ANALYSING U RUN ALL ACCESS 2017 PACKAGE

Source : https://www.usports.com.sg/events/u-run-all-access-2017-2/

We did a personal review for the popular U-Run All Access 2015 and 2016 and hope that it helped fellow runners in weighing the pros and cons of the offer. NTUC has launched U-Run All Access (URAA) 2017 in the recent Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore Expo. We were told by NTUC that they are offering 2 packages - "Competitive" at $168 and "Fun" at $198. Here we are giving our personal analysis on the "U Run All Access 2017". Do note that we take no sides, we are just being objective in our honest opinions :

Assumptions/Fine Prints :

• Registration fees mentioned in this post are similar to past years' published fees for respective races. We are assuming that there is no increase in registration fees.

• You need to be NTUC/nEbO member or member-to-be in order to enjoy the benefits and privileges. Allow us to remind once again that not everyone can sign up as NTUC (National Trade Union Congress) member (e.g. Singapore Police Force, Singapore Prisons, Auxiliary Police bodies, foreign domestic workers and full-time students). Check your eligibility first. Also, NTUC membership fee is $117 per annum.

Expected Registration Fees for Running Events in 2017

Note :

XX / YY, XX denotes Early Bird Registration Fee. YY denotes Normal Registration Fee

Prices In RED is an indicative cost based on 2016

S/N	Competitive Package (Member : 3 Runs for $168. i.e. $56 per Run) (Non-Member : Additional Membership Fee $117. i.e. $95 per Run)	Event Date	Distance
			~5km	~10km	~21km	~42km
1	Marina Run	25-Feb	38/43	52/60	60/70
2	Sundown Marathon	25-Mar		65/70	75/80	95/100
3	2XU Compression Run	2-Apr	45/50	53/65	63/75
4	Income Eco Run	30-Apr	23/25	48/63	58/73
5	Puma Night Run	Sep	50/55	65/70
6	Tri-Factor Run	2-Jul	?	25/35	35/45
7	CSC Run by the Bay	Jul	30	40	50
8	Newton Challenge	Oct			55/60	65/70
9	Garfield Run	Nov	45/55
10	My Little Pony Friendship Run	TBC	50/70
11	Standard Chartered Marathon	Dec	20/25	65/75	75/90	85/100

Registration Fees for Running Events Offered for Competetive Package

S/N	Fun Package (Members : 3 Runs for $198. i.e. $66 per Run) (Non-Members : Additional  Membership Fee $117. i.e. $105 per Run)	Event Date	Distance
			~5km	~10km	~21km	~42km
1	Pokemon Run	14-Jan	65/70
2	Safari Zoo Run	18-Feb		65/80
3	Marina Run	25-Feb	38/43	52/60	60/70
4	Mens Health Urbanathlon	4-Mar		108/128
5	Income Eco Run	Apr	23/25	48/63	58/73
6	Puma Night Run	Sep	50/55	65/70
7	CSC Run buy the Bay	Jul	30	40	50
8	Blacklight Run	Oct		50/65
9	Garfield Run	Nov	45/55
10	My Little Pony Friendship Run	TBC	50/70

Registration Fees for Running Events Offered for Fun Package

Verdict

Herewith our personal comments after comparing the registration fees for URAA 2017 package:

• If you are a NTUC member, there is a definite edge in signing up for URAA 2017. It relates to substantial cost-savings if you choose running events that are more than $56 for "competitive" package and $66 for "fun" package. 

• For non-members who intend to sign up for NTUC membership to enjoy the package deals, we have second thoughts. Unless we see values in the NTUC membership other than the URAA 2017,  the savings may not seem substantial and justifiable.

Analysing U Run All Access 2016 Package

Source : http://www.usports.com.sg/events/u-run-all-access-2016/

We did a personal review for the popular U-Run All Access in 2014 and hope that it helped fellow runners in weighing the pros and cons of the offer. We understand that NTUC has re-launched a new U-Run All Access (URAA) in the recent Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore Expo. With new inputs from NTUC U-Sports, here we are giving our personal analysis on the "U Run All Access 2016" :

Assumptions :

To start off, we are making the following assumptions and comparisons :

• Registration fees mentioned in this post are similar to past years' published fees for respective races. We am assuming that there is no increase in registration fees.

