Some people think they are a little silly, but I’m a fan.
I know there is a trend lately of “everyone is a winner,” and plenty of people get all grumpy about it, complaining that it devalues actual winners (generally top three male and female), and that one doesn’t need recognition for simply participating.
But, honestly, what’s so awful about a little “way to go” for showing up at a race? Or some official call-out for doing well compared to your age peers?
Sure, there are, usually, only two people who win a road race and six who place (top three for men and women). Recognizing only those individuals is the way to go at an elite event where all participants are within a narrow performance spectrum, but I’m talking about events for regular folk.
You know, the 5K races you can find almost anywhere, all year round, with everyone from first-timers, walkers, couch-to-5K, high school cross-country speedsters, elementary school kids, seniors working hard to hold off age decline, and parents with headphones and strollers.
Those races.
After all, actually winning, or even placing, in a race is unquestionably the province of the young, and by “young” I’m talking teens to late 30s. Once we age past 50, even the fittest of us have the slimmest of hopes to challenge for a win, no matter the event.
Competition is Good
Age group awards are fun. They encourage friendly competition with people of your own age, and some bragging rights when you beat those in a lower age group. It’s great stuff.
Plus, that friendly (but determined) competition and bragging rights are excellent motivators to keep at it and keep going with your fitness. And we all benefit from having motivators and fitness goals.
For many of us, fitness is a challenge as we age. It may be that you let it slide a bit (or a lot) while you were in the career/family-raising stage of life, and you’re trying to get on top of it. That is an all-too-common scenario to find oneself in somewhere between 50 and 60.
It’s hard to get going and to keep going, so motivation is hugely valuable. The friendly competition with your five-year age-group peers can be just the right push!
Yes, The Awards Take Time
I realize that the post-race announcements, medal presentation, and winners’ photos for every. single. age. group can feel a bit tedious for some.
Even though I am fortunate to commonly place in my age group, and enjoy the “atta boy”, the additional medal (usually), and getting a photo with the others, I’ve felt that myself.
It’s the waiting.
I mean, since almost all events start announcing the awards with the youngest, there are a LOT of people ahead of you when you reach 60+ years of age.
A Small Suggestion for Race Directors
I applaud all Race Directors—no matter the size of the event. Being RD is a tough job! But, here’s a thought: how about we switch the order in which age group awards are presented at the end of the race? Of course, the young people are running and doing well; let’s celebrate the old folk who are out there, making it happen and getting it done.
Plus, as adults, parents, and grandparents, we spend a lot of time waiting for the kids. It’s OK for them to wait a little bit while we get our recognition.
A bit of turnabout is fair play, no?
I’m all in on the age-group award fun and celebrating everyone showing up and doing their best. How about you?
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