My ‘True cost of running’ in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and in 2022 posts turned out to be quite popular, so I decided to work out how much I managed to spend on what I call running-related purchases in a year that featured a lot of parkrun volunteering, but not a lot of running. I decided to use the same categories; running clothes and trainers, running accessories, race entries, etc I used in previous years so that I could compare this year’s spending with what I spent last year. And yes, I know it’s not the end of the year, but now I’ve stocked up on socks in the Versus Socks Black Friday sale, I won’t be making any more running-related purchases this year.

I concluded last year’s ‘True cost of running’ post by stating that 2023 was going to be a less expensive year than 2022. I said I was determined to ‘run for free in 2023’ and that my budget for the year was £0 with no exceptions. If I wanted to make any running-related purchases, I would have to raise money by selling some of my unwanted running clothes on eBay or Vinted. Effectively, I wanted my running hobby to fund itself and if I found myself starting to experience race #FOMO – spoiler, I didn’t – I would head to my local parkrun and run for nothing.

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I once again found going through my running expenditure spreadsheet – yes, I’m still a statistics geek and I still have spreadsheets for everything – an uncomfortable process. Most definitely a reality check and a much-needed wake-up call. I realised that by buying four pairs of trainers and several other far-from-essential running-related purchases, I’d failed to achieve my aim of ‘running for free in 2023’ in style. I also discovered that I’d managed to spend far more during the last 12 months than I thought I had.

So, now that it’s clear that I failed to stay away from the temptations of SportPursuit, Harrier Trail Running, and my local charity bookshop, let’s have a look at what I purchased this year. In an attempt to make myself feel less guilty, I’ve included what I spent in each category last year.

Running clothes and trainers

• New Balance sports bra – £14.99
• parkrun v100 milestone t-shirt – £18.00
• parkrun 100 milestone t-shirt (eBay) – £18.35
• Big Bobble Hat English Cross Country Association hat – £25.00
• Classic Proviz women’s running gilet – £29.95
• Sweaty Betty Power cycling shorts – £30.00
• Versus Elite socks x 5 pairs – £37.50
• Mizuno Wave Daichi 7 trainers – £39.99
• Versus socks x 7 pairs £46.29
• Rockay women’s Explore gilet – £62.98
• Sweaty Betty Accelerate running gilet – £79.00
• Mizuno Wave Inspire trainers – £80.58
• Mizuno Wave Inspire trainers – £107.99
• Mizuno Wave Inspire trainers – £121.50
• ASICS Gel Kayano 29 trainers – £139.50

TOTAL: £851.62 (£413.49 last year)

Running accessories

• Ultimate Performance hairbands – £2.99
• Silva Scout 3 headtorch – £17.48
• Harrier Trail Running Baslow waist bag – £26.35
• Harrier Trail Running Curbar race vest – £73.75

TOTAL: £120.57 (£47.15 last year)

Running related books 

• This Mum Runs (second hand) – £1.95
• Chi Running (second hand) – £1.99
• Endurance (second hand) – £2.50
• Marathon Man (second hand) – £2.50
• Once a Runner (second hand) – £2.50
• Running (second hand) – £2.50
• The Ghost Runner (second hand) – £2.50
• There is No Map in Hell (second hand) – £2.50
• Running Outside the Comfort Zone (second hand) – £2.99
• Fat Man to Green Man (second hand) – £3.01
• From Last to First (second hand) – £3.44
• 2 Miles to Happiness (second hand) – £5.99
• Once Around the Planet – £12.79
• Barefoot Britain – £14.99
• Choosing to Run – £20.99
• The Longest Race – £23.95

TOTAL: £107.09 (£22.03 last year) 

Race entries

• Royal Sutton Fun Run 2023 – £27.76
• The Big Half 2024 – £44.00

TOTAL: £71.76 (£88.95 last year) 

Virtual races

TOTAL: £0.00 (£126.10 last year)

[Photo: Nigel Gambles Photography]

Travel and accommodation

TOTAL: £0.00 (£9.00 last year)

Running holidays

TOTAL: £0.00 (£0.00 last year)

Running club

• Royal Sutton Coldfield AC 100 Club fees – £32.40
• Royal Sutton Coldfield AC annual membership – £76.00

TOTAL: £108.40 (£108.40 last year)

