Irish Indo cashing in on the 'running boom'

BenMicheal

Noticed in todays Indo that fit Magazine has launched its own website.

Fair enough, I'm all for helpful online info points. If it happens to get the ailing paper a bit of advertising revenue who am I to judge how my favorite paper finances itself.

As I read on tho I found that they are organising a race in the Park for May 12th. I looked more into it and was shocked that they are charging 31.50 for entry.

Now keeping in mind the uproar over the Samsung run (which closes key streets in the city for us to run on) and the 31.50 charged to enter. Surely the Indo's organisation of such a race is an undisputed money spinner??

average_runner

BenMicheal wrote: »

Noticed in todays Indo that fit Magazine has launched its own website.

Fair enough, I'm all for helpful online info points. If it happens to get the ailing paper a bit of advertising revenue who am I to judge how my favorite paper finances itself.

As I read on tho I found that they are organising a race in the Park for May 12th. I looked more into it and was shocked that they are charging 31.50 for entry.

Now keeping in mind the uproar over the Samsung run (which closes key streets in the city for us to run on) and the 31.50 charged to enter. Surely the Indo's organisation of such a race is an undisputed money spinner??

People dont have to do it

RacoonQueen

Another race in the park. Snooooze....

menoscemo

€31:50?:eek:
Holy christ!! It's an absolutely shocking route as well.

Cabaal

31.50e for a run in the park...is it even a half marathon, I'm guessing its likely a 10k

RacoonQueen

See it's the same day as the Lucan Harriers race. Whats the deal with races all of a sudden being held on the same day. Thought this was against AAI rules? Lucan is a couple of miles from the park?

nerraw1111

Like all booms, there comes a ceiling followed by a crash. It's far from a guaranteed money spinner.

There's the high price, yet another run in the park, it comes less than a month after the Great Ireland Run, 2 weeks after the more attractive and equally expensive Samsung, the free park runs, cheap BHAA and IMRA races.

They may have missed the boat given all of the above. Then again.

I like the magazine, gives decent weekly coverage of races and events. They are a bit fond of sticking random female models on the cover along with "I love working out" interviews. And they did say "fitness is the new it" which had me cringing.

Only way prices will come down if people choose with their feet.

average_runner

RacoonQueen wrote: »

See it's the same day as the Lucan Harriers race. Whats the deal with races all of a sudden being held on the same day. Thought this was against AAI rules? Lucan is a couple of miles from the park?

Either is not aai approved or aai dont careless about their clubs.

average_runner

Anyone got the link?

thirstywork2

http://www.fitmagazine.ie/events/race/dublin-fit-magazine-series-10km-race

Cabaal

thirstywork2 wrote: »

http://www.fitmagazine.ie/events/race/dublin-fit-magazine-series-10km-race

So a 10k and you get a goody bag and a t-shirt...yeah because you can't get those things with most other races for less money (if you're into that sort of thing).

They are def jumping on the running bandwagon, guess we're in the boom times for it.....just wait till the recession hits. I feel sorry for the proper races that will be affected by these "cash-in" races.

average_runner

Cabaal wrote: »

So a 10k and you get a goody bag and a t-shirt...yeah because you can't get those things with most other races for less money (if you're into that sort of thing).

They are def jumping on the running bandwagon, guess we're in the boom times for it.....just wait till the recession hits. I feel sorry for the proper races that will be affected by these "cash-in" races.

Our club could lose out because of this. Less money for the club and we wonder why athletics is messed up

calabi yau

ger664

It is on the day after the Pietia House Darkness to Light 5K. I really hope it does not take the casual runners from this event as its such a good cause.

ger664

average_runner wrote: »

Our club could lose out because of this. Less money for the club and we wonder why athletics is messed up

Looking at the prize money on offer for the race you are going to be under pressure to attract the top runners.

myflipflops

€800 for the top male and female racers.
€500 for the runners up.
€300 for 3rd place.
Winners will be profiled in Thursday Fit Magazine in the Irish Independent.

