Market will dictate which half marathons will survive

Everywhere I look, there’s a new half-marathon popping up.

The event has been billed as the fastest-growing distance in the United States, and it seems like that growth has hit the Central Valley.

But with the proliferation of 13.1-milers, have we reached a saturation point?

The Avenue of the Vines in Lodi was one of the very first 13.1-mile races in the Central Valley six or seven years ago.

Shortly after, the Eye-Q, now Two Cities Marathon, added a half distance.

Four years ago, the Modesto Marathon unveiled both a half and a full marathon distance.

That’s when the flood gates seemed to open.

And some race promoters evidently believe that the Central Valley can handle a few more.

Take a look at Rina’s Run, which traditionally had been a 5K and 10K in May. This year, it’s a 5K and half marathon.

The inaugural Peace Officer’s Memorial Run in Modesto in September 2012 will be repeated agains this year.

The St. Joseph’s Half in October in Stockton is now in its third year, and Exeter added the Hell of a Half.

Then there’s the Pleasanton Half, Waskally Wabbit Half, End of the Trail Half and Eye Q California Classic Weekend Half. I'm sure I forgot a few.

That doesn’t even count any of the half marathons in Sacramento, San Francisco or along the coast.

Half marathons cost more to produce and therefore, charge more for registration.

In this economy, runners are being very judicious with their money. There's a finite pot of dollars to go around.

With more half-marathons chasing the pot, it will be diluted out.
 

As in any capitalistic society, market forces will dictate. Runners will vote with their registration dollars.

The popular and fiscally strong events will survive, and the less popular ones, such as the Modesto Midnight Half, will disappear.