Sydney Marathon admits medal error
Organisers of the Sydney Marathon have admitted an 'unfortunate error' after the finisher's medal featured the Allianz Arena in Munich instead of a local Sydney landmark.
The update
Organisers of the Sydney Marathon have admitted an error in the design of the event’s finisher’s medal. The double-sided medal, unveiled this week, was intended to depict Sydney landmarks along the course. However, one of the “landmarks” on the medal is the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, rather than Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The error was first detected by online sleuths and has been confirmed by the event’s official spokesperson.
Why it matters
The medal is a key memento for runners who have completed the 42.2km course. It is meant to celebrate the specific route and the city’s skyline. The inclusion of a foreign landmark contradicts the event’s description of the design as a representation of the local course and its features.
What to watch
Organisers have not yet announced whether they will issue corrected medals or if the current design will stand. The event is scheduled to take place on 30 August, with approximately 40,000 runners expected to participate. The error has drawn attention to the design process for event memorabilia and follows a similar incident at last year’s Great North Run.
Sources
- bbc.co.uk — details of the medal design and the error.
- theguardian.com — organisers' admission and the spokesperson's statement.
