Its big money for the organisers.
Road racing or specially organised mountain events, now cost serious amounts of money to enter.
A few years ago, a friend asked me whether i wanted to accompany them to Liverpool, to take part in the annual Mersey Tunnel 10k.
Apart from the pollution, it sounded like a fun idea, until i realised the entry fee was £46, not including the fuel and £10 parking fee when one got there.
Many competitors would have had to book accommodation as well, on top of all this, yet the considerable expense of these organised events, does not appear to be putting people off.
Call me mean, or a narrow minded, but spending £60 or more, with little in return, other than a very cheap medal or tee shirt, for your efforts, its not good value, and that's only for one race of possibly many throughout the year.
This is only one race, and most races he competes in cost a minimum of £40-60 to enter, and he sees nothing untoward about it.
Thousands of other like minded runners think £40+ represents great value, for very little in return.
Its no surprise that professionally organised races, be it on road or mountainside, are becoming too numerous, it represents huge revenue, once the logistical aspects of holding the race have been paid for.