Organized runs to cost participants $1 more | Racing

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – These days a dollar can go a long way and Wilmington City Council hopes to take advantage of the pocket change.

City officials want anyone who participates in a city run to pay $1 to Wilmington. They say the area is one of the last big cities in North Carolina to implement a policy on runs, races and marathons within city limits.

City leaders think $1 is a fair amount considering the work and effort that is put in by the city, but some residents say the extra charge is taking it $1 too far.

According to the city, the dollar fee will go toward the construction and maintenance of sidewalks, streets and greenways. Race organizers, however, believe that money belongs to the charity the race supports.

Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo says the volume of races continue to increase in the community, and with high volume comes a cost.

"It comes down to a user fee," said Saffo.

The new race policy takes effect July 1 and includes some other new fees:

• $50 for nonprofit organizations
• $75 for private/for profit organizations
• $100 for traffic control
• $1 per participant/per race

Some race organizers understand the city's needs, but say they pay for policing and trash clean up already and feel like the city is "doubling-dipping" on funds.

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