Thursday, October 11, 2012

How Much is Your Chicago Marathon Medal Worth?

How much is your 2012 Chicago Marathon finisher medal worth? 

2012 Chicago Marathon Finishers Medal
Most of us would probably say it's priceless, since it is a reminder of the thrill of finishing the 26.2 miles and also a reminder of the months of sacrifices we had to make to get the finish line. However, if you need a quick $100, you could put it up on eBay. The going price on a 2012 finisher medal in one auction is $101 plus shipping! The person listing it says that they will use the proceeds from the auction to finance next year's entry fee.

However, if you are not willing to part with your medal, but are dreading getting your credit card charges from all of the clothing you bought at the marathon expo, you could put an item or two up on eBay, like this Nike women's jacket, which is currently selling for over $200!

The Bright Orange Chicago Marathon Jacket on eBay
Not willing to sell the stuff you bought? Well how about the free participant t-shirt? One sold for $40 including shipping.
2012 Chicago Marathon Participant Shirt
Even that 75 cent Sun Times commemorative Chicago Marathon section that came out on Monday? Bidding topped out $6.51!  That's a 860% profit made in just 3 days!

So, if you have Chicago Marathon Expo buyer's remorse, an extra newspaper from Monday, or you would rather forget your marathon finish and jettison your finisher medal and shirt, get your stuff listed on eBay right away while Chicago Marathon fever is still hot and you too could be rolling in the dough!

19 comments:

  1. I don't understand why anyone would want to sell this stuff? I guess because I only have 1 marathon medal, I can't imagine ever parting with one!!

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    1. I guess if you sold your medal for $100 and your t-shirt for $30, and you applied that money to the 2013 marathon, the 2013 marathon would only cost $20. I probably would only do that if I had a few medals and was short of cash, however!

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  2. Why would you sell precious marathon gear? I am a hoarder of race t-shirts, bibs and medals. No shame. I would wear my medal to school for a week straight just to still feel happy! Haha. Thanks for your input on my post. :)

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    1. On the day after the 2011 NYC marathon, I saw people all over the city still wearing their medals!

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  3. Very interesting that people sell this things! I can maybe imagine looking for a very specific article of clothing if I could not find it at an expo, but the medal thing is weird. And can't you buy the paper from the source, even after publication day? Or is it "limited" print?

    You know, I wonder if the people selling these things are those that have done SO MANY marathons that it just does not have that much meaning anymore (the junk you get, not the race)?

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    1. I wonder if the Sun Times is selling the section as well. Yeah, for people who don't have shadow boxes (or Christmas trees) for marathon medals and just throw them in a box in the basement, $100 could be awfully tempting. :-)

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  4. That's crazy! I had no idea that people actually sold their medals and race shirts! Who would want to buy a medal they didn't earn?

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    1. I was thinking about that one, and maybe if Person B had supported Person A before, during and after the marathon and Person A wanted to give Person B medal for their support, it may be a touching gift. But I'd rather get a nice, $100 dinner out!

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  5. Oh wow! This is so interesting to read! I do have buyer's remorse after dropping a hefty amount of money on my marathon jacket at the expo, so after reading this I have to admit that for a moment I considered putting it up on E-Bay. =D But it's hard to put a price on the memories and the symbolism behind these things!!!

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    1. Yes, I agree that it is hard to put a price on it.

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  6. I totally believe the expo gear would end up being hoarded and marked up. But the medals? Really??
    "Hey man, great medal - what was your finishing time for the marathon??" "Oh, haha i just bought it on ebay. Running marathons is for poor people."

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  7. I would never sell my medal, but I know some don't care about medals. But I think instead of being greedy and selling it on ebay, donate it to Medals4Mettle or something. But that's me. Also, the fact that some people didn't even get a medal on Sunday, and here is someone selling one on ebay ... I would be pissed if I didn't get a medal.

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    1. Wow, I've never heard of Medals4Mettle. I may consider giving them some of the medals that don't hold much significance to me, but would do some benefit for those kids! Thanks. I would not be happy about not getting a medal. Hope they get them soon.

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  8. I slept in my shirt, and nearly did my medal the first night. No one is taking that away from me!!

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  9. Dang... I have multiple copies of the newspaper... TO EBAY!

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    1. Yeah, maybe you can take an extra nice vacation with the profits! :-)

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  10. I guess if I find myself in a really desperate financial situation I might consider selling some of my medals.

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  11. I am NOT willing to part with my medal! I couldn't believe when I heard what they were going for on ebay! But...hm..the marathon shirt? Didn't think of that...I would part with it! lol

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