Supporting running in the metro Richmond area
Slower Marathon Runners
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/sports/23marathon.html?pagewanted...
Interesting op/ed article on the expanding popularity of marathons and growing number of slower runners who participate.
Looking at the reader comments on the site, many have strong opinions for and against, so hopefully this thread won't top the Pocahantas Park/Why West Enders are Scared of Southside debate.....
Interesting op/ed article on the expanding popularity of marathons and growing number of slower runners who participate.
Looking at the reader comments on the site, many have strong opinions for and against, so hopefully this thread won't top the Pocahantas Park/Why West Enders are Scared of Southside debate.....
Views: 16
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gary Hearn on -
I find it interesting that a 4:05 marathoner is quoted talking about "slow runners". As the article noted, the average finishing time has been steadily increasing over the past 15-20 years. While many of the slower people may have completed the course, very few of them actually ran the distance. I could easily walk the course in the time that is allocated and never run a step and get the same reward as running a sub 3:00.
As a side note, the New York Marathon director (Mary Wittenburg) is a former Richmonder, but you would need to be an old time runner like me to remember her (then as Mary Robertson).
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Permalink Reply by Lisa A. Childress on -
So if we have say a 30K race at Pocahantas Park, what kind of "paddy wagon" runner pick-up are we going to have on the trails if the runner(s) aren't meeting time at set distances?? Is Hearn and Joe "The Dude" Ryan going to be hauling a wagon like in the "Holy Grail" along the trail tossing in it all those slow wayward folks who can't make the time?? Or will the race director let loose critters on the trail to hurry folks up. Think I would be making some serious time if Mr. Bobcat was behind me on a trail:)
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Permalink Reply by Joseph Ryan on -
Dudette: I'm gonna make sure that Mr. Bobcat is nipping you at your heels!!! You better run a PR or you're dead meat!!! As for everyone else.......well they can run their own pace cause the park is open until dusk and from then on the bats, owls and bobcats take over. I'll be long gone.
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Permalink Reply by Lisa A. Childress on
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Dude:
Well since bats freak me out more so than Mr. Bobcat, I'll be haulin' to get out of the park by dark:) Only issue would be that I can find my way out, though:). I am "directionally" or "navigationally" challenged as they say (aka couldn't find my way out of a brown paper bag:).
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Permalink Reply by Joseph Ryan on
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Dudette: Don't worry about a thing. I'll be bringing up the rear with that ole wooden wagon and I'll just toss you in if its getting close to dusk and you're just standing there scratching your head and wondering which way is out..........
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Permalink Reply by Lisa A. Childress on
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Dude:
Well that eases my mind to know that you'll be there ready to throw me in the wagon if I get lost:) Just make sure you have some nice cold beverages with you:)
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Permalink Reply by Joseph Ryan on
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Dudette: hey thanks for the advice. I will probably get a bit overheated pushing that ole wagon along the trail throwing all those slow runners in. The experts always say "stay hydrated". So mabe I'd better pack a cold one or two. Thanks for looking out for my liquid refreshment needs!!!
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Permalink Reply by Kato on -
Yeah -- the elitist, uh, elite runners who think slower runners/walkers spoil their day need to get over themselves. Unless people get in a much faster wave than is appropriate, the "plodders" shouldn't present a problem to the faster runners. The thing is, technological advances and social changes have made marathons more accessible: changes in shoe technology, the fact that most races start in the morning instead of midday, training teams, gels/powerade/etc. -- all pretty positive things, I'd say. So what if it robs some of the "mystique" from the marathon? Run it barefoot or backwards if you need even more of a challenge.
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Permalink Reply by Carl A. Lewis III on -
I'm there with you Kato.
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Permalink Reply by Tom Bednarz on -
Julia Givens does not seem to value that "slower " runners provide significant funds to marathons and that she may be a closet elitist. Sometimess in the late 80's or early 90's there was a concern about the delining number of marathons being offered (due to a possible reduction in racers?). Then it was noticed that marathon being offered were increasing and the times average times were ~30 milutes slower. The new "runners" were doing it through training teams just to finish, not necessarily race. I was a 3:28:02 215 lb marthoner runner in 1982 (Richmond). Now I am a 5 hour+ 67 year old 220 lb run/walker and am just as proud to finish. And I am not able to do a 5K at the pace I did my 1982 marathon. I just try to be the last one to cross the start line so that I can truthfully say "No one passed me in the marathon" (and enjoy passing some others).
May you run/walk well and have fun.
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Permalink Reply by Manuel Alvarez Jr. on -
I think it's great to see the increase in the number of runners/walkers the last few years. It can only help the sport. The Richmond Marathon may set a new record this year and just a few years ago it almost died.
The more participants willing to pay the ever increasing race fees, the more races to participate in. Rather than reduce the mystique of the marathon, it increases the number of people who truly appreciate what it takes to run one well.
Besides, as I get older and slower I want to make sure they keep the course open for me. I'll be a very happy man if I can run as well as big Tom when I reach his age.
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Permalink Reply by Lisa A. Childress on
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Another point is that with increasing number of participants the local economy gets a lift for the big race events. More people means more eating/dining at local spots near the race; more out of towners at local hotels; more folks touring the local historical sites etc.
Regardless of the reason why someone is running/walking a half/full marathon, at least the person is doing something healthy for themselves physically and possibly mentally as well. We should be encouraging these folks to keep up with the physical activity especially after they finish and not putting them down.
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