My ‘True cost of running’ in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and in 2023 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 happily featured more running than last year. 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. I also added a new category – osteopathy appointments – as after having a mini meltdown back in April, I finally decided to do something about my problematic knees.

I concluded last year’s ‘True cost of running’ post by stating that 2024 was going to be a less expensive year than 2023. I said I’d love to ‘run for free in 2024’ 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 my unwanted running clothes online. I wanted my running hobby to fund itself and if I found myself starting to experience race #FOMO I’d head to a local parkrun.

[Photo: Rob Andrews]

I once again found going through my running expenditure spreadsheet – yes, I’m still a statistics geek – slightly uncomfortable. A much-needed wake-up call and reality check. I realised that by buying four pairs of running shorts and five sports bras, I’d failed to achieve my aim of ‘running for free in 2024’ in style. I also discovered that thanks to the introduction of regular osteopathy appointments, I’d managed to spend more in 2024 than I thought.

So, now it’s clear I once again failed to stay away from the temptations of Sweaty Betty et al., let’s have a look at what I purchased this year. I’ve also included what I spent in each category last year.

Running clothes and trainers

• RBX sports t-shirt – £5.40
• Famme long sleeve top – £10.00
• Hilly Active ankle running socks – £11.20
• Under Armour sports bra – £12.99
• Ivy Park x adidas shorts – £14.99
• Marimekko x adidas shorts – £14.99
• adidas sports bra – £14.99
• adidas sports bra – £14.99
• RU2C short sleeve t-shirt – £15.73
• Sweaty Betty sports bra – £16.99
• Sweaty Betty sports bra – £16.99
• parkrun milestone 100 Volunteer t-shirt – £19.00
• parkrun milestone 100 t-shirt – £20.00
• Run BHX t-shirt – £28.00
• Rockay windbreaker jacket – £29.99
• Sweaty Betty Power shorts – £30.00
• adidas women’s full length tights – £31.48
• Rockay Xplore gilet – £39.99
• Sweaty Betty Power shorts – £45.00
• Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 trainers – £49.99
• Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 trainers – £64.48
• Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 trainers – £74.98

TOTAL: £582.17 (£851.62 last year)

Running accessories

• Mountain Warehouse Performance cap – £14.45

TOTAL: £14.45 (£120.57 last year)

Running related books

TOTAL: £0.00 (£107.09 last year)

[Photo: Rob Andrews]

Race entries

• Round the Park Gates Run – £.700
• Birmingham Running Festival 5k – £15.20
• Wheaton Aston 10k – £22.15
• Shenstone Fun Run – £29.00
• Birmingham Running Festival 10k – £29.40
• Royal Sutton Fun Run – £29.45

TOTAL: £132.20 (£71.76 last year)

Virtual races

• Run Up to Christmas virtual run – £14.45
• Miles for Mind May – £15.95

TOTAL: £30.40 (£0.00 last year)

Travel and accommodation

• Return train ticket to Sutton Coldfield – £3.60
• Return train ticket to Sutton Coldfield – £3.60
• Return train ticket to Sutton Coldfield – £3.60
• Return train ticket to Sutton Coldfield – £3.60
• Return train ticket to Sutton Coldfield – £3.60
• Return train ticket to Sutton Coldfield – £3.60
• Return train ticket to Sutton Coldfield – £3.60
• Return train ticket to Sutton Coldfield – £3.60
• Return train ticket to Shenstone – £3.70
• Return train ticket to Aston – £4.60
• Return train ticket to Lichfield – £4.80
• Return train ticket to Lichfield – £4.80
• Return train ticket to Tamworth – £7.10

TOTAL: £53.80 (£0.00 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 – £79.00

TOTAL: £111.40 (£108.40 last year)

Osteopathy appointments

• Returning patient osteopathy appointment – £52.00
• Returning patient osteopathy appointment – £52.00
• Returning patient osteopathy appointment – £52.00
• Returning patient osteopathy appointment – £52.00
• Returning patient osteopathy appointment – £52.00
• Returning patient osteopathy appointment – £52.00
• Returning patient osteopathy appointment – £52.00
• Returning patient osteopathy appointment – £52.00
• Returning patient osteopathy appointment – £52.00
• New patient osteopathy appointment – £72.00

