Sydney Marathon has admitted an error in this year’s finisher medal, which depicts Munich’s Allianz Arena instead of Sydney’s Allianz Stadium. Organizers say runners who complete the race on August 30 will still receive it.
The medal made for this year’s Sydney Marathon carries engravings of landmarks from the course, including the Sydney Opera House. But DR reports that one of the buildings on it is not in the city, or even in the country.
Instead of Allianz Stadium in Sydney, the medal shows Allianz Arena in Munich. According to BBC News, the German venue is identifiable by its diamond-patterned, inflatable-panel facade, while the Sydney ground has a flatter exterior with long bronze fins.
The design was revealed earlier this week, and the mistake spread quickly from there. BBC News reports that the event’s official social media accounts invited followers to look closely at the design, after which users flagged the stadium engraving.
Organizers have acknowledged the mix-up. As reported by ABC News, a spokesperson said a little too much international flavor had found its way onto the back of the finisher medal, with an incorrect depiction of the stadium. The spokesperson called it an unfortunate error and said the event would not run from it.
There will be no replacement medals. Per BBC News, participants who finish the race will receive the medal with the mistake, which the event describes as a little more unique for that reason. ABC News adds that organizers believe people have discussed the error in a light-hearted way.
What the medal shows
The reverse side features a Sydney skyline with route landmarks, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, markings around the edge symbolize each kilometer of the marathon course.
The front of the medal carries an Indigenous design by First Nations artist Ambrose Killian. In a statement cited by ABC News, Killian said he had no role in the design or production of the reverse side, including the incorrect stadium.
The Sydney Marathon has not yet been held. DR reports that the race takes place on August 30, with around 40,000 participants expected in one of the sport’s most popular events.
The timing is part of why the story drew attention. BBC News notes that the medals were unveiled one week out from race day, and 7NEWS reports commentary pointing out that organizers are unlikely to be able to correct the error with the race only days away.
Coverage has since appeared well beyond Australia, including in Danish media. Runners heading into the autumn race season, among them the field at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, will not be affected by the Sydney design.
