The Flamingo, a water fowl, defeated Arctic region native Polar Bear in a very close race and will appear on the 2017 Baltimore 10-Miler finisher’s medal.

For weeks leading up to the announcement, nearly all public-opinion polls showed Polar Bear with a small lead. But Flamingo scored surprising come-from-behind victories in several key swing districts.  Those wins helped push him past the number of electoral votes needed to win the election.

Polar Bear and his relatives have resided at the zoo since 2003, but the lack of local ties may have hurt his chances. It is thought that a late push from the Hampden district was able to put Flamingo over the top in the polls.

“Hon, when it came down to it I just did not think that Bear could represent Charm City like the Bird,” said one voter.  “I have been seeing those damn Flamingos outside the row houses around Bawlmer since the 1940’s.”

In his concession speech, Polar Bear vowed to be back next year. “We must accept this result and then look to the future,” Polar Bear told his disappointed supporters. “Flamingo is going to be on our medal. We owe her an open mind and the chance to shine.  I will be back on the ballot next year.”

The actual design of the medal will be released in the next two weeks. In the meantime, be sure to register for the 2017 Baltimore 10-Miler.