[maxerickson]

A lot of organized running events give everyone a medal as they cross the finish line.

Part of my brain thinks it is a racket. The organizer buys them for $X and sells them to the event for a multiple. If that isn't the case, it still makes sense for whoever makes them to promote the idea, because they get to sell more of them that way.

[monsieurgaufre]

It also somewhat gives the runner the impression they are getting their money’s worth. Registration fees are getting really high.

But yeah, it mostly gives proof / bragging rights that you finished it.

[myvoiceismypass]

I have a whole closet full of this heavy junk - its not like I am going to hang them up and display proudly in my home. "Hey check this sweet medal from the 50K I finished last in 12 years ago!"

At least race participation shirts have some utility.

[paulddraper]

I got a medal for completing a Spartan race this year.

[inglor_cz]

I think this is a genuine accomplishment.

[paulddraper]

Thank you, I think so too.

[mingus88]

This is fine. Getting yourself into shape to even be able to finish a 5k or better is an accomplishment in itself. There is no comparison to the trophies that every little leaguer gets for having parents drop them off at practice.

There are a handful of people who enter these events trying to win. They get money. For the rest of us, finishing represents a victory over the couch, that pint of ice cream, or general malaise towards bettering ourselves.

So I’ll take that finishing medal and be proud of it.

Besides, the same boomer generation who complains about participation trophies is the same generation who invented them.