I had a great weekend of eventing with my first adventure race and a mountain bike race on trails new to me. I enjoyed well organised racing, good food and cakes, a free lucozade…but the event mementos were awful.

Disappointment in the form of a fridge magnet and keyring

There are many reasons why people choose to run, some can even go through their whole lives without ever entering an organised event. I run for physical and mental health but wonder if I’d continue to do so if there were no races to work towards? More honestly, would I do the running to enter the events if there were no race medals?!

It’s all about adding to the collection

I did a quick search and discovered The Guardian’s running blog had copied me (albeit a week before I started writing this post) and explored this same point. It’s understandable that a small, locally organised event costing a couple of quid wouldn’t provide a bulging goody bag but some of my best race medals have come from cheaper events.

Handcrafted from driftwood at an event that cost £7.

Another quick Google search reveals that race medals can be purchased for as little as 67p each, which considering the extortionate entry fees we sometimes pay seems a reasonable investment by race organisers.

Proudest possession

So, where do you stand on the whole race medal debate? Does the reward make the race or  is running reward enough? What is your favourite medal so far and any you have your eye on for the future?

The one I want. The Disney Goofy Challenge for a half and full marathon on consecutive days.