I've done a couple Saturday and Sunday states weekends, which requires extra driving and careful planning, but just it saves on flight.  I also have the help of my parents from time to time with airline tickets through their Visa points.  Another saving is planning with friends and splitting hotel/car rental.  Other than that, I have just accepted that I picked a somewhat costly hobby that will take quite a while to complete!   My husband has the spreadsheet to prove it.  He keeps track of it all. 

I have done this.  Picked up friends from the airport,  opened up my home.  I've also stayed at the home of friends.   Always appreciated!

I have always wished that we could all get together and take care of runners coming into our hometowns.  You come for the Twin Cities Marathon and I pick you up at the airport, feed you a good pasta dinner, give you a place to sleep, take you to the start in the morning, take care of you at the finish, and drive you back to the airport.  When somebody comes to your hometown, you do the same for them.  I suppose it could be a bit dangerous letting strangers into your home, but there must be a way to work things out.  Just a thought.