Runner Pays $410 for Banana

Have you seen the shirt “this is a lot of work for a free banana“?

It cracks me up every single time. Then I started to ponder it, as one is likely to do during a long run, and I realized that banana isn’t free at all!!

In fact, I likely pay hundreds of dollars for the privilege of devouring that banana after 13.1 miles. Let’s break it down with some very conservative math:

• $95 Race entry fee
• $150 New running shoes for training
• $150 miscellaneous gear for training
• $15 local race parking/gas
• $600 travel to out of town race

And though I am not a foodie, when I cross that finish line to find only a pile of bananas and maybe some slice oranges I do have a moment of genuine disappointment.

Don’t get me wrong, bananas are a fabulous food…but where’s the nut butter to slather on it? Where’s the 3 tiered dark chocolate fondue fountain to put my head under before dipping my banana in it?

All of this pondering about post race food resulted in a question…

What Races Have the Best Post Race Food!

I asked for your feedback and here are some of those answers…but first let’s clarify I’m not talking about the healthiest post race food! Just a big spread that made fellow runners happy.

And of course if you’re dreaming of a post race beer because it’s good for recovery…well read this.

Fly Pig Marathon – Cincinnati, OH
Before you even get to the finish, it sounds like the aid stations are turned up a notch on this course with swedish fish, pretzels, oranges peppermint patties and more! If you aren’t full by the time you finish, you’ll find the standard fair of chips, fruit and pizza as well.

Beat the Blerch – Seattle, WA
Once again you’ll be finding the aid stations are ready for you with birthday cake, but if you’re not ready during the race no worries you’ll find both birthday cake, donuts and chocolate/bacon covered marshmallows (with plenty of sprinkles and whipped cream available!) at the finish line.

Kelowna Wine Country Half Marathon – British Columbia
While I’m not a drinker, I know this will be the kind of splurging many of you prefer :) You’ll be greeted at the finish with a variety of options from local wines to beers to ciders!

Kaiser Half Marathon – Orange Beach, AL
Past runners said they were blown away by the full Cajun buffet offered at the finish!

Diva Du – Bullard, TX
This women’s only run bike run event serves up a fully catered Mexican buffet, along with wine and Smoothie King. Basically you’ve got options for refueling!

Santa Rosa Marathon – California
Am I the only one who dreams of big ol’ breakfast while running a marathon? Pancakes and variety of toppings are awaiting finishers in the Old Courthouse Square. You’ll also find beer and wine for those ready to enjoy.

Best Damn Race Series – Orlando and Safety Harbor
These were some of the first half marathons, I convinced David to run with me and we were both floored to discover Papa John’s and sub sandwiches waiting at the finish line!! Impressive and delicious.

Mesa-Phoenix Marathon – Arizona
I can’t believe I forgot this one, so I was super glad a reader mentioned it! They have fabulous freshly made french toast, along with a few other things like BBQ waiting in the finish area.

Silverton Ultra – Colorado
I have too many friends that run ultras and trail races now, so there were a lot of those that made the list. I didn’t include a ton because let’s be honest if I run for more than 26.2, you damn well better have a full meal waiting for me. This one includes a full breakfast at the local hotel…mmm bet it smells great inside.

Excalibur 10 Miler – Melbourne, FL
One of the few races that calls out it’s post race food as a “feast”! And they mean it with dragon stew (aka soup, but ya gotta stay on them), pizza, bagels, chicken wings and smoothies!

Columbia Gorge Marathon – Hood River, OR
This one might actually have me registering for next year between the food and the views!! Hot cider, local apples, local pears, homemade hot soup, a lunch from another local spot, along with a variety of other sweet and salty treats!

Shamrock Marathon – Virginia Beach, VA
Get your Irish on with this themed race followed by a part with Irish stew and Yuengling beers.

Louisiana Marathon – Baton Rouge, LA
WOHOA this is a finish line to run for!!! Over 20 local restaurants on are on hand with Jambalaya, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Butternut Squash and Shrimp Bisque, Crawfish Étouffée, Red Beans and Rice, and Crawfish Mac and Cheese.

While it’s true that at most finish lines, I’m not in the mood for a whole lot to eat…some days you’re down right ravenous. And after spending $$$ it’s just nice to feel like they were thinking of ways to take care of you!

Any fabulous post race feasts that have been missed??

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