To be honest I wont participate in a race where cash will be paid to the top finishers.
What am I going to do with cash? go and waste it? If I get a small trophy I will look at the trophy and remember the race and good times I had with friends and such.
IMO not a good idea.
Robi, you would have to win first (doh!) If you do win some cash though, I'll be glad to waste it for you (me).
Personally, I'm not opposed to prize money. The quible and cheating happens anyway even without it. HOWEVER, I don't think many of our existing race managements (speaking very generally) are tight enough to handle the responsibility that comes with cash payouts, rules, and proper penalties.
