What is the big deal with finisher medals?

Finisher's medals, my friend, kick all forms of ass!!!

Just give them a finishing certificate, that'll shut em up.

A huge entry fee calls for a decent finishers medal along with some age group bling. A small $20 weekend 5K? Not so much.

5K finishers expect a medal? Wow. This is a natural consequence of pre-school "graduation" ceremonies.

Out of curiosity, how much are you charging for this event?

you must be joking wrote:

5K finishers expect a medal? Wow. This is a natural consequence of pre-school "graduation" ceremonies.

Out of curiosity, how much are you charging for this event?

That's how I felt too. We charge $25 for early registration, $30 for late or day of. It's a non-profit race (RDs take no fee, all proceeds after expenses go to charity), and for the entry fee you get a long sleeve t-shirt, post race breakfast catered by a local company (more than bagels and bananas), and nice prizes (including random awards) donated by local businesses. It's a very grassroots event.

I have a feeling we're going to see local races like mine go the way of the dinosaur. People are looking for the "event experience" like one would get at a Rock'n'Roll-type event. Mid-range races that have entry fees in the $20-40 range can't offer the "ammenities" of these larger races. It used to be about the race, now it's about all the ancillary, meaningless stuff (medal, bands, etc.).

participation ribbon wrote:

That's how I felt too. We charge $25 for early registration, $30 for late or day of. It's a non-profit race (RDs take no fee, all proceeds after expenses go to charity), and for the entry fee you get a long sleeve t-shirt, post race breakfast catered by a local company (more than bagels and bananas), and nice prizes (including random awards) donated by local businesses. It's a very grassroots event.

I have a feeling we're going to see local races like mine go the way of the dinosaur. People are looking for the "event experience" like one would get at a Rock'n'Roll-type event. Mid-range races that have entry fees in the $20-40 range can't offer the "ammenities" of these larger races. It used to be about the race, now it's about all the ancillary, meaningless stuff (medal, bands, etc.).

You are charging the right amount. No need for finisher medals in a 5k or 10k. Marathon is supposed to be some grand achievement, and people want tangible proof they did it. 5k and 10k don't have that same association.

It annoys me when these road races give "random" prizes in some raffle-type format. If you have nice prizes, give them to the winners. It pisses me off when I leave with some stupid medal for running 15:30 and winning by two minutes when some jerk who probably walked half the race goes home with a TV (true story).

Don't worry, we give cash to the top three and top masters, and a gift certificate to the local run shop to the age group winner. We don't have any cool random prizes like TVs or airfare, but most gift certificates and gift baskets for local businesses.

Yes, what is the deal?

What were the times of those who wrote the angry e-mail?

Agree with sentiments of some of the responders. My opinion it's a combination of newbies and new attitudes (the latter mentioned up-thread). While I get that new racers want validation of their achievement, I agree the amount and type have seem to have increased.

Usually the number of medals or shirts accrued is inversely proportional to their importance. At the risk of being called sexist, I daresay females also prioritize the participation awards more than males... think desire to make shadow boxes or quilts with the accumulated stuff.

A friend helps organize a limited-entry, very inexpensive marathon and has steadfastly kept the finisher's award a small paperweight. The organization has had to explain-- in web pages, correspondence, and conversation-- that it's a low-key race and they intend to keep it that way. One runner requested repeatedly to raise the entry fee so proceeds could be given to a charity.

I agree w/ the OP.

Long ago, it used to be the t=shirt was the participation award, the thing you could brag about if you wanted. I have t shirts that i wear seldomly bcs the race still gives me fond memories for whatever reason. Let that be the participation medal.

moron dat later wrote:

A huge entry fee calls for a decent finishers medal along with some age group bling. A small $20 weekend 5K? Not so much.

While I'll happily accept with thanks what bling is offered to me after a race, I can just as happily run no- or low-frills races that don't offer anything more than pretzels, fruit, and water--if the course is accurate and marshals are present at key turns.

For a low-key 5k, I can't imagine expecting a finisher's medal. Some races offer small practical souvenirs, such as gloves, which seem to me more practical and cheaper than buying a bunch of medals.

Some people just are prone to complaining and if you gave out medals, they'd find some other reason to complain.

I like getting the shirts but the finisher medal to me is in the category of unwanted junk. I can see it for the winner, maybe even top 3, but otherwise I can't see why anyone would want one. It's just more for the landfill.

Landfill Filler wrote:

A friend helps organize a limited-entry, very inexpensive marathon and has steadfastly kept the finisher's award a small paperweight. The organization has had to explain-- in web pages, correspondence, and conversation-- that it's a low-key race and they intend to keep it that way. One runner requested repeatedly to raise the entry fee so proceeds could be given to a charity.

Is that the Virginia Creeper Marathon? Your friend should definitely ignore this person! I LOVE that a marathon is that inexpensive--and people who want expensive marathons have plenty to choose from!

participation ribbon wrote:

I don't understand the (seemingly recent) obsession with finishers medals. It used to be the major marathons gave them out. Now it seems like every race, no matter the length, has one. I helped put on a 10k/5k turkey trot, and we got angry e-mails after the race because we didn't have them. Are "new" runners really that concerned with these cheap trinkets?

Hahahahaha! I knew I could take a break from some work and come to LetsRun for a good chuckle!!

But, Im with you OP.

dpmrunner wrote:

Is that the Virginia Creeper Marathon? Your friend should definitely ignore this person! I LOVE that a marathon is that inexpensive--and people who want expensive marathons have plenty to choose from!

You got it. The State of Franklin TC has stuck to its guns; they know their niche and don't want to ruin the Virginia Creeper Marathon by making it larger/more generic. Hope you keep supporting that event... and remember to register early. ($10 @ prevailing interest rates won't lose you much money nor make State of Franklin TC rich)

Seriously, what is the big deal with finishers' medals? The only time I want a medal or plaque is if I make 1st or 2nd all-conference team at Big Ten Championships or All-America at NCAA's. Btw, I've never done any of these things, although I came close. So, I should have ZERO medals. Alas, I had to hire a clutter expert to help me throw away my 10,000 finisher medals.

participation ribbon wrote:

I don't understand the (seemingly recent) obsession with finishers medals. It used to be the major marathons gave them out. Now it seems like every race, no matter the length, has one. I helped put on a 10k/5k turkey trot, and we got angry e-mails after the race because we didn't have them. Are "new" runners really that concerned with these cheap trinkets?

This months Running Times has a good article on what the current crop of runners want out of their races.

so webb rupp ritz and hall..... can win something