I like this race a lot more than I thought I would.

Nice to see some half decent prize money up top and potential for some press for the winners.

ThisRegard

With an entrance fee that high they can well afford just over 3 grand in prize money.

Kurt Godel

ThisRegard wrote: »

With an entrance fee that high they can well afford just over 3 grand in prize money.

But better giving it to the winners rather than into some RD's pocket, no?

Have to agree with MFF on this- if a new race is charging (willing) participants a fair whack for entry, and balancing this with generous prize money, thats a great model. Giving the winners some profile in their mag is great to see too. If "cashing in on the running boom" means the pointy end of running in Ireland gets a decent chunk of that cash, (not to mention Athletics Ireland Fit4Youth Programme getting supported), good for them.

ThisRegard

True, but for the vast majority of entrants they won't be in an arses whisper of winning and they'll just see an over priced race.

myflipflops

ThisRegard wrote: »

True, but for the vast majority of entrants they won't be in an arses whisper of winning and they'll just see an over priced race.

Runners can and should vote with their feet and their pockets if they have an issue with the cost. If that happens, the organizers will hopefully learn a lesson and cut the cost for any future races. They have committed to the prize money before anybody has signed up as far as I can see.

As for another body trying to cash in on the 'running boom', it still amazes me that the organization charged with being the high authority on running in Ireland (and one which is half broke) is the only place not trying to cash in.

jeffontour

nerraw1111 wrote: »

I like the magazine, gives decent weekly coverage of races and events. They are a bit fond of sticking random female models on the cover along with "I love working out" interviews. And they did say "fitness is the new it"

I gave up on it once the cover/feature policy turned that way. Tony Mangan on the cover is great, one model who likes to run, great. A new model every week? Well that's just in keeping with sindo "youngwan on the front cover policy".

The times have their running slot, even Business Plus magazine has a how to get into running piece recently, so yes, it's absolute bandwagon jumping by all the media by covering running. But there is a market I suppose and they have to make up for the lost property p0rn sections so maybe it's better that now it's the turn of exercise to be the media darling cos it brings in the advertising bucks?

rom

Pity they can't offer a free race calendar or something like that other than having article are article of complete BS from hydration to carb loading to eating Hi-5 gels every 15 mins.

average_runner

Kurt Godel wrote: »

But better giving it to the winners rather than into some RD's pocket, no?

Have to agree with MFF on this- if a new race is charging (willing) participants a fair whack for entry, and balancing this with generous prize money, thats a great model. Giving the winners some profile in their mag is great to see too. If "cashing in on the running boom" means the pointy end of running in Ireland gets a decent chunk of that cash, (not to mention Athletics Ireland Fit4Youth Programme getting supported), good for them.

It will also take people away from the lucan 5k, where all the money in that goes towards the club, keeping everything right so kids can train!

Wile E. Coyote

average_runner wrote: »

Either is not aai approved or aai dont careless about their clubs.

According to their page it's an AAI licenced event.

walshb

What distance is the race?

Edit: 10 K

Laois_Man

The Kildare marathon, half marathon and 10K is on May 12th too

walshb

Laois_Man wrote: »

The Kildare marathon, half marathon and 10K is on May 12th too

I've only entered the first two. Far too tired for the 10 k.

Larry Brent

average_runner wrote: »

It will also take people away from the lucan 5k, where all the money in that goes towards the club, keeping everything right so kids can train!

Of course it will, so is the club going to try and do something to compete with the new race? What does your race have going for it? Cheaper price and the fact it's (or used to be anyway) the Dublin Novice Championships? I ran it a couple of times and wouldn't return unless it was for the Championships. Not a great course at the time (perhaps he new course using the park is better?) and inability to sort out the Novice results after the race the two years I did it. So who will support your race - some club runners and maybe a few locals. The Irish Indo race will have a much wider appeal.

