COMMUNITY: Running a sport for all

Editor's note: Erin Moeller, 36, of Mount Vernon is a lifelong runner who qualified for the last two Olympic Marathon Trials. A native of Ryan, she's a graduate of North-Linn and Wartburg and works for Benchmark Inc. in Cedar Rapids. She has three children - Ryne, Evelyn and Kellyn - with husband Andy.

By Erin Moeller. community contributor

As you've probably figured out by now, I love to run.

I run to de-stress, I run to stay in shape, I run so I can continue eating some of the foods I love. I run because it makes me feel good and because, frankly, I'm not very good at all the other sports.

I run because I want to set a good example for my kids as we strive to live a healthy/active life.

The list goes on and on.

One of the many reasons I've taken to running is because, unlike many of the other sports, running is something virtually any person - regardless of shape, size or ability - is able to enjoy.

Some people spend money on fancy shoes, high tech running gear, cool shades, watches that capture your body's every move throughout a run, etc. In the end, none of this is really necessary. In fact, even shoes are optional.

I love that the sport of running has such minimal needs and is so widely available.

My passion for the pureness of our sport has me concerned about the current direction of running and road racing, however.

Have you noticed how expensive some of the race entries, running clubs and associated fees are getting these days? How much is too much? Every time a person turns around, there is a race being held to raise money for something. The registration fees just keep climbing higher and higher.

I realize everything is getting more expensive, but some of these entries are getting a bit ridiculous - $30, $40, $50 for a 5K? Even more for longer races.

Even the kids' running clubs are getting to the point that families are having to make a financial choice if little Johnny can participate from year to year. This breaks my heart because our sport should not discriminate - especially at a young age.

There are races we've opted out of because of the enormous fees associated with the event. I'm sure it's for a great cause, but we cannot afford to support every great cause. There are times when I ask myself if organizers wouldn't be wiser to keep the costs lower to attract more participants.

These weekend races can really put a dent in the back pocket, especially as our kids get interested in participating. I really appreciate race coordinators who are keeping things in perspective and continuing to provide high quality races that are a great value to middle class individuals and families.

I also admire the local schools who work with boosters, sponsors and donors in keeping their running clubs affordable (some are even free). The benefits of participants are numerous and I would hate for a child to be excluded because of money.

This past weekend, we participated in an outstanding event in Lisbon. The registration fees were affordable and the post-race events were incredible. It truly was a top-notch running/community event and a tremendous value for all in attendance. There are other events similar to this being held throughout our area.

I encourage race directors and those in charge of running groups to seek out these top-notch events and learn a thing or two from them. I'm hopeful the future of our beloved sport can continue in its purest form.