Fabio wrote: > > why are these activities combined so often? > >Symbiosis? Charities need publicity, and staging a big race in the >middle of town is one way to do it.
I take it for granted that charities do whatever will get them them most donations - so the question has to be about participants, runners and donors. >Athletes want fame and glory, and winning a race with a brand name attached >(American Heart Association) helps them get invitations to even better races. Why would such a brand name signal they are good runners, any more than any other possible organizer of the race? Why not Safeway races, or 7-UP races? >... The participants also get to socialize with other healthy people with >disposable income and who share similar values. So both sides benefit. OK, this suggests that health, income, and values are complements as features of people you socialize with. Why these as opposed to any other set of three positive features (such as humor, intelligence, residence, etc.)? Robin Hanson [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://hanson.gmu.edu Asst. Prof. Economics, George Mason University MSN 1D3, Carow Hall, Fairfax VA 22030-4444 703-993-2326 FAX: 703-993-2323
