Record sellouts and rising prices.

Today was the day that the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon opened for registration.  I am signed up to run it for a charity, so I luckily avoided the registration process.  From the talk on  Facebook, I knew it was going to sell out quickly.  Given the debacle that happened with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon registration process, I was hoping Active was not the platform being used.  Alas, it was and Facebook was on fire with complaints of the system crashing.  Running has become immensely popular and with it so has the idea of a completing a marathon.  5 years ago I would have never imagined myself preparing to train for 26.2 miles, but a lot has changed since I started running.   Registration fees for half marathon and full marathons are seemingly increasing each year.  I plan on qualifying for the 2014 NYC Marathon by completing the 9+1 option.  I will have the pay the over $216 fee (if not higher next year) which 2 years are was $156.  People say that running is a cheap sport.  Not if you want to run comfortably (technical gear, sports bra, etc) and not if you like to run races.   I am as guilty as any other runner because I have willingly paid some stiff fees for races.