Sure clubs used to put on races every month. It’s not races that have gotten out of control, it’s runners expectations from the organizers that have gotten out of control.
Back when we started in the 70’s, it was just a bunch of long haired guys that wanted to run. We drew a line with chalk across the road and off we went.
Now, if every road race doesn’t have two huge tv monitors just feet beyond the finish with immediate results, the organizers get skewered online and in the paper…. Mostly by complainers who wouldn’t think to organize or put on a race.