Boston Bib on EBay: Either its an April Fools Joke or this guy is not that smart!!!

I think Mike has all the right in the world to sell his bib. He qualified, paid the entry, and now has decided not to run. Good for him for trying to refund his hard earned cash, and shame on all of you for making this into a big deal. I hate to break it to everyone but the Boston marathon isn't that big of a deal. People are taking this way too seriously, given that there are over 2,000 charity runners allowed into Boston. The bigger issue is that Boston is watering down its brand. If Boston wants to be THE marathon, then it should not allow charity runners in, and it should think about bringing down its standards to make it more exclusive. As it stands Boston is just whoring its self out and trying to make more money. In this instance I think that all qualified runners should try and sell their bibs to penguins.

yes shame on the Boston for allowing people to raise money for charitable causes. There would definitely be no negative connotation should they refuse charitable runners next year.

idiot

BostonMarathon is watered down wrote:

If Boston wants to be THE marathon, then it should not allow charity runners in, and it should think about bringing down its standards to make it more exclusive.

You are a dumb asshole. Charity runners qualify for Boston like the rest of us. If they don't, they start in the last corral.

Unless you start behind the last corral, they have no bearing on anything you do. It's amazing, people around here rip on some charity walkers who start an hour after the first few corrals, but they passionately defend the right of all the loser assholes who want to break the rules they agreed to and sell a bib.

When you sign up for the race dumbass, you saw the rule. If you don't want to follow it then don't run the race. Just sit at your computer with your dick in one hand while using the other to post crap on letsrun.

Dumbass

I just checked in on this thread and don't have a dog in the fight, but is it possible that the ebay buyer is going to bid this up to an unreasonable amount and not pay?

props to the thread starter for doing the investigation, impressive

i broke out laughing when i saw all those ridiculous bids and the threat about reporting him hahahhhahahaha

The indemnity issue is EVERYTHING here. Part of the reason entry fees aren't $750-1000 is that all the medical staff, and probably more importantly, insurers, etc., know that the person who entered is the person who's participating.

What "??" and some others are arguing is that they support someone's right to enter into a contract and then unilaterally violate the terms of that contract as they see fit. Good luck holding a society together under those circumstances.

Another wrote:

It definitely him actually. Thanks to others. Here's a picture of him on his ebay profile:

http://myworld.ebay.com/news-reporter/

And here is a picture of him in a running club newsletter... same person see page 4...

http://www.bradentonrunnersclub.com/newsmakers/2005mayjun_96.pdf

An "ebay profile"? With a photo? How gay is that, and why did that hot chick marry him?

Uncle Pervy wrote:

http://www.bradentonrunnersclub.com/newsmakers/2005mayjun_96.pdf

An "ebay profile"? With a photo? How gay is that, and why did that hot chick marry him?[/quote]

Hot? Care to rethink that? Any chick can look hot in a wedding photo. look at the photo above and now look at her now - almost 3 years later.

Gotta give him props - he marries a Doctor and has been marathon training and ebaying - good for him!

I agree, the people ratting him out are very petty.

Above article is proof that the media have no understanding that when a runner has a goal of just QUALIFYING for the olympic trials it usually means they have no hope of qualifying for a spot on the team. Hell, most runners parents don't understand it.

From the article---- "I've never had a good Boston race because I always struggle at 'Heartbreak Hill.' But who knows? They're ranking me to come in the top 100," he said. Mike Aldrink's bib number and rank is 85. ----... but if you're the highest bidder on ebay, the number is yours!This guy is/was a teacher at a Christian Academy? I hope he doesn't teach business (contract law) or ethics classes.And to answer those who are saying "it's just a frickin' number for the Boston Marathon," this has a lot more to do with living up to something you agreed to in a contract than the Boston Marathon itself. He agreed to certain terms and conditions when he registered for the race, and he is now completely ignoring them. It doesn't matter whether you feel the non-transferable clause is stupid... if you sign/authorize the clause, you agreed to adhere to the policy. Don't sign the contract (any contract) if you don't like the terms. Be a man and live up to what you agreed you would do, instead of being a total putz by trying to make a few bucks on ebay.

stinkweed wrote:

http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Aldrink_Mike_420894755.aspx

Above article is proof that the media have no understanding that when a runner has a goal of just QUALIFYING for the olympic trials it usually means they have no hope of qualifying for a spot on the team. Hell, most runners parents don't understand it.

http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Aldrink_Mike_973948568.aspx

I am sure he needs the money...oh wait, he has a job and his wife is a doctor. Never mind.

