Do You 'Participate' or Run In a Race?
Yesterday at lunch my friends Louise and Jeanette and I were discussing race cut-offs and what some race officials do once a deadline has passed, particularly for really labor- and resource-intensive events like big-city marathons and Ironmans.
Then this morning I saw this piece in the New York Times, which, as it does around this time every year, features numerous articles on running and marathons.
Plodders Have a Place, But Is It In a Marathon?
Here's an excerpt on the different attitudes:
Purists believe that running a marathon should be just that — running the entire course at a relatively fast clip. They point out that a six-hour marathoner is simply participating in the event, not racing in it. Slow runners have disrespected the distance, they say, and have ruined the marathon’s mystique.
Slower marathoners believe that covering the 26.2 miles is the crux of the accomplishment, no matter the pace. They say that marathons inspire people to get off their couches, if only to cross off an item on the Things to Do Before I Die list. And besides, slow runners are what drive the marathon business, they say.
9 comments:
Wow, I think marathons and all races should be for everyone. Getting others inispired, out of the house and out on the trails or roads is huge. We all have to start someplace, not everyone can get out there and knock out a fast marathon the first or tenth time...I've heard other runners saying the opposite and I can't stand it! More volunteers of the right mentality might be the answer? I know you volunteer a lot at races, what do you think?
Great post, Anne! Dr. George Sheehan said something I agree with. We are all athletes! I say the more people moving the better!
I read the article but still don't really understand the complaint of the "racers." Aren't there time limited or qualified events out there too - such as Boston? They could always switch to Ironman if they need a vanity boost.
Meg,
I always cheer loudest for the latest in a race.
I know, me too. When I was running today, I was thinking about your post again and sometimes my favorite part of a race is watching the final runners coming through because they're the ones that have put their heart and soul into finishing. It's pretty moving actually.
Isn't that sort of like saying that only the "A" students belong in school...the rest are just disrespecting "learning."
Of course, there are people who do think that as well.
GAH! ((shaking my head))
aka Alice - you beat me to the punch!
And if you look closely at the article - the one complaining isn't "fast" - she did a 4 hour marathon. What if they made the cutoff at the BA qualifying time? Then she wouldn't be able to run. What would she be saying then?
In the meantme, all those charities can use my $125 while I push myself. I'll continue to run them. Maybe next time I'll thumb my nose at the elites when they run past me the other direction and remind them the purse they are about to win wouldn't be there without me and those like me!
I agree with the second comment, that finishing is the crux of the accomplishment. Not all of us can get out there and run sub 8-minute miles. Doesn't make us any less of a runner or "marathoner."
With so many people in an event like the NYC marathon, most people are only competing against themselves and the clock. Those that are truly racing it are getting rewarded financially, everyone else is doing the best they can with with they've got.
Post a Comment