from 8AM-12 noon. Items are in the room next to the back door. If you are unable to pick up supplies on these dates/times, e-mail clemster@aol.com to make alternative arrangements (we deliver!).

Forward any comments to the webmaster.