But look at what MSB did. They used to have a 4m race in the park, attracting the usual club runners. I don't know the details but it seems like they changed tack, got sponsors on board, support from the city, changed it to a 5k in the city centre, put up massive prize money (was it 1000 or 1500 EUR to the winner a few years ago resulting in Mark Christie and Brian Farrell having a battle royale to the finish line in about 14:10 with Gary Murray 3rd). I'm sure the prize money attracted top runners, people then see he times and numbers grow. Do they get over a 1000 runners now?

So the clubs can compete with the big private races, they just need some effort and innovation but it would be better again if this was assisted/centralised by AI IMO.

You need to look at what the successful club races (Raheny 5m, MSB 5k, Dungarvan 10m, Ballycotton 10m, Rathfarnham 5k) are doing / have to offer and see if you can replicate or improve. Best of luck with it.

thirtyonefoot

myflipflops wrote: »

As for another body trying to cash in on the 'running boom', it still amazes me that the organization charged with being the high authority on running in Ireland (and one which is half broke) is the only place not trying to cash in.

Athletics Ireland/Grant Thornton corporate challenge last year had over 400 corporate teams paying €100 entry fee each (400 x €100). Was 5km race, teams of 4, city centre Dublin, won by Kenneally. Was an Athletics Ireland gig as opposed to some of the other races were Athletics Ireland lend some support and get a smaller cut. These smaller ones obviously add up also. Remembrance Run is another one as was the Operation Transformation and the Run with Ray lark. There are others too.

Membership has increased a lot, up 71% in 5 years. Thats a steady income of reg fees, lets say half are kids/half are adults, thats extra reg fees of €250k a year so more people in the sport and the benefits that brings as well as extra revenue.

Bear in mind, the key function of the association is not to make money from road races etc etc. As a means of making money to support the core functions like participation/volunteerism, competition, coaching, high performance then yes it should be tapped into but not at the detriment of these. These core functions are not working to their maximum potential so I wouldn't like to see resources directed from there until they are. Revenue streams that are in line with the core functions would be ideal while tapping in somewhat (like examples I have outlined above) to the runner boom.

What would be good would be people with positive ideas on how to make more money for the sport to step forward and commit time, their free time without charging, and make a positive change. There is much work to be done at all levels.

Kurt Godel

thirtyonefoot wrote: »

What would be good would be people with positive ideas on how to make more money for the sport to step forward and commit time, their free time without charging, and make a positive change. There is much work to be done at all levels.

Option box when registering for these bigger AI-permitted road races:

1) Do you want €1 to go to High Performance fund, or a finishers medal?
2) Finishers T-shirt, or €5 towards local AC club?
etc.

myflipflops

thirtyonefoot wrote: »

Bear in mind, the key function of the association is not to make money from road races etc etc. As a means of making money to support the core functions like participation/volunteerism, competition, coaching, high performance then yes it should be tapped into but not at the detriment of these. These core functions are not working to their maximum potential so I wouldn't like to see resources directed from there until they are. Revenue streams that are in line with the core functions would be ideal while tapping in somewhat (like examples I have outlined above) to the runner boom.

What would be good would be people with positive ideas on how to make more money for the sport to step forward and commit time, their free time without charging, and make a positive change. There is much work to be done at all levels.

It's not a key function. It should not really be any kind of function but unfortunately it strikes me as just about the only way athletics makes any money at all. It's not an appealing sport to sponsors, it has no real traditional sporting revenue streams (gate receipts, TV rights) and government funding is reducing.

A road race section to the organization could be charged with maximising AAI revenue from the enormous amount of road races around the country. At the same time, they are looking after the specific interests of the organization and the clubs and protecting the sport from the cowboys. Regulate entry fees, set minimum prize funds, ensure minimum levels of

I know clubs individually make big money from women's the mini marathon so I don't see why the association should not aim at making it a key revenue stream. All the money could be then funneled back into grass roots athletics to fund equipment, training of volunteers in coaching, recruitment drives at school level and the other core functions. The point is to use the road racing boom and the money involved to fund the rest of the sport. The volunteers around the country do a superb job and keep the sport going. I know that from competing as a kid and being involved myself.

