The $9.95 Commitment Fee, Explained

Some of our races are completely free. Others carry a one-time $9.95 commitment fee. Here is exactly what that fee is, why it exists, and what it will never be.

What it is

When you're selected for a race that carries a fee, a one-time $9.95 payment within 48 hours confirms your entry. That $9.95 is your entire cost. The race entry itself — standard registration for our partner races commonly runs $40 or more — is provided through our race partners at no charge to you. (You may see it labeled a service fee at checkout; it's the same fee.)

Why it exists

Race partners donate a limited number of entries to us. When someone confirms a spot and doesn't show up, that entry is lost — another warrior didn't get it, and the partner's generosity was wasted. That's how organizations lose partners. The commitment fee, together with the 48-hour confirmation window, exists for one reason: to make sure confirmed entries go to people who will be at the starting line. It also covers the registration and payment processing costs of placing your entry.

What it will never be

It is never required to apply, to enter a lottery, or to be selected — lottery entry is free, and selection is random among eligible entrants.
It is not the price of the race. Entries are donated or discounted by our partners; the fee is a fraction of standard registration.
It is not a recurring charge or a membership fee. You pay it once, per fee-carrying race, only after you're selected.
Free races stay free. Many of our races carry no fee at all.

What happens if you don't pay

If the fee isn't paid within 48 hours, the entry is released and offered to the next person — usually someone on the waitlist. We'd rather re-home an entry than let it go unused.

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