Are cancer races a ripoff?

If you want to see your money at work and run with real runners, run the local race put on by locals. Let all the fanny-pack wearing walkers do the disease fundraisers.

I know it seems cold of me to write that, but that's what all those "races" are. I've never been to one where any serious runners showed up. If someone in your family has breast cancer, or is a survivor, or has MS or something, then go do them. But if you're looking for competition, go to the local races. Also, more than likely, the disease fundraisers will never be included in any kind of local grand prix points chase. Go for the points baby!

I'd guess between 50% and 60% will go for the "cause" but if you ask they'll say 75% or higher.

So where does the rest go? Are "administrative costs" that high when you've got all those sponsors?

sponsors don't give as much as you'd think.

I would do the run to support runners. Those "charities" are really just a machine. Just think of how many people would be suddenly unemployed if the cure for breast cancer was ever found.

Someone posted that on an online newspaper forum, that Komen really doesn't want to find the cure because their money-making machine would then be out of business...Do those outfits all have salaried employees?

This has always been a pet peeve of mine. It seems like too few races these days are run for the sake of having a race, rather than raising money for something or other. It's not a huge deal I guess, but annoying nonetheless.

why don't you be a stand up guy and donate money to your local cancer branch or whatever and then run in the competitive race of your choice? not only will you have contributed to a worthy cause but you also get to put in a good race.

hungry gnome wrote:

I would do the run to support runners. Those "charities" are really just a machine. Just think of how many people would be suddenly unemployed if the cure for breast cancer was ever found.

I've been saying that for years about Jerry Lewis and his annual Labor Day beg-a-thon. Research my ass.

midwaste wrote:

This has always been a pet peeve of mine. It seems like too few races these days are run for the sake of having a race, rather than raising money for something or other. It's not a huge deal I guess, but annoying nonetheless.

I know what you mean. I buddy of mine was talking about putting on a race and mentioned he would have to find a 'cause'. I suggested he put on a good affordable race and keep the damn profits himself. When I want to compete (age grouper only) or go for a PR, I don't care who gets any profits from the race. I just want a race that offers a good course, good organization and a chance to run with other runners.

Not every race has to try and cure cancer.

I know they are gimicks at best, but some guy did drop a 14 flat 5k at the Komen race for the cure in Phx, AZ last year. One of the Chaplin brothers who ran at Oregon, dont remember if it was Jed or Ben...

The money raised mostly goes to pay for the raising of it and the rest goes to lobby the Federal Government to allocate money to their specific research projects.

So each disease is competing against every other for taxpayer money. There is no net gain.

There would be a net gain against disease if all Americans paid more in taxes that could be used to research cures and treatments.

The efficient way to raise money is to raise taxes. There is no "free lunch" in road races raising money to fight diseases.

It just may be a case of road races raising money to pay lobbyists.

So the cancer races are not a ripoff but neither are they a cure.

Tom

I've always felt that if you care about a cause, do some research and find a charity that makes a difference, then give them your money.

Race at good races.

desertrunner wrote:

I know they are gimicks at best, but some guy did drop a 14 flat 5k at the Komen race for the cure in Phx, AZ last year. One of the Chaplin brothers who ran at Oregon, dont remember if it was Jed or Ben...

The Komen race in Phoenix is non-competitive (read - walk). Also, it is conducted in the fall when the Chaplin boys would be in school. Highly doubtful.