The Virtues of Intrinsic Rewards Revisited

"For my sons, those experiences proved incredibly valuable. Both of them learned to value their athletic experiences not so much for the awards they won or accolades they received but for what participating in those events did for them on the inside. In comparing their childhood experiences to my long-distance running, I realized that many of my own fondest running memories did not come from the buckles or plaques I received but rather from the internal gratification I enjoyed in completing something really difficult."

"First, the decision was a statement of how important these medals have become to runners. In recent years, it seems that the medal - a physical manifestation of the accomplishment - has become more important than the intrinsic satisfaction of the accomplishment itself. It's almost as if in the absence of some physical award, the result did not happen."

The 2026 Los Angeles Marathon announced runners could receive finisher's medals for completing only 18 miles instead of the full marathon distance due to forecasted extreme heat. This decision raises concerns about the overemphasis on physical awards in modern athletics. The author reflects on personal experiences with youth sports and long-distance running, noting that the most meaningful athletic achievements come from internal gratification rather than external recognition. The shift toward participation trophies and medals has made physical awards seem more important than the intrinsic satisfaction of accomplishment. Reducing marathon distance while maintaining full finisher status undermines the value of genuine achievement and suggests that without a physical award, the accomplishment lacks meaning.

Read at iRunFar