Race season is here: here are the costs (literally and mentally) that go into being a long-distance runner

Man is out running by himself (Credit: Akio Maeshima—Getty Images)

2024 has been the year of running. There have been run clubs, marathons, and the Paris Olympics. Parkrun just celebrated its 20th anniversary.

But the year isn’t over. Autumn marathon season is just getting started with, Chicago and NYC marathons still to come over the next month. Athletes around the globe will be consulting their training plans, lacing up their shoes, and pounding the pavement as we speak, in preparation for those all-important race days.