The Ben Race

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Originally Posted by jmacewan

It was a lot more than 10% no shows last year though, 600 entries and about 460 starters last year, thats more than 20% no shows.

Maybe the bumped up fee will make people commit a bit more.

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True, but it was also attrocious weather and if people didn't feel confident of being up on the Ben in such weather then they did the right thing in not starting the race.

But the fee is nothing in the grand scheme of things for the many English and Welsh runners who travel to this race. We pay £10 each for accomodation, £50 on beers for the evening probably, £100 on fuel, whether its £10 or £17 for the race doesn't really affect our decision to race when set against the other costs.

I doubt the cost has been an issue for many/anyone. I pulled out of the WHW last year and lost £100, due to fixture clashes, not only for me, but also my support. It's just a risk the runners and organisers take with pre entries.

If you are ill, injured, not fit, have fixture clashes, personal issues, no shows are understandable. I really don't understand the anger which is sometimes expressed on here against no shows.

And for those that say its expensive, yes it is, but its basic supply and demand, why not use it to bring more money into the area. That's £10k the race raises, and if that money can be used to assist in path building, or support the MRT or some other worthy cause then great. It's a similar cost to other very popular races. I think Snowdon is normally around £15 isn't it.

I emailed the race secretary about the race fee increase out of interest.

He replied that the race has been loss making for the last six years and has been subsidised by the BNRA. Also many costs such a tentage and PA hire have increased recently and that the buying of new safety systems that will have long term use have incurred added expenditure. Thus the need for an increase in price.

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

I emailed the race secretary about the race fee increase out of interest.

He replied that the race has been loss making for the last six years and has been subsidised by the BNRA. Also many costs such a tentage and PA hire have increased recently and that the buying of new safety systems that will have long term use have incurred added expenditure. Thus the need for an increase in price.

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Surprised at that. I wonder if they subsidise any of the international runners who visit - which isn't to say they shouldn't. Many european races do, I think its fair enough, you want a top class field.

Thanks Antisocial - that clears things up.

If the race was losing money then they've done absolutely the right thing in raising the fee.

I think it's one of the best races in the calendar and I'm sure none of us would want to see it disappear due to a lack of revenue. I'm more than happy to pay the extra 7 quid (and already have done) to see this fell running ritual continue.

Up the Ben!

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

I emailed the race secretary about the race fee increase out of interest.

He replied that the race has been loss making for the last six years and has been subsidised by the BNRA. Also many costs such a tentage and PA hire have increased recently and that the buying of new safety systems that will have long term use have incurred added expenditure. Thus the need for an increase in price.

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It's still expensive when compared to other races. Borrowdale has a big marquee and a DJ and a band and and and.........And that only costs £5 :)!
Someone is making some money somewhere. But, yes it's a case of supply and demand and if that's what it costs for the race to go ahead then so be it. I've paid my money and that was my choice so I guess I should shut up:o. Either way £17 is still a lot of money. Defo Grisedale (the better race) for me in 2011. End of rant.

Stick ~ I'll take you up on that pint of Ben Race Ale after the race, and yes I'm hoping to be there on Monday night.

Borrowdale make a point of saying that the marquee etc is nothing to do with the race and is run by an independant outfit. It's far from free and cost a fiver to get in which ordinarily is not such a big deal but when it was full of what appeared to be drunk 16 year olds all night it wasn't even worth that :o:eek: shame really as in previous years it's been a right old knees up but that's off thread.....

as for the Ben, fantastic race and if you want to race something enough you'll pay it....still infinately less expensive than oodles of races out there but with added kudos :cool::D

I'd really like a go at this but each time I've thought of entering I've abandoned as I don't run with a club (and hae no particular wish to) and this appears to be a prerequisite. As a long shot anyone know if "FRA" can (or definitely can't) be counted as a "bona fide athletic club" for this purpose?

cheers, P

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Originally Posted by paulo

I'd really like a go at this but each time I've thought of entering I've abandoned as I don't run with a club (and hae no particular wish to) and this appears to be a prerequisite. As a long shot anyone know if "FRA" can (or definitely can't) be counted as a "bona fide athletic club" for this purpose?

cheers, P

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Yes Paulo

I emailed the secretary and asked that very question . FRA membership does count :)

I would get your application in quick though . I think it filled up within a week last year .

thanks for that - my entry goes in the post today


P

Posted my entry off yesterday. I also run on the roads and £17 is about the going rate for a half marathon these days, so I don't think it's too much, but this race is one of my goals for 2010.

I can't remember how much I paid to do the Snowdon Race last year, but I'm sure it was about the same.