Apparently, running is expensive

Hi!

I’m assuming everyone here knows me, but just in case you’ve wandered in…

My name is Rachel. I really, really, REALLY like running far. Whether it’s in a 1 mile circle for 48 hours or on a single-track trail at 10,000 feet, it is my greatest joy to log those miles. I love being out there, pushing myself to new levels of discomfort and emerging at the end having learned lessons about myself, life, and from the other people who do this sport. The small, pleasantly odd, and extremely inspiring community is the whole reason I got this far. But I think I’m stuck, and that is where you can come in.

Last year, I had undeniably the greatest year I’ve had so far within my ultrarunning “career.” Starting with a first place (second overall) finish at Jackpot 48 with 190 miles, spending all summer getting rowdy in the Sierras to train for trail races like September’s Ute 100M (1F, 3OA, female course record) and Plain 100k (1OA, tied my own female course record), and November’s Rio del Lago 100M (1F, 4OA). In December I ran the fat-ass Fear and Loathing 50M around San Francisco (1F, 2OA, broke my own female CR) and ended the year with Across the Years 48h, in which I set my sights on busting the 200 barrier (in preparation for Cocodona 250, which I’m planning to do this year) and qualifying for Spartathlon, at the urging of many of my friends. I wound up stopping over an hour early, having accomplished both goals relatively painlessly, getting 212.7 miles in around 46:45 (…and going to take a nap for the remainder of the race - I’m only human).

Unfortunately, and shockingly (at least, to me), this is still not enough to get me any form of public sponsorships. Having applied to several in recent history and somehow coming up short, I find myself frustrated and at a loss of how to continue progressing within the sport I love without encountering significant financial hardship. The cost of participation is rising across the board for more elite level races, and I’m blessed enough to be able to wonder what I could be capable of - but lack the means to turn that wonder into a responsible reality. But, dream big all the same: I’ve earned my spot on the Spartathlon team, and found a private sponsor to help me with the race fee for Cocodona - but going through the numbers, I definitely need help. Me hating admitting this does not make it any less true.

I am asking for anything you’d be willing to give to cover the costs of race fees, transportation, and absolute necessities during participation. No bullshit, no fluff. This is running! I don’t want to waste money on it either

for transparency, here’s how I came up with $5k:

SPARTATHLON COSTS:

Air fare: $600 (LAX->Athens)

Race: €950 ($1037)

= $1637

COCODONA COSTS:

Race entry: covered

Rental van: 6 days, $150/night ($900 )

Crew caretaking: ($1400, $350/person)

Gas: expected $500-750 (during race only)

= $3050

Total: approx $4700.

Since GoFundMe needed a round number, I just chose $5000.

Anything incurred in excess I will be using SOLELY on crew appreciation (during Cocodona), accommodations during or around the race (Cocodona), or to put towards my 2025 goal of making the USA 24H team, which will be held in Albi, FR in 10/2025.

Thank you for reading, thank you for your support and encouragement over the last 15 years while I’ve been figuring out what kind of runner I can be. Only fools are certain, but my number one goal is to train so that on race day I show up as physically, mentally, and *sigh* financially prepared as possible to ensure that completion of goals comes as easily as possible.

Happy trails!

Rachel