So let's pose the obvious question.

The sale on ebay is for "the boston experience". The bib number, medals, and extra annemities are included.

Let's say he defaults on his ebay post. Here's how: He goes to pick up his race bib, and the BAA says "Go fly a kite buddy."

I'd imagine the price for this bib hits around $500 (at least) and the person is out $500+ and "the boston experience" this guy promises.

If I were bidding, My stipulation would be "I'll hand you the cash as soon as I see the merch!"

for those that don't know Dane Cook, merch=merchandise.

Happy Bidding

-Chris

Frankie says relax wrote:

This guy is/was a teacher at a Christian Academy? I hope he doesn't teach business (contract law) or ethics classes.

You're basing his ethics on the choice to sell his Boston bib? Get a life.

Top bid is by a zero feedback member of ebay. I smell shilling or non-payment.

Look at the question section of the auction and you will see that big mike has been warned! HAHAHAHA!

This is much better comedy than Dane Cook!

I don't trust the guy because of his prior auctions. He claims that shorts, singlets and dress shirts that he ebays cost over $40 a pop!

Ever heard of Marshalls, Gabriel brothers, TJ Maxx?

It's called poking fun at something that is a little bit ironic. You need to get a sense of humor, chum. Maybe you can go buy one of those on ebay. I think the BAA should start playing hard ball. If we can look the other way at the non-transferable clause, maybe they don't need to live up to some of their promises and responsibilities. Would love for everyone to show up for the buses only to find signs that say "Sorry, there are no buses this year. Decided not to live up to that promise. Find your own damn ride to the starting line. Love, the BAA P.S. Only Charity Runners get finisher's medals this year. Have a nice race."This could be fun....

wait and bleed wrote:

Frankie says relax wrote:

This guy is/was a teacher at a Christian Academy? I hope he doesn't teach business (contract law) or ethics classes.

You're basing his ethics on the choice to sell his Boston bib? Get a life.

I recently ran a marathon in 7:34, I was so mad I didn't qualify for Boston, which was my goal. I guess those 20 miles a week I did were for nothing... BUT now I am offered this chance to run Boston!!!! I am definitely bidding!!!!

[quote]Frankie says relax wrote:

From the article

---- "I've never had a good Boston race because I always struggle at 'Heartbreak Hill.' But who knows? They're ranking me to come in the top 100," he said.

Mike Aldrink's bib number and rank is 85. ----

... but if you're the highest bidder on ebay, the number is yours!

This guy is/was a teacher at a Christian Academy? I hope he doesn't teach business (contract law) or ethics classes.

And to answer those who are saying "it's just a frickin' number for the Boston Marathon," this has a lot more to do with living up to something you agreed to in a contract than the Boston Marathon itself. He agreed to certain terms and conditions when he registered for the race, and he is now completely ignoring them. It doesn't matter whether you feel the non-transferable clause is stupid... if you sign/authorize the clause, you agreed to adhere to the policy. Don't sign the contract (any contract) if you don't like the terms. Be a man and live up to what you agreed you would do, instead of being a total putz by trying to make a few bucks on ebay.[quote]

Yesterday, being April Fool's Day, was a day to joke. Today, on a more serious tone, I completely agree with the poster above. The BAA has their rules and they should be respected, otherwise the whole process loses any sense of validity. If you let one guy do this then it is open season for anyone else to do the same thing whenever they wish. I don't agree with what Mike is trying to do and I'm pretty sure they won't allow it, but to all those basically stalking him online and making comments about his wife... show some class.