Many will agree that running is an inexpensive sport. The most expensive item will be your running shoes. With good shoes all you really need is to step out your door and run. This may be true if you are a causal runner or walker and don’t break out a good sweat. For everyone else, you need much more that a good pair of running shoes.

For competitors or runners who put in 3 or more days of running, here are some tips to saving money.

Buy old models of your favorite running shoes.

All running stores will have clearance of last year's models of running shoes when the new models come in. The old models are usually almost the same shoe, but at a much cheaper price. You can also search the Internet for older models of your favorite running shoes.

Shop around for inexpensive running clothes.

Winter athletic wear can cost a fortune, especially for running jackets. You don't have to spend a lot for good quality, technical fabric running clothes. Check out Target's C9 by Champion line of technical fitness wear. They're reasonably priced, but still very high in quality and performance. Old Navy's performance fleece line also has some great pieces, such as jackets and vests, for outdoor winter running. You may also want to check out stores such as TJ Maxx or Marshall's, which have racks of discounted name-brand fitness apparel, sometimes as much as 50% off the department store price.

Buy running clothes off-season.

At the end of a season, hit the local running store sale racks for end-of-season sales. Some of my favorite winter clothes I actually purchased in the spring or summer, when it was too warm to even wear them. Another place to shop for bargains is a race Expo.

Plan your race schedule ahead of time.

I like to plan a year ahead of time for all my races. Most races give discounts for early registration. Sign up early for races that you know you definitely want to run, especially those that you run annually. Pay attention to registration date deadlines for reduced entry fees as prices go up the closer to race day. It doesn't hurt to ask for special discount codes. Many discount codes are advertised through running clubs.

Make your running shoes last longer.

The rule of thumb is to change your shoes every 400-500 miles, but getting new shoes every couple of months can get expensive. To make your running shoes last, don't wear them for anything other than running or working out. Even if you're just walking around, you're still wearing out the cushioning.. Keep your running shoes in a cool, dry place where they can air out properly. Don't leave them in places like a gym bag or a hot trunk. If you need to clean your shoes, use a scrub brush, mild soap, and cold water, and then let them air dry.

Groupon and coupons.

You never know what discounts can turn up on Groupon, SocialLiving, and the like. I have purchased several really great deals through Groupon for running shoes at a local running store by paying $20 for $50 towards a purchase of running shoes. I’ve also seen discounts for marathon race entries on Groupon.

Volunteer at races.

Race organizers are sometimes desperate for more volunteers, so they offer incentives, such as free race entries, to volunteers. You can work at the registration table before the race and still run it — without paying the entry fee. Volunteering at races is also a good way to get free running gear. Some races will give volunteers the same goodie bag as the race participants.

Buy in bulk.

If you're running long distances, you need to hydrate with sports drinks and fuel up with gels, chomps, sports beans. Buying individually can definitely drain your bank account. Instead of doing that, get bulk packages or containers of powdered sports drink mix. You can also buy some good energy bars, such as Clif Bar and Lara Bars at Sam's Club and Costco.

Local Running Store Loyalty Discounts.

Every local running store that I’ve been to offer some type of discount for frequent buyers. Also, many stores offer special discounts to members of a running club or training club, such as North Carolina Roadrunners Club and Jeff Galloway Training.

Money Saving Tips for Runners and Walkers