Large road race, which stiffed me in 2017, is being held again in 2018. Solliciting ideas for relatively harmless payback.

Deadstream wrote:

Having the race director served with a summons to small claims court at the start line might be a nice touch.

Make sure you're in really good shape and then show up again. Bandit win the race in a custom singlet that says "f you pay me" and last years bib. You could even register as a 75 year old man named Dick Gozinya so that there is an official time, but be sure to wear that bib under previous years so that the photos show what's really going down.

Make sure you get an interview with whatever local news station is there afterwards. Tell them what a jackass the RD is and then take a knee and slam a Smirnoff.

I 'think really care, but thanks for re-reminding me that I go to snubbed out of an award from back in July!

Sara Palin wrote:

Why would a race offer prize money if they didn't want to pay it? I don't remember ever leaving the site without a check. In fact, a bunch require you to stick around for an award ceremony to get a check.

I'm sorry you guys get stuck with idiots as race directors. The race directors I deal with acknowledge that they are paying me to stick around another hour so they can take a picture of me for their website and a community newspaper or website.

This.

It is disrespectful to the RD/ Coordinator, fellow runners and fans of the sport when an athlete begs for and receives a comp entry, finishes up front and asks for money while folks are still on the course because “l’ve got a long drive” or similar excuse. Suppprt goes both ways. Stick around and mingle with the recreational runners and your stock will rise.

Sorry, OP, this happened to you. Some folks are just not credible.

what gives? wrote:

The awards are vague. There is no dollar amount listed, only that awards are for top-3.

Maybe your "award" was the race.

Won money (as a master) at Run the Bridge 10K in Philly a few years ago. At the end of the race they have a little ceremony and call up winners. They gave me a check right there on the spot - it was pre-printed, so all they had to do was insert winner names on race day. That seemed pretty easy and efficient.

Your award `' wrote:

[quote]what gives? wrote:

The awards are vague. There is no dollar amount listed, only that awards are for top-3.

What? This changes everything. The race "stiffed" you but there is no mention of cash awards to the top 3 on their website or application? Then why did you think there was prize money?

You owe us a total explanation on your position, for starters.

Only then can some of the other reasonable suggestions be considered.

This is how its done wrote:

Won money (as a master) at Run the Bridge 10K in Philly a few years ago. At the end of the race they have a little ceremony and call up winners. They gave me a check right there on the spot - it was pre-printed, so all they had to do was insert winner names on race day. That seemed pretty easy and efficient.

Great race, though things have changed a bit since then. They require you to fill out a W-9 and mail the check to you a week later. Regardless, really great people to deal with and a really fun, competitive race. One of the best in the area.

Do a few practice runs/workouts in Crocs to make sure you know how to keep them on while running at competitive speeds, then wear them for the race and try to win. Do not worry - they will not slow you down, they are like racing flats - not a joke, speaking from lots of experience, you can look up my name on Google for more details. Wear some bright color to make sure they are easy to notice and will not be mistaken for something else. Chances are afterwards the news crew or at least a good number of other runners will want to talk to you and you will have a chance to explain your situation. Have a friend take pictures and post them on social media afterwards. Currently the fastest 5000 time I am aware of done in Crocs is my son's 15:28.54 at the West Coast Last Chance 2016 (video available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puyyn9Chhdc). See if you can beat that.

Are you SERIOUSLY using OP's plight to shamelessly brag about your son's shitty 5k time?

Charles Bronson wrote:

Your award `' wrote:

[quote]what gives? wrote:

The awards are vague. There is no dollar amount listed, only that awards are for top-3.

What? This changes everything. The race "stiffed" you but there is no mention of cash awards to the top 3 on their website or application? Then why did you think there was prize money?

You owe us a total explanation on your position, for starters.

Only then can some of the other reasonable suggestions be considered.

+1.

Without a specific mention of prize money, you have no reasonable basis to believe that there would be prize money. The use of the word award typically means so kind of plaque or trophy for your finish in addition to your finisher's medal.

I really cannot see how you thought that there might be money involved here. You still have a right to complain about not getting the plaque, but I am not sure that this is really enough of an issue to get worked up over. In fact, I am pretty sure it isn't - what would you do with a plaque from a local 5k?

threaten with a lawsuit wrote:

Depending on the race - some have the prize money waiting.

I have seen plenty of others who mail a check after the fact. Those are usually from non-profits that host one race a year.

Non-profits usually give me an envelope with cash. I've only got checks from very organized race directors or fundraisers for school/scholarships.

sperm-induced wrote:

Let it Rupp wrote:

Sleep with the race director's wife.

She's in a coma.

That should make it easy.

fast jogger wrote:

Give the race a bad Yelp review

Write about your experience on the race's Facebook page.

Liked.

That makes no sense. Crocs are loose-fitting so they’d fall off. That’s why running shoes with laces are a great invention.

Sasha Pachev wrote:

Currently the fastest 5000 time I am aware of done in Crocs is my son's 15:28.54 at the West Coast Last Chance 2016.

That's neat that he did that, though he must be faster in racing shoes ~ or barefoot would be fastest.

Kadoo, I laughed so hard at that I cried. Thank you.

I've seen a Russian (?) guy run 2:28-ish at the Rocket City Marathon wearing Crocs. Are you he?

https://www.runnersworld.com/masters/the-croc-runner

Flagpole wrote:

How about you make the world a better place and let it go?

That doesn't make the world a better place.

OP, if the 'awards' were $ awards I would continue pursuing the matter. Continue via social media, especially twitter using a hashtag of the race name and a polite question asking if you will receive your award from last year.