City Running Tours
I'm on an ultrarunning list-serv and I received an e-mail not too long ago -- well, less than an hour ago -- about a business named "City Running Tours".
They're setup in New York and Washington and the e-mail indicated that Boston was going to be added soon. The website also says that Chicago, Austin and Denver would be "coming soon."
The pitch is rather appealing ...
Imagine being able to explore portions of Washington, DC's 100 square miles and two states (Virginia and Maryland) on foot with a guide all on the same run – in the same day. To enable runners of all levels to see well recognized landmarks (the U.S. Capitol, for example) while doing what they love, DC RUN is the first and only company to offer the adventure of a guided running tour.
See with your own eyes one of the most photographed cities in the world. There are sights - some renowned (The Washington Monument) – others not so much so (the Freer Gallery of Art) on runs ranging from 3 – 20 miles…or more if desired. For both the Downtown and Environs runs - starting points can be as close as the front door of your hotel or home – or at a metro stop – tailored to your convenience. Using the metro, point to point routes can be implemented.
Then comes the pricing ...
Each tour includes:
• An experienced City Running Tours guide that will show and educate you about the city's attractions
• Choice of an existing route or a custom-designed tour for those in training or desiring to see specific sites
• City Running Tours t-shirt
• Souvenir photo
• Discounts to local running stores
• Product samples and information
• Charitable contribution of 10% of the total fee donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital
For New York City, the price is $60 per person for the first six miles and $6 per person for each mile after that. For all other cities, the price is $50 per person for the first six miles and $4 per person for each mile after that. Discounts apply for groups of four or more. Gift certificates are available.
Remember what I said on the RunHouston Chronicle blog recently about the sport being a "cash cow". Well, this is your latest example.
$60 per person for the first six miles and $6 per person for each mile after?
That certainly is a super-expensive 10K!
But seriously, could you see this if Rick Cook - aka DirtRunner - was doing The Woodlands Running Tour?
• An experienced The Woodlands Running Tour guide that will educate you about the history of Montgomery County.
• Choice of a pre-designed, no-concrete DirtRunner route or a custom-designed night run for those looking to live life a bit on the edge.
• Race-worn "Post Properties" race shirt. Dirt included and guaranteed.
• Souvenir photo with DirtRunner and the mascot of The Woodlands, Puffy the Pine Cone.
• Discounts to Luke's Locker in The Woodlands.
• An autographed trademark "D'Enefin" window decal sticker.
• An "Almost Never Lost" talking Andrew Perry compass.
• A specially-designed ultra-like finisher's award, custom made in DirtRunner's garage while you rehydrate.
• Free entry to Run The Woodlands 5K.
I hear the cash register ringing now!
They're setup in New York and Washington and the e-mail indicated that Boston was going to be added soon. The website also says that Chicago, Austin and Denver would be "coming soon."
The pitch is rather appealing ...
Imagine being able to explore portions of Washington, DC's 100 square miles and two states (Virginia and Maryland) on foot with a guide all on the same run – in the same day. To enable runners of all levels to see well recognized landmarks (the U.S. Capitol, for example) while doing what they love, DC RUN is the first and only company to offer the adventure of a guided running tour.
See with your own eyes one of the most photographed cities in the world. There are sights - some renowned (The Washington Monument) – others not so much so (the Freer Gallery of Art) on runs ranging from 3 – 20 miles…or more if desired. For both the Downtown and Environs runs - starting points can be as close as the front door of your hotel or home – or at a metro stop – tailored to your convenience. Using the metro, point to point routes can be implemented.
Then comes the pricing ...
Each tour includes:
• An experienced City Running Tours guide that will show and educate you about the city's attractions
• Choice of an existing route or a custom-designed tour for those in training or desiring to see specific sites
• City Running Tours t-shirt
• Souvenir photo
• Discounts to local running stores
• Product samples and information
• Charitable contribution of 10% of the total fee donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital
For New York City, the price is $60 per person for the first six miles and $6 per person for each mile after that. For all other cities, the price is $50 per person for the first six miles and $4 per person for each mile after that. Discounts apply for groups of four or more. Gift certificates are available.
Remember what I said on the RunHouston Chronicle blog recently about the sport being a "cash cow". Well, this is your latest example.
$60 per person for the first six miles and $6 per person for each mile after?
That certainly is a super-expensive 10K!
But seriously, could you see this if Rick Cook - aka DirtRunner - was doing The Woodlands Running Tour?
• An experienced The Woodlands Running Tour guide that will educate you about the history of Montgomery County.
• Choice of a pre-designed, no-concrete DirtRunner route or a custom-designed night run for those looking to live life a bit on the edge.
• Race-worn "Post Properties" race shirt. Dirt included and guaranteed.
• Souvenir photo with DirtRunner and the mascot of The Woodlands, Puffy the Pine Cone.
• Discounts to Luke's Locker in The Woodlands.
• An autographed trademark "D'Enefin" window decal sticker.
• An "Almost Never Lost" talking Andrew Perry compass.
• A specially-designed ultra-like finisher's award, custom made in DirtRunner's garage while you rehydrate.
• Free entry to Run The Woodlands 5K.
I hear the cash register ringing now!
posted by WalkSports.com | 10:41 PM
4 Comments:
sign me up
Ditto!
Who knew we were missing out on an entrprenuerial opportunity?
Downtown/neartown tours coming soon!
I went on a running tour with City Running Tours and it was an unforgettable experience. It was not just a run through the city; I was able to see landmarks that no other tour would provide. The knowledge my tour guide had of the history of New York City blew me away. This is a great establishment and I continue to share it with all of my running friends. I can respect your argument but large cities can be overwhelming, so why not splurge to share your love of running in a new city rather than sitting on a tour bus for 2 hours!! Well worth the money I paid.
Post a Comment
<< Home