RunKNOX Training Cycle Check-In!
February 16, 2024Let’s Make It Official: Become a Track Official!
March 13, 2024Once you complete your first race, that adrenaline kicks in and you feel like you can conquer anything once your feet pass that finish line. Then, the goals change and that 5K becomes a 10K, half, a full marathon, or even a back yard ultra. Next thing you know, you’ve signed up for all the things!
Those races add up $ $ $, but I’d like to let you in on a little secret…
You don’t have to go broke trying to run in Knoxville!
Here are my tips for running on a budget in Knoxville:
- Join Knoxville Track Club—The cost is $35 per year for individuals and $45 for families. Members receive—A one-time use $20 coupon code that can be used in any race except the Knoxville Marathon and Pigeon Forge Half. $5.00 discount on their entry fee to all KTC road races and a $10 discount to the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon (CHKM). Members also get discounts at several running/health shops in the area. We literally pay you to run with us. It’s a win-win. If you run more than 2 races with us each year, you’re missing out on the discounts!
- Volunteer at a Knoxville Track Club event. Volunteers receive—$5 to $10 in KTC Race Coupon codes for each road event they volunteer at. Volunteers can also earn even MORE shirts at the Holiday Party. Volunteers can earn points towards the Road Grand Prix. Grand Prix Winners earn a free pair of shoes! CHKM volunteers also have a Volunteer Appreciation Party with food and raffle prizes! You’ll never have to buy a t-shirt again if you run and volunteer with KTC.
- Join a race team. If you create/join a team of 4 or more people, you get an extra discount along with your KTC $5 discount! That’s $ back in your pocket (for select races)
- Register for a road or race series! Race series offer a package discount to save you extra money for multiple events!
- Register early! You can save yourself extra money just by registering during early bird pricing! Does your family run a Turkey Trot 5K every year? If you register during early bird pricing, are a KTC member, AND use a $10 volunteer coupon, you’ll only pay $10 for the event. If you saved the $20 KTC membership coupon until this event, signed up during early bird pricing, and you’re a current member, the event would be free! How wild is that?!
- Train with a group. There is a free group run 6 days a week somewhere in town with trail, track and road options, early morning or evenings, and for all paces. If you’re trying to PR at your next race, consider joining RunKNOX who will give you an individualized training plan with weekly group workouts to hold you accountable. They have one of the cheapest memberships in town.
- Opt out of the race swag. If your dresser is overflowing with race shirts and you can’t possibly fit another in there, opt out of a shirt. You’ll save $5 for opting out of race swag.
- Shop the sales. Several of KTCs sponsors offer HUGE discounts at their anniversary, CHKM training runs, and end-of-the-season sales! Wait to buy gear until the end of that season. For example, if you need leggings, purchase them at the end of winter or the beginning of summer. Don’t forget to mention your KTC membership for your discount too!
- Become a KTC race director. KTC race directors get to race for free at KTC events (except the CHKM). We’ll be holding a race director training session on February 9th for anyone interested!
- Become an ambassador for your favorite brands. Several companies will offer their ambassadors discounts and even free products in exchange for sharing the brand on your social media pages. If you find yourself spending hours snapping and posting pictures of your favorite furry friends or running memes, consider posting the brands you love on your social media.
