What can I deduct as a charitable contribution associated with running the Boston Marathon?

This answer was provided by Mark Misselbeck, CPA, from Levine, Katz, Nannis & Solomon PC in Needham.

Q: Last year I ran the Boston Marathon to raise money for a charity. What can I deduct as a charitable contribution associated with this? My training time? My sneakers? My entry fee? --Barbara, Boston

A: Charitable deductions are limited to "out-of-pocket" expenses for events of this type. With that in mind, you may be able to deduct the entry fee, $ $ .14/mi for travel in your car to get to and from the event, your sneakers, if the one race wore them out (with the same applying to other race accouterments) and lodging for the day or two required to be in Boston for the race.