I think that a few things would have to change. 1) In reference to the ToT and other events, the medals would have to say "Finisher" which i dont think they did. 2) That would set up the situation for runners that dropped out (for whatever reason) to get a "Participant" medal which would be a generic specific event medal or maybe a runDisney generic medal that is like the 5k medals made of hard plastic.
I know I got long winded on Erin thread via FB, but I'll keep it simple here. I think that ALL events that are qualifying events or events that are a normal "marathon weekend" at WDW or any other event nation wide should remain sacred to the only finishers get a medal. If runDisney wanted to make the secondary events (ToT, Princess, E:C and arguably the W&D - not sure on this one) have a finisher medal for these and a participant medal, that is there business in trying to promote the sport of running and encourage people to continue running and get that "finisher" version. Im fine with that.
It is better than giving them a finisher type medal for not finishing. Lets stay clear that i would never let myself of teach my kids that it is ok to get rewarded for something that you didnt earn, so I know it comes off contradictory when I have an opinion above, but it is a compromise to try and keep people that are on the fringe of success and failure trying again and again to get over that hump. We dont know there situation, and quite possibly, a simple gesture of encouragement might get them over that hump so they could one day have the confidence, desire and passion to get that half or marathon "finisher" medal.
It is a great discussion. I would also say that if runDisney decided to make it an all or nothing, Im fine with that too, but they would need to put "finisher" on the medal to make it clear.
Yep, the runDisney logo on a plastic medal that says "I participated in a runDisney event! would be a nice thing.
