Permit fees
Race organizers have always been annoyed by municipal permit fees. During the last two decades, towns of all sizes have instituted and periodically increased permit fees to cover traffic control, sanitation, and other needs created by special events.
Two races in Ann Arbor MI were canceled this year due to the rising cost of permit fees, including those levied by the University of Michigan. The Michigan Big Ten and the Night of the Day of the Dead cited expenses as prohibitive.
Raising entry fees is an obvious way to meet rising expenses. It also helps, especially in smaller towns, to include local government in the event. When cities, villages, townships, and park districts have a stake in the race, they may reduce or eliminate fees or donate services - like ambulances or toilets - to the race.
Make your event attractive to local government, just as you would to a sponsor, and you may reap additional benefits.