TOTAL: £540.00 (£0.00 last year)

Miscellaneous

• 2025 parkrun calendar – £11.99
• Puresport CBD muscle and joint freeze roll on – £26.50
• Puresport CBD muscle and joint balm – £28.00

TOTAL: £66.49 (£44.99 last year)

GRAND TOTAL: £1530.91 (£1304.43 last year)

In previous years, I felt embarrassed when I worked out how much I’d managed to spend throughout the year. This year, although I ended up spending more than I did last year, I didn’t feel any shame for two reasons. Approximately a third of my spending was in a new category – osteopathy appointments – and by finally investing in myself, I was able to start running consistently again. Ignoring osteopathy appointments, my other most expensive purchases were three pairs of Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 trainers and running gear I’ve worn a lot. Unlike in 2023, I managed to stick to my ‘rule’ of not spending more than £100 on a pair of trainers.

And what about my spending in each of the categories? After spending far too much on running clothes and trainers last year, I managed to spend less this year. While most of my purchases were made in my local TK Maxx, I did invest in a couple of pairs of my favourite 9” power shorts from Sweaty Betty as I felt the quality and generous discount codes justified the extra cost. Like last year, except for a couple of sports bras and the parkrun milestone t-shirt I purchased for a friend, I’ve worn everything I purchased. Last year, I spent what I described as a ridiculous amount on running accessories, this year I only purchased a running cap which I ended up selling on eBay as it was too large for my child-sized head.

This year, I didn’t purchase any what I’d describe as running-related books, I’ve no idea why I stopped reading about other people running. I spent almost double the amount I spent in 2023 on race entries, and I have no regrets as I enjoyed every minute of the races I completed. Last year, I can’t remember exactly why, but I didn’t enter any virtual races. This year, I entered two virtual races, and both gave me an incentive to leave the house and to train consistently.  I’ve taken advantage of a discount code and have entered next year’s Run Up to Christmas virtual event.

My spending in the travel and accommodation category increased from zero in 2023 to £53.80 this year. This expenditure was unavoidable as I’m not in the habit of fare dodging and the train tickets I purchased enabled me to complete some long overdue parkrun tourism and to attend my osteopathy appointments in Sutton Coldfield. I once again didn’t have any running holidays, I’m hopeful this might change in 2025. My running Club membership and 100 Club fees increased slightly and I’m hopeful I’ll be able to train with my Club next year. I’ve already talked about my osteopathy appointments and as for the miscellaneous category, the parkrun 2025 calendar will be used to plan my 50 parkruns in 2025 challenge and the Puresport CBD muscle and joint freeze roll-on and joint balm were both a complete waste of money.

Although I spent more than I’d planned to at the start of the year, I managed to sell some of my unwanted running trainers and books on eBay and Facebook. I’ve worked out that I made approximately £370 by selling three pairs of trainers that didn’t suit my running style and a lot of running-related books. While this clearly isn’t £370 worth of profit, I figured having a good declutter of my unwanted trainers and books 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 is a great place to start. I’m still yet to sell on Vinted, Depop etc, so I can’t personally recommend them, but I’ve seen lots of positive feedback. And now that it’s free for private sellers to sell on there, don’t forget about eBay.

I’m going to end this post by saying that although I hope 2025 will be a less expensive year and that I’d love to ‘run for free’ in 2025, I’ve accepted that it’s inevitable I’ll end up spending a fair amount on the sport that gives me a lot of pleasure. I’ve decided I’m not going to feel guilty for making essential running-related purchases for example new trainers and osteopathy appointments, however, if I want to make any non-essential purchases, I’m going to have to raise money by selling stuff on eBay and Facebook first. I can’t keep buying new running clothes when I have piles of running clothes I’ve barely worn in storage in my loft.

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? With the exception of essentials; new trainers, osteopathy appointments, and travel, my budget for 2025 will be zero. If I want to treat myself to anything outside of those categories, I’ll have to raise money by selling some of my unwanted running gear first.

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