Finishers of the 2024 Miami Marathon on Jan. 28 had been warned, however nonetheless, tons of of members went dwelling with out their medals when the TSA (Transportation Safety Administration, for Canadians) confiscated the medals, likening them to lethal ninja throwing stars.
The 2024 medal is formed like a golden solar with the occasion’s orange palm tree emblem within the centre, designed to painting the dawn of Miami, Miami Seashore, Brickell and Coconut Grove areas (which the course runs via). The solar’s rays, nonetheless, have very sharp factors–plus, it spins. In anticipation of potential points, race organizers launched a press release two days earlier than the occasion, advising marathon members to pack the medal in checked baggage or mail it dwelling, relatively than carrying it to the airport.
Ricky Deane, a 52-year-old from Elmhurst, Sick., was one of many unlucky runners who had his medal confiscated. Deane had positioned the spikey medal in his carry-on bag, main safety to take away it as a possible weapon. Now, Deane is left with solely a photograph and reminiscences.
The identical factor occurred with half-marathon finisher Alfred Scaletta, who wore his medal whereas going via safety on his flight to Chicago. He was advised it was as a result of the medal had a spinning function, and now, he’s requesting that the race ship him a alternative.
Life Time Miami Marathon & Half Marathon: Considered one of steamiest, most brutal ever. The reward – ample sorts of hydration & 2024 medal. Thanks early-rising spectators w/intelligent indicators (“We’re hung over however we’re right here 4 U”), DJs, bagpipers, bands, cops! @RunMiami pic.twitter.com/XhM7sgrbut
— Linda Robertson (@lrobertsonmiami) January 28, 2024
Annually, greater than 4,000 of the 18,000 members journey to the race by airplane from 49 states and 75 nations. Though the TSA web site states that it permits carry-on gadgets resembling cowboy spurs, ice skates, antlers, knitting needles, cigar cutters, corkscrews, bowling balls and even fidget spinners, TSA brokers have ultimate discretion over what could be allowed on flights.
“This was proactive on our finish. As soon as we obtained the preliminary batch of medals, we thought, Hey, you understand what? Somebody may misread this,” Miami race director Frankie Ruiz stated to the Miami Herald. “Runners like to put on them [the medals] after the race. We simply needed to provide individuals a heads-up—it has not occurred up to now—however in case there’s an agent who flags it. We’re considering forward for individuals.”
