Wait, WHAT! Is the title of this really true? In fact it is. There is a half in my hometown tomorrow morning and I am turning it down. But why you might ask? Honestly, the medal.
I guess I should preface this with, I do not abstain from alcohol. I don't drink often, but I do enjoy a nice stout, a glass of dry red wine, or whipped vodka in pomegranate San Pelagrino on occasion. But when the half marathon medal is an overpriced beer bottle opener, I have to reevaluate my personal ethics.
I do half marathons for fun, and the health benefit is also a perk. Doing a long distance races are not an easy feat, even if it looks like it because I have done so many in a short period of time. I feel like this is a time to respect the hours of training, the careful attention to diet, and the dedication on both the mental and physical end to make it to the finish line. Each one of my medals was earned, and I proudly display them in my home so that anyone who walks in can see my accomplishments. The last thing I want is to taint this display with a beer bottle opener.
There is no mistaking this medal to be an opener. Outside of that part, it is a beautiful medal. It highlights some iconic places that are in a beautiful major park we have here in town. I would love to be able to have such a nice medal, minus the opener. In addition, this half is associated with a 5K. All participants in the 5K and the half, regardless of age and distance will receive this medal. Even Chewy would receive this same medal. What does an 11 year old need a bottle opener for? She doesn't even drink soda! While I could just get some metal cutters and cut off this portion, now I have deface my medal that I earned through sweat, some more sweat, and no tears, but maybe a blister.
Hopping off my soap box. I know it is a trivial complaint. I am happy to wait for another race in my town that does not contain a bottle opener as the main prize. Especially with the registration price so high, I can buy 100 bottle openers at the dollar store and still cover tax.