Rugby and GAA use their gate receipts to fund the sport. Athletics Ireland does not have anyone paying through a turnstile to watch the sport but we have thousands effectively doing the same thing to run races. They are customers so tap into them.

thirtyonefoot wrote: »

Membership has increased a lot, up 71% in 5 years.

Just an aside, do you think this figure represents an increase in numbers participating or volunteering? I remember 10 years ago at a college committee meeting that the AAI sent out missives stating they wanted to start listing every single person who even walks beside a track to be registered as involved with athletics. It was an obvious effort to improve the numbers on paper. It was a good idea too!

sconhome

I often wondered why commercial races looking for AAI certification weren't obliged to run their events in conjunction with the local clubs.

Yes the permit / measurement certificate is often done by a local club, they get €100 or €150 for doing that but why is AAI giving their valuble asset away for such a pittance?

If a commercial race wants an offical certified race route why don't AAI issue permits on the basis that 10% or 15% of the race entry fee goes to the local club as well as charging for the certificate? That way ever commercial race that wants certification must also benefit the club in the immediate locality. In return the race may benefit from greater community involvement too.

Everybody is happier.

ultraman1

amphkingwest wrote: »

I often wondered why commercial races looking for AAI certification weren't obliged to run their events in conjunction with the local clubs.

Yes the permit / measurement certificate is often done by a local club, they get €100 or €150 for doing that but why is AAI giving their valuble asset away for such a pittance?

If a commercial race wants an offical certified race route why don't AAI issue permits on the basis that 10% or 15% of the race entry fee goes to the local club as well as charging for the certificate? That way ever commercial race that wants certification must also benefit the club in the immediate locality. In return the race may benefit from greater community involvement too.

Everybody is happier.

the measurement cert is done by an individulal,he can charge what he wants and the RD dosent have to apply for a permit after he gets one, and it dosent benifit the club,unless the measurer donates it back(never happens to my knolwedge)
i was at a county board meeting recently where there was few permits being dished out,only critera for giving the permit was that it didnt clash with any underage championship,and as an aside there was so many permits given out the county champs have to be ran on 2 bank holidays,one of the permits given out was for a race that had serious **** ups at last years race,no marshalls ,people goin wrong way etc,,to my mind the issuing of permits is a load of arse(ie. seriously flawed).....

RayCun

amphkingwest wrote: »

I often wondered why commercial races looking for AAI certification weren't obliged to ...

What is the downside for a commercial race organiser (or local GAA club) in not having AAI certification?

sconhome

RayCun wrote: »

What is the downside for a commercial race organiser (or local GAA club) in not having AAI certification?

From what I understand its an attraction point for AAI athletes and clubs so benefits by having a better crowd pull.

Is there an insurance factor involved for club members in AAI sanctioned events?

In tri unless an event is sanctioned by Triathlon Ireland, members are not covered by their TI insurance in the event of 3rd party claims. I presume its the same with AAI members (I'm not an AC member so don't know).

BeepBeep67

amphkingwest wrote: »

From what I understand its an attraction point for AAI athletes and clubs so benefits by having a better crowd pull.

Is there an insurance factor involved for club members in AAI sanctioned events?

In tri unless an event is sanctioned by Triathlon Ireland, members are not covered by their TI insurance in the event of 3rd party claims. I presume its the same with AAI members (I'm not an AC member so don't know).

Only up to 1k entrants, beyond that you need your own.

RayCun

amphkingwest wrote: »

From what I understand its an attraction point for AAI athletes and clubs so benefits by having a better crowd pull.
Is there an insurance factor involved for club members in AAI sanctioned events?

I don't know that there is a huge attraction point. You get insurance through AAI but I doubt it's the only way to get insurance.
My point is just that if the AAI imposes strict conditions for a licence (this much to club, that much in prizes, higher price, whatever), you might see more races just not bothering. There are already plenty of races that don't seem to take course measurement very seriously.