How is this fair?

This is not fair. Have you considered going to the people in charge and putting in a complaint ?

They would probably cave and allow you to participate. Would you feel better then?

Keep in mind that Ladies' Nights have been upheld in most court cases, since they are designed to attract females, not discourage males. In this case, they are trying to attract mothers, and not discouraging the rest of the public. Nobody is being discriminated against here.

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I would hope though, that any change to how businesses market themselves would be suggested or encouraged, and never mandated.
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Well, I'm confused as to who is sponsoring the event. The OP mentioned she was frustrated that her city lacks a wider demographics when offering incentives. If it's the city who is sponsoring the event, then I say she has the right (and responsibility) to bring attention to a matter that she passionately disagrees with. But just filling out a form that "suggests" offering incentives to others is very likely to be enough to make the changes the OP wants.

However, if it is a business that's sponsoring the event, then by all means they have the right to make the rules - whether or not anyone likes them or not. Heck, for all we know the business owner may want to honor all the hard work and sacrifice his/her mom made over the years and this is one way he/she is paying it forward.

There are too many unknowns. But even without knowing the circumstances, I'm still in favor of giving moms a break.

My city has a special deal for a select population signing up for the next half-marathon. The 21 first MOMMIES to sign up get free personal training leading up to the half at a really nice gym, they get free entrance fees, and a free breakfast and a free "special" T-shirt.
There are no other "special" deals or fun things for any other demographic.
I'm seriously considering applying and just pretending to have a kid. Gah!

After reading your profile perhaps if you explained your history they might be sympathetic and make an exception for you.

I feel for what you have been through...

I guess it's a sore spot for me. Not everyone wants kids and that's fine -- but not everyone who wants them can have them either.

I'd be more fine with it if there were special things for other demographics too, even something small. Perhaps a raffle to win the same advantages for a lucky 10 first-timers regardless of age, gender or fertility/lifestyle choices. Maybe something special for people over a certain age, say 50 (I'm 24 so this isn't a selfish wish), and maybe the possibility to sign up in teams other than through a company (I freelance but I'd love to sign up in a team of friends - or maybe even a freelancers group/team!).

I guess I'm just jealous of all the fun stuff other cities have for more types of people.

As a non mom you have more time to do the things YOU want to do and don't have to put your children first before yourself...its probably to encourage them to take care of themselves a bit.

It can be hard for them...

I AGREE WITH THIS

I think I will suggest that they mirror what some cities do and set up a running group for first-timers to help train, for a small fee or even free (a girl can dream!)

Sounds like a plan

I'm guessing your City didn't intend to be discriminatory as more help women who can easily become marginalised from broader society (mothers)

My city has a special deal for a select population signing up for the next half-marathon. The 21 first MOMMIES to sign up get free personal training leading up to the half at a really nice gym, they get free entrance fees, and a free breakfast and a free "special" T-shirt.
There are no other "special" deals or fun things for any other demographic.
I'm seriously considering applying and just pretending to have a kid. Gah!

i have seen promotions that involve all kinds of demographics, but it has never upset me. i don't fit into every category. sometimes my church has things just for "singles" should i get angry b/c i chose to get married and now i don't "qualify?"
look for other races that will give you a free t-shirt w/o having to borrow someone's child. or find a way to start your own race, and give t-shirts to everyone who has no children.

Sorry for your frustration. I could go into a lecture about how we live in a child-centered world (I am a historian who has actually taught classes about how the concept of childhood has changed historically). I am also a person who has chosen not to have children...which is very different than your plight. But, if the concept of childhood can change, why can't the concept of motherhood? I have not given birth, but I do play an active role in the lives of my nieces and nephews, I do "mother" my dogs, and I do guide my students. I consider myself a mother-like figure so I would sign up for it and argue my side. According to your profile, you have had children and lost them (I am sorry btw), so in my book....that qualified you. Heck, there are some people out there who are technically mothers who haven't been a mother ever. Claim it if you want to! Okay, I am done being philosophical.....