A few weeks back the old ball and chain did a 5k race. The registration for the race was free and it was called “Kick Ash” to stamp out smoking. This seemed a little odd because smoking is a personal choice and the race was free. I felt less confused and more focused when a year and a half ago my wife did a half marathon for cancer research which cost around $80 to register for. That makes a lot more sense to me. Paying quite a bit of money which will then largely go to research for one of the worst diseases in the world.
The little reward medal that was given out at the end of the half marathon was a tiny little trinket that was so small that my wife lost it.
Now, back to the anti-smoking race, which was only a 5k and was free. The finisher’s medal they gave out at this event looked to be about the size of a manhole cover.
What is the big difference? Well apparently the somewhat busybody in nature themed free 5k race was put on by…drum roll…a government agency. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department put on this event for a bunch of runners, who likely don’t smoke anyway, for what I guess was the purpose of raising awareness of smoking. It was a poorly attended event with very few spectators. There was also a large sound system pumping out music for the 12 spectators who were there and more rented port-a-potties than I have ever seen in one place in my life. Keeping in mind that the event was free to register for and then thinking of the earlier half marathon, I do believe taxes are too high.
Great to know that our government dollars are going towards large elaborate public events that no one cares about.