Quote from Queen of the Dammed Squirrels on Mar 9^th, 2010, 5:29pm:

 
You said it.

What Nuff said!  

Yeah, what everybody said!
 
This is the Big Willi Style's sad attempt of using humor to deflect any potential ill will on the thread.  Do with it as you wish.

I believe, Erik, what you are looking for is exactly what Greg White did last year with the Springdale series. Several races, multiple distances, no frills, low cost.  It seemed successful, but I truly don't know how many entrants were in each race. I don't know if the series is happening this year.  If other stand alone races did what you describe, we'd have many more people complaining that the race wasn't supported, had crappy swag, and a poorly planned post race event. If they didn't say it aloud, they'd be thinking it.  Either way, it wouldn't be around long. It would be a HUGE load off if one could put on a race where a runner is handed a Popsicle stick, a slip of paper with their time, a cup of water, and given a pat on the back on the way to their vehicle.  Realistically, it just isn't going to happen.  I do think what I said about if you want it, then do it does broach the subject.  
 
I've only participated in a few races in areas other than the IVS community, so I'm not as versed in the events put on by other clubs.  But to those who feel our area lacks in low key, varied distance events, if you want those to exist, then direct one.  If it succeeds, then you don't have to do anything different, and you've got yourself a cheap, easy to direct race.  If it doesn't, you didn't put a whole lot of effort into it, so you aren't out much either.

Quote from Darnyankee on Mar 10^th, 2010, 2:22pm:

 
 
depends on how much you pay for half stepping
 
seriously, due to family and professional demands i don't get to run with my buddies often. maybe once or twice a quarter. having a low key event makes it a little more palatable for my family and my thinking is it's an organized way to get together more.  
 
what i'm stating here isn't so much that local races are too expensive as much as i am trying to get someone to direct a cheap series catering to my needs. i train alone 99% of the time and i miss you.

Quote from Schroff on Mar 10^th, 2010, 4:20pm:

 
 
"there are two different markets being discussed here"
 
i miss you, too, mr. Schroff

what i'm stating here isn't so much that local races are too expensive as much as i am trying to get someone to direct a cheap series catering to my needs. i train alone 99% of the time and i miss you.
 
Ah, now we peel the onion and get to the real issue.  I'd invite you to come to Eureka and train on our hilly country roads, but you'd need to lower your training standards.  If you're faster than 99% of your friends, you're going to train alone 99% of the time.  I'd come over to Peoria to train with you, but my wife only lets me spend so much on gas.  Being married to an accountant has it's benefits, but spending money is not one of them.