Curious Mix-Up: Why the Allianz Arena Has Suddenly Appeared in Sydney
Participants at the Sydney Marathon can look forward to a very special medal: it features landmarks of Sydney — and Munich's Allianz Arena. A "unfortunate mistake," according to the organizers.
Munich's Allianz Arena has made it onto the finisher medal of the Sydney Marathon — albeit unintentionally. The image of the Bayern stadium on the medal was an "unfortunate mistake," the organizers explained.
"We won't run away from it — it was an unfortunate mistake, even if it has certainly given everyone plenty to talk about this weekend, mostly in good humor."
Opera House, Harbour Bridge — and the Allianz Arena
The medal had previously been presented on the social media platform Instagram. It shows landmarks located along the race route through the Australian metropolis, including the famous Opera House, the Harbour Bridge — and the Allianz Arena, which is, of course, located in the Bavarian state capital. It appears to have been confused with the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, which is used among other things for rugby matches.
"A little too much international flair" had found its way onto the medal, the organizer conceded. "You noticed it. We noticed it. We're only human ... It's a beautiful medal and now a little more unique."
New fame for the Allianz Arena in Munich — even if it wasn't planned that way.
More Than 40,000 Runners Expected at the Start
Munich's Allianz Arena took the medal mishap in good humor on Instagram. The image also raised a smile among many internet users.
The medal is to be presented to all participants who complete the 42.195-kilometer course and cross the finish line at the race on August 30. The organizers are expecting more than 40,000 runners this year.
