The first problem I have with 5K walks and races is that I have no idea how far I am going. Who decided that we should utilize the metric system for measuring the length of fun runs? As has been well documented on Ricochet in the past, the metric system is wrong. To further prove the point, just think of some people who have used the metric system (Hitler and Stalin) and some who did not (St. Paul and da Vinci). I mean, honestly, enough said, right?

Anyway, the point of this post is not to rail against the metric system (as enjoyable as that is), but rather to discuss an odd phenomena of the past few decades called the charity walk or run. During this season of giving, only a deranged member (such as me) would nitpick the specifics around charity events and not just accept them as a fun way to raise money for a good cause. With that said, let’s get a few things out of the way before we go further. No, I am not in favor of disease, poverty, drowning puppies, or denying orphans their multi-vitamins. However, I am asking the question: why do we tie walking or running in circles with “doing something” to help others? Why can’t we just quietly donate money as our ancestors did without putting on the short shorts and overpriced tennis shoes (please don’t see this as an indictment of charity race participants. I was in a 5K myself a few weeks ago, I just find the practice odd)? I argue there are two reasons some (not all) folks need the race and ribbon and don’t just make the donation.