• We are assuming that we are a NTUC/nEbO member or member-to-be in order to enjoy the maximum benefits and privileges. Allow us to remind once again that not everyone can sign up as NTUC (National Trade Union Congress) member (e.g. civil servants are not eligible). Check your eligibility first.

U Run All Access (URAA) 2016 Sign Up Fees

According to U Sports :

• The running package is exclusive for NTUC / nEbO members only.

• Non-members can sign up for a 1-year NTUC membership and U Run All Access 2016 bundle package at a special rate of $245 (U.P. $275).  

• The 3-run package is priced at $158 and allows package holders to enjoy guaranteed slots to 3 of their favourite races available under the their List of Runs in 2016.

• For package holders who wish to run more races, they have the option to purchase additional runs at $50 each.

The table summarises signup fees for both members and non-members. 

(Reminder : Standard package refers to 3 Runs deal. You may sign up for more runs at $50 per run).

Note : Sign-up fees for "Non-Members" category include one year NTUC membership. 

Expected Sign Up Fees for Running Events in 2016

Verdict

Herewith our personal comments after comparing the sign up fees for URAA 2016 package and the respective events sign up fees :

• If you are a NTUC member, there is a definite edge in signing up for URAA 2016. It relates to substantial cost-savings if you choose running events that are more than $53. (See below running events that entails more than $53 registration fees).

• Runner Convention (5 or 32km)
• Marina Run (21km)
• 2XU Compression Run (21km)
• Sundown Marathon (10, 21 or 42km)
• DC Justice League
• Newton Run (18 or 32km)
• Standard Chartered Marathon (10, 21 or 42km)
• Brooks Run Happy (21km) - If compared to Normal Registration
• Marina Run (10km) - If compared to Normal Registration
• 2XU Compress (10km) - If compared to Normal Registration
• NTUC Run (10 or 21km) - If compared to Normal Registration
• Garfield Run - If compared to Normal Registration

• For non-members, the package is only worthwhile ONLY IF you participate in 3 long distance events (i.e. Runners Convention, Sundown Marathon and Standard Chartered Marathon). Even so, the savings are rather insignificant.

• Kudos to NTUC for listening to the general public. It is a pleasant surprise to see them including unconventional races in this year's package. The inclusion of more family oriented runs (e.g. Garfield Run) not only provide flexibility, but allow other friends and family members to run. It definitely encourage participation from not so hardcore runners. 

Analysing U-Run Packages

Source : http://www.usports.com.sg/events/u-run-all-access-2015/

I chanced upon this "value-for-money" package in a recent race expo. I was attracted as it could mean substantial savings for my runs in 2015. Tempted as I was, I did not commit immediately. Instead, I did my homework. Here I am sharing my comparisons and analysis.

Herewith few assumptions I made when making comparisons :

1. Registration fees mentioned in this post are based on past years' published fees for respective races. I am assuming that there is no increase in registration fees.
2. I am assuming that I am a NTUC/nEbO member or member-to-be in order to enjoy the privileges. Do take note that not everyone can sign up as NTUC (National Trade Union Congress) member (e.g. civil servants are not eligible).
3. I have further categorised the events for 3 groups of runners :
• Long Distance - 21km and above
• Mid Distance - 16 to 21km
• Short Distance - 5 to 12 km
4. Packages are compared against Early Bird Offers and Loyalty Programs as majority of registrants would sign up as Early Birds or Loyal runners to enjoy cheaper registration fees.

 With the above assumptions, here are my comments (in my personal opinion) :

1. Signing up for U-Run is economic (with substantial cost-savings) only if you take part in the longer distance events. If your intention is to run in events lesser than 12 km, this package may not entail substantial cost savings and justifications for the outfront cash commitment.
2. If one is already a regular participant in specific runs or events, he/she is most likely entitled to certain "loyalty" registration discounts. In this instance, the savings may not be significant in comparison to the loyalty/past-participants' rates.
3. There is almost no saving if one is signing up to participate in short distance events.
4. See below tables for comparisons. Alternatively, you could add up you savings and see it for yourself.

Comparison : U-Run Packages vs Early Bird Offers

Comparison : U-Run Packages vs Loyalty Program + Early Bird

I have no qualms in signing up for the U-Run package if I can ascertain my running schedule and races to participate in 2015. It would give me substantial cost savings as I normally sign up for longer distances. Otherwise, I do have to be mindful about the early cash out front commitment.