Last weekend the Gay Games opening ceremony took place at Chicago's Soldier Field. As an amateur athlete, I think it's great others are utilizing their spare time engaging in sports and keeping fit.
However....
The Gay Games have a marathon. I was seriously toying with the idea of entering--that'd make for some interesting blog entries--but they want a whopping $250 to sign up. The Chicago Marathon charges only $80 dollars, and for that price I'd become a Gay Games athlete.
I brought up my concerns to the organizers a few months ago--Nancy Harris replied:
The $250 registration is higher than other Marathons - that is true. But that fee is for more than just participation in the Marathon it includes the full, week long Gay Games experience.
Registration for the Gay Games comes in two parts – the base registration and the sport registration. The base registration of $175 allows you to participate in as many sports and cultural events as you would like and includes:
Participation in Opening Ceremony at Soldier Field
Participation in Closing Ceremony at Wrigley Field
Gay Games VII Participation Medal
Free spectator access to many events
Free Week-Long Transit Pass
Gay Games VII Program Guide
Gay Games VII Souvenir Bag
Collectible Participant ID
Discounts at area merchants
Special online giveaways through 2006
Each sport then carries its own fee ranging from $35 to $124. The fee structure has been designed to fairly represent the costs of managing each sport or cultural event. In the case of the marathon the sport fee is $75.
$75 plus $175 equals $250. The marathon will take place on Saturday, without me in it.
I'm very familiar with the basics of the course--Chicago's lakefront paths--so the participants will benefit from a flat and fast runway to the finish line at 26.2 miles. Good luck, and hydrate well, runners.
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