A triathlon consists of three disciplines: running, cycling, and swimming. But it can cost you a lot of money. That’s because it requires plenty of specialized gear. Also, racers have to put in several hours of training before competing for a race. The high-end gear attracts a big price tag.
Whether you are an expert or you want to give it a try for the first time, it is understandable that you want to get the best out of it. These amounts are racked up in training, coaching, and cost of the equipment. However, with a little budgeting from your side and good gameplay, you can make triathlons worthwhile.
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Are Triathlons Getting Too Expensive?
What was once an activity that drew the attention of the most hardcore athletes worldwide, now become a mainstream affair. However, triathlon isn’t easier these days, they have got popular. People across the US and even from the world travel for these events. Also, they spend a significant amount of time all year round training for them.
And, the major races draw plenty of racers. Because of the sheer increase in the number of people participating in the races, the organizers have to manage higher operational costs. More people means more space for a stage, admission, and other important components that are needed for a successful race.
So, it is evident that triathlons are getting expensive day by day. However, the price varies from one location to another. For example, a triathlon in Arizona is a lot cheaper compared to the one taking place in New York City. That’s because it costs more to seal the streets of a big city compared to the ones with fewer people.
The organizers have to pay more to the house employees, food & beverage, and city permits that allow the race to go off smoothly without hurdles. Small local triathlons feel more intimate whereas the ones happening in large cities draw more traveling racers and tourists.
Financial Barriers Of Triathlon
As more and more people pour in, the organizers are working hard to ensure every triathlon remains an amazing experience for everyone. They want people to remember the smallest details involved in the races. There is a lot that goes into t-shirts, food, music, branding, and other event-related activities.
Specialized gear is where things can get quite expensive. Even casual racers have to spend a lot of money on this event. The racers face massive challenges during a triathlon. So, one of the important gear is the clothes. Specialized shirts and t-shirts help you cope up with sweat management with ease.
The right padding keeps you more comfortable on bikes for longer hours. Talking about the bikes, it is going to be the most expensive item on your list. And, a good bike can burn a hole in your pocket. However, if you want to perform better in a triathlon, a great bike is a must.
A good pair of running shoes help you cover a lot of miles while training and during the race. A great shoe tailored to your body style and running type will cost you more. Also, helmets and other safety equipment are necessary. Again, you have to choose the ones that look good and lightweight. And, it will cost you more.
These days, keeping track of the calories burned, speed, other things associated with a race are very important. Smartwatches help you a lot by tracking these things. While there are a lot of options available on the market, the ones that have intuitive features costs you more.
Estimated Total Costs of an Ironman For a Beginner
The rough estimated total costs for a beginner for an Ironman might be daunting. But with a bit of budgeting and nice gameplay, Ironman aspirants can focus more on their race stats rather than worrying about dollars. One of the costliest parts of being a participant of Ironman is the entry fee.
However, the entry fee varies from one state to another and country. So, you can expect to pay anywhere between $650 and $700 for the bigger races. Also, the Olympic and Sprint triathlons vary in price. And, it starts from about $80 to $200. The costs are higher when the race is longer.
There is no question that bikes are the most expensive purchases for your Ironman. While many athletes spend lots of dollars on lightweight bikes, being a newbie it is recommended to buy a road bike. It is less expensive than the triathlon bikes. But if you are developing a passion for Ironman, a high-end bike is worth it.
These bikes can cost you about $4500. Tri-coach and gym membership can cost you about $250. However, try to employ a qualified trainer who has been associated with Ironman earlier. Running shoes, wetsuits, and other apparel might cost you about $800 or more depending on the quality.
When buying a running shoe, lookout for a comfortable one. For wetsuits, a lightweight material comfortable enough to keep you warm. Sometimes races might occur in chilly waters. Therefore, beginners should wear a full-body wetsuit. All these things are about personal comfort.
How Much Does It Cost To Do a Triathlon?
The cost of doing a triathlon can vary. This variation depends on the professional event companies or the volunteers who are organizing the triathlon. Also, the cost depends on the roads remaining closed, the size of the events, and so on. To participate in a triathlon, you don’t have to manage lots of equipment.
During your first triathlon, you can expect to spend about $700, and not more than that. With this amount, you can get all the gear you need to complete the first race.
The second year is where the expenses might rise because of the one-time purchase like wetsuit and bike. It might cost you around $5500. And thereafter, you can expect to spend about $3000 per year including all the important things.
So, those were some items that make triathlon so expensive. It can get more costly when you go deeper into the triathlon world. However, you can do triathlons on a budget. But the normal gear can set you back.