Miscellaneous

• Royal Sutton Fun Run photo – £5.00
• Bimble & Bolt Runner’s Advent Calendar – £39.99

TOTAL: £44.99 (£49.71 last year)

GRAND TOTAL: £1304.43 (£864.83 last year)

I once again felt slightly embarrassed when I worked out how much I’d managed to spend throughout the year. It felt like although I spent a lot, I didn’t manage to run enough to justify my spending. This year, my most expensive purchases consisted of three pairs of Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 trainers and a pair of ASICS Gel Kayano 29 trainers. After almost a decade of wearing Brooks trainers, I felt it was time for a change and Mizuno Wave Inspire 19s are now my ‘go-to’ trainers. Although I broke my ‘rule’ of not spending more than £100 on a pair of trainers, I don’t have any regrets.

And what about my spending in each of the categories? After spending what felt like a lot on running clothes and trainers last year, I managed to spend even more this year. I’ve already explained why I purchased four pairs of trainers, so I won’t repeat myself. I probably didn’t need to treat myself to two different gilets and yet another pair of Sweaty Betty shorts, but I’ve worn the Rockay gilet to parkrun every weekend as it has so many pockets I’m able to carry my debit card, emergency money, house key, phone, tissues, and lip balm with me when I’m marshalling. Like last year, except for one pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 and the ASICS Gel Kayano 29 trainers, I’ve worn everything I purchased.

Twelve months ago I was confident I wouldn’t need to buy any running accessories in 2023. I’m still not completely sure why I bought a waist bag and race vest from the Harrier Trail Running website. I guess I’ll be well prepared should I ever get the urge to train for a half marathon or marathon. This year, I spent a lot more on what I describe as running-related books compared to a year ago. It was very much a case of can’t run, can most definitely read about other people running. I purchased the majority of books second hand and I have no regrets as I love reading and I love writing and sharing reviews of what I’ve read in my ‘Books I’ve read recently’ posts.

While I started 2023 with the aim of not entering any races, I entered and subsequently walked the Royal Sutton Fun Run with my running buddy Ellen and had the most amazing time. After failing to get a place in the 2024 London Landmarks Half Marathon I decided to enter the 2024 Big Half. I’m hoping having a target race to aim for will encourage me to train more consistently next year. Last year, I entered several virtual races as I needed an incentive to get out of the house. This year, I didn’t enter any virtual races, and I can’t say I missed not being able to share #MedalMonday posts on Instagram. My running Club membership and 100 Club fees stayed the same, and I’m hopeful I’ll be in a position to train with my running club next year. As for the miscellaneous category, the Bimble & Bolt Runner’s Advent Calendar was a Christmas present from me to me.

While I spent far more than I’d originally planned to at the beginning of the year, I once again managed to sell some of my unwanted running clothes and trainers on eBay, Facebook, and Vinted. I’ve worked out that I made approximately £550 by selling some of my unwanted, unlikely to ever fit me again running clothes and two pairs of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 trainers that didn’t suit my running style. While this clearly isn’t £550 worth of profit, I figured having a good declutter of some of my unwanted running clothes and trainers made more sense than hanging onto everything ‘just in case’.

I’ve decided to repost some of the information I’ve included in previous ‘True cost of running’ posts. If you are looking to sell your unwanted running clothes or trainers online, dedicated Facebook selling groups such as the Running Gear Buy and Sell group and the Run Mummy Run – Pre-Loved and Secret Sales group are great places to start. I’ve not used Depop, Vinted, etc, except to buy so I can’t personally recommend them, but I’ve seen lots of positive feedback. And don’t forget about eBay.

I’m going to end this post by saying that next year is going to be a less expensive year. I’d love to ‘run for free in 2024. If I want to make any running-related purchases, I’m going to have to raise money by selling some of my unwanted running clothes. I want my running hobby to fund itself as I can’t keep buying new running clothes when I have piles of running clothes I’ve barely worn in my loft. I’ve already entered my target event for 2024 and if I find myself starting to experience race #FOMO, I’ll head to one of my local parkruns.

Have you ever worked out how much money you spend on running in a year?  Sorry for the repeat question, but you all know that I’m nosey. I’d love to see how my spending compares to other people’s spending.

Do you set yourself a budget at the start of the year? My budget for 2024 will once again be a big fat zero. If I want to treat myself to anything, I’ll have to raise money by selling some of my unwanted running gear first.

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