I love it when SPG offers Moments packages for runners! There have been some pretty cool ones in the past (that have included running with some well-known runners). Lately, however, SPG has seemed to have treated these packages as more of an afterthought. That means that, while it is nice to have them, these 2 packages will not be for all runners.
Two SPG Packages for Runners
While it is nice to see these packages, these definitely will not be for everyone! That is because they take place just days after the auctions end! But, if you can make them work (or you want to), you can likely get them at a very fair price (in points), based on past runner packages.
MEET MANAL ROSTOM ON GLOBAL RUNNING DAY WITH WESTIN
Link: Global Running Day With Westin
Global Running Day is June 6 and if you want to take a different approach to it this year, you could do it in Cairo as part of their Global Running Day activity. Here is what the package offers:
- Two-night stay in a Superior Room with breakfast included at the Westin Cairo Golf Resort and Spa, Katameya Dunes, checking in 3 June and checking out 5 June 2018
- Exclusive meet and greet session with Manal Rostom
- Participation in the charity 5k run at the Westin Westin Cairo Golf Resort Katameya Dunes on 4 June 2018
- Event is for two people
The Superior room rate with breakfast is $342 for the two nights there. As for everything else, I don’t think there is a high price value to be put on it. That means I would not think that spending over 8,000 SPG points is a good deal (you can redeem points for a standard room for just 4,000 points per night).
Auction Details:
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End Date: 28 May 2018 – 04:00 AM EDT
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Starting Bid: 4,000 Starpoints
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Bid Increment: 500 Starpoints
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Current High Bid: 4,000 Starpoints
Package Analysis
I would say that this could work if you are already planning on being in Egypt or nearby. Personally, I would not travel there for this (and I am just a couple of hours away by plane). I have tried running in Cairo before and it is not easy but doing it with a group would definitely make things easier. Also, this would be a nice way to get a nice hotel room and breakfast for a couple of days if you wanted to check out the Pyramids. I would say the chances of getting this for only 5,000 points are pretty good.
RUN THE CHANGCHUN JINGYUETAN FOREST MARATHON, WITH HOTEL STAY
Link: Changchun Jingyuetan Forest Marathon
Ok, now we go to China for this one. This sounds like an interesting event, though I could not find a lot of information on it. I always like trail runs so this could definitely be nice in that respect.
- Passes to run in the Changchun Jingyuetan Forest Marathon for Half Marathon or Mini Marathon
- Opportunity for members to give an award to the winner of the race
- Two-night stay in Sheraton Suite at the Sheraton Changchun Jingyuetan Hotel, check-in on 16 June and check-out on 18 June 2018
- Breakfast at your choice of Feast Signature Restaurant or the Sheraton Club
- Access to Sheraton Club benefits
- Spa massage
- Round-trip airport transportation
This comes with a 1,000+ sq ft hotel suite that would otherwise cost $204 per night. If you were to book a standard room, it is only 4,000 points per night or $100.
Auction Details:
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End Date: 8 Jun 2018 – 04:00 AM EDT
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Starting Bid: 7,000 Starpoints
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Bid Increment: 500 Starpoints
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Current High Bid: 7,000 Starpoints
Package Analysis
Yes, you see that right – you would only have 8 days from the end of the auction until check-in for this package. This is most certainly going to be for someone that is already in China or headed there. If that is you, this package could have some value if the cost stays low.
With the spa massage, hotel suite, breakfast, race entry and airport transportation, I would say the actual cost value would be around $650 for the two people. If this stays under 10,000 Starpoints, I think it could be a good deal.
I don’t really know what to say about them including giving an award as part of this package. Maybe it is just me, but that sounds like they are just trying to pack in extra value. I mean, what if you are a half marathon runner that comes in after they typically give the awards away? There are many runners that normally miss the awards ceremony – are they going to make the winner wait around or have you give some other award at the end? Oh well, it could still be a nice gesture! 🙂
Takeaway
To be honest, I am a little disappointed in both of these running packages. I will have a more detailed post about that this week (I had started writing it to include here but decided it deserved its own post). These packages could be nice if you will already be in country for each and you want the hotel and want to meet other runners. But, I certainly wouldn’t travel out of my way for either one of these events.
