How much is to much for a race?

I was sitting in  my car waiting for my daughter to be released from school when I looked at my Facebook on my phone. Up popped the Naperville Marathon  status about the announcements for the price of their 2013 inaugural marathon and half marathon  in November.

From their status it states:

2013 Inaugural Naperville Race Registration Fees:
•$115 Naperville Half Marathon
•$150 Naperville Marathon

Each entry fee includes:
* a gender specific top brand half zip running long sleeve ($65 value)  (I dig this part)
* your race photo package. A free download of a series of high quality digital race 8”x 10” photographs of you running in the Naperville race ($50 value)  ( really??? what if they suck ass? )
* your race bib personalized with your first name  (not important imo! )
* a commemorative finishers medal (better be nice!)
* a race packet filled with free products and valuable coupons (if it's fliers for other races than hahano)
* your online finisher’s certificate (I have never printed one out)
* free pace teams led by experienced pacers
* free parking at packet pickup and race day  (vs Chicago where you pay $10 -$25 )

If you thought my eyes bugged out at the prices you surely would be correct. Even a WTF are they thinking? Heck if you think I sound pissy about this go read the comments here.

Let's put it in perspective. 

The Chicago Marathon this year will be listed at $175. I was aghast at that price. They have a horrible swag bag and a flimsy shirt that is the same color that Bank of America has for the past two years used as the same color for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race that is run in the spring.  But it's Chicago. They shut down a good portion of downtown for this and go through out the whole city with wonderful support and it's being going on for decades. 

Naperville is about 36 mins west of Chicago. It does have a nice little downtown area but I really doubt the majority of this race will be in downtown Naperville OR along the riverfront. Which this is another thing people are upset about. The course map is not issued yet. Which a general idea would be nice because nobody wants to do 3 loops on a forest preserve esp for $150. Know what I mean?  Some commentators on FB are wondering if the town is bending them over on the price of doing this race. If they are than shame on Naperville. You already sorta of have a reputation for being somewhat snobby people so this reaming of the runners doesn't really help you.

This is an inaugural event going through a suburban neighborhood. It was appealing because it was close to home and not a big field (capping at 4K they said on FB).

The race is scheduled for November 10th. Registration opens on the 28th of January. I really had thought the price for this would be like most half marathons in our area would be about $65 ish not anything more than $80.  What's worse about this? It will most likely sell out. 

Unless they take the option off of the $50 value of  possible crappy race photos I doubt I will sign up. I will spend my $75 and sign up for the Fox Valley Marathon/Half.

I know a lot of work goes into putting together a race but you have to admit this is a costly race. I read over 100 comments on their status by the time I put this post together and maybe 3 were like oh ok that sounds ok.  

***

The race director responded on Facebook with a few things I still find very, very questionable and IMO a bunch of bullshit. 

 The idea of the pictures was to be a value to both the experienced runner as well as the first timer of this Inaugural Event.The photo's are going to be awesome. We felt it was a nice touch to include this into the event. I know there are many of us that when we see ourselves grimacing at 10 miles or 23 miles just wish the photographer wasn't around...but at the same time when it is all said and done those are memories as runners we cherish. I know that means nothing again to many of you but remember what your Mom told you "it isn't always about you"... Ok it is...but work with us. :-)
 .....
Our efforts to have this race finish at North Central College and have showers available after the race is huge, and something we see as valuable as runners for runners.

To keep you warm before the race even starts is something we have thought of as well. Not sure how many races you have run in November early in the morning, but warm is good. :-)

Our race village will be outstanding for post race...and downtown Naperville is opening its arms to all of the runners as well.

***

That is the biggest bunch of crap about the photos. Really? They are going to be awesome? HOW THE HELL DO THEY KNOW THAT? Are there unicorns prancing around in Naperville I don't know about?? They call themselves experienced runners. I'm baffled that over 250 will tell them that the photos should be an option and they STILL think we should be forced to pay for them in the package. 

Then the showers. WTF. Nobody gets done with a race and goes where's the nearest shower with strangers?? Esp if it's a local race and you are only 30 mins away from home. 







Opinions? Not signing up for this now? Price doesn't matter it's an inaugural event?