5 Ways to Get Free Race Kits

Posted On November 19, 2024

Joining a fun run today is not as cheap as a decade ago because of the high inflation brought on by the pandemic. Thus, getting a race kit for free is a heaven-sent for people on a tight budget who still want to participate in foot races.

If you want to race for free, we’ll give you some pointers on how to get free race kits with some effort. Let’s get started.

1. Be a Pacer / Sweeper

Many race organizers seek pacers and sweepers to help ensure their events run smoothly.

In case you’re new to the term, a pacer is someone who runs at a specific pace and aims to complete the race in a set time. For example, a pacer might be assigned to finish a 21KM race in under 2 hours, which means maintaining an average pace of around 5:40 minutes per kilometer until the finish line.

Meanwhile, sweepers are race officials responsible for ensuring no one is left on the course when the cut-off time arrives. They usually bike or run along the course with the last runner, helping everyone finish safely. Sweepers are more common in trail runs than on road courses.

Race organizers often open registration for pacers (and occasionally sweepers) a few weeks before the event. In addition to a free race kit, you might also receive some freebies and, in some cases, a monetary incentive. Keep an eye on race social media pages or websites for open pacer spots.

2. Join Social Media Contests

If you’re active on social media or have a large online following, you can use this to your advantage. Many races and brands run promotional campaigns offering free race slots in exchange for sharing event information or commenting about your running journey.

Establishments like Toby’s, Runnr, and Olympic Village United often run these promotions. Winners are usually chosen based on the number of reactions to a post or through a raffle.

So, stay tuned to social media pages where you might find posts offering free race slots!

3. Attend Run Club Sessions and Win a Raffle

Nearly every major sports brand has its own local running club. For example, adidas has the adidas Runners Manila (aRM), New Balance offers the New Balance Run Club (NBRC), and Asics runs the Asics Running Club (ARC).

These clubs frequently host community runs where you can enjoy free hydration and other perks. Sometimes, they even raffle off race kits for upcoming events. Joining a run club is also a great way to meet like-minded people who share your passion for running.

Some run club sessions have an attendance of a few dozen to over a hundred runners, which gives you decent odds of winning something even with a large attendance.

4. Be the +1 for a Group Registration

To attract more participants, many race organizers offer group registration promotions, such as “Register 10 and Get 1 Free Slot.” The required number of registrants and the free slot can vary, but the idea is the same.

If you have a group of running friends interested in a particular race, take advantage of these promotions. It might take a bit of convincing to be the “+1,” but the free race slot is worth it!

5. Be a Replacement for a Friend Who Can’t Run

For instance, a friend might register for a race, only to later discover a schedule conflict or suffer an injury. As a thoughtful friend, you could offer to take their place and run using their race kit. After all, that’s what running friends are for! 😊

Having friends in the running community also increases your chances of finding an opportunity like this one.

Race for Free

Participating in fun runs can reinvigorate your love for running. And there’s no better way to enjoy a race than with a free race kit! Plus, the money you save can go toward new running shoes or other essentials.

Try out these tips to help you race for free at your next event!