Finishing third overall out of more than 1,000 runners would normally be a moment of celebration. Instead, one competitor has sparked a lively online discussion after revealing what he received as his prize following the Guard and Emergency Branch 5K held on July 12.
The race attracted a large field, with 1,038 runners crossing the finish line, highlighting the growing popularity of road racing and community fitness events in Trinidad and Tobago.
However, the third-place finisher took to social media to express his disappointment with the prize package he received. In a video, he explained that he had placed third overall in the event before displaying what appeared to be his prize: a collection of grocery items including flour, rice, split peas, channa, lentils, oats, coconut milk, crackers, canned beans, pasta, sugar, salt and other pantry staples.
“I usually don’t do this,” he said in the video, before pointing out that he finished third overall among 1,038 participants. He also highlighted that the advertised registration fee was TT$150 per runner, estimating that the event would have generated approximately TT$155,700 in registration fees if all 1,038 finishers had paid that amount. He questioned whether the prize reflected the effort required to secure a podium finish. It is worth noting that organisers also incur expenses such as race logistics, medals, timing services, security, permits, staffing, refreshments and other operational costs, so registration fees do not necessarily represent profit.
His comments quickly gained traction online, with social media users divided over the issue. Some sympathized with the athlete, arguing that placing third overall in a race of that size deserved a more substantial reward, such as cash or sporting equipment. Others defended the organisers, noting that many community races are held primarily to promote fitness rather than offer large prizes, and that sponsorship often determines what can be awarded.
The discussion has since evolved beyond the prize itself, with many debating whether competitive road races should place greater emphasis on rewarding top performers while balancing the costs of organising large-scale community events.
Despite the controversy, the Guard and Emergency Branch 5K was widely attended and successfully brought together more than a thousand participants in support of health, fitness and community engagement.
