Marathons today has evolved from a premier event to a public event for the masses....
Some marathons globally does implement cut-off time and qualifying time, but in Singapore the organisers have yet to done so.
Sundown Marathon, the organisers has implicitly specified a cut-off time of 15 hours for the ultra-marathons, which means that full marathoners will have a cut-off time of 10 hours.
As for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, most hard-cored marathoners are disappointed that no cut-off time is imposed.
Even then, most marathoners wanted the cut-off time to be in their comfort zone, which is typical Singaporean Selfish attitude.
5:30 hours
6:00 hours
6:30 hours - Ironman Cut-off time, if you maxed out your swim and run cut-off time.
7:00 hours - which one marathoner felt that if the organisers imposed such a "long" cut-off time, they are better off not having one.
A recent article in the New York Times "Plodders Have a Place, but Is It in a Marathon?" reveals a hairy situation that race organisers are facing.
It requires a huge budget to organise a marathon.
It becomes a delicate task of managing expectations.
Increase revenue means no cut-off time.
Cater to the elitists means raising the registration fees.
In fact, by reading the Editors' comments, one can really sense the pride that every marathoner felt in completing a marathon.
Excerpts from some of the comments :-
"I'm a 2:40 marathon runner and I am proud to toe the line with anyone who plans to complete 26.2 miles. I don't understand how these sub-5 hour runners are turning their noses up to the plodders and don't expect the same treatment from those finishing in 2:30. At the end of the day, we all cover the same course and get to enjoy our own experiences. Don't diminish other peoples achievements just because you want to keep the bragging rights for yourself. Congratulations to anyone that has finished or is training to finish 26.2 miles. You're all marathoners in my book."
"I can see why faster, more "elite" athletes may be frustrated with the slower athletes at some of these events, but given the current state of health of so many people in this country I think it is ridiculous to criticize people for participating in these athletic events. We should be encouraging more people to train and participate in races and make fitness a part of their routine."
"In my experience, runners welcome anyone who wants to put one foot in front of the other, mile after mile. I ran, I walked, I staggered--I will never be able to say to anyone, no matter what their finish time, that they didn't really "run" a marathon. If anyone thinks running 26.2 miles "not a big deal," please come join me for my next marathon."
Tish Hamilton - Executive Editor, Runner's World magazine
"If a more serious venue is desired, let them go to the ultramarathons or try an Ironman triathlon. No plodders there."
"Elitists exist in every sport and every realm, and I think they need to remember their achievements are only good in relation to the rest of us, and that there is more honor in being humble about their achievements than in trying to rub it in our collective faces."
7 comments:
What Singapore should do is to implement strictly enforce starting corals that group runners by time. That way, faster runners won't be impeded by slower ones. But then again, there will always be those who look down on slower runners. These people fail to understand the spirit of endurance sports.
don`t need to be bother by these "elites" and their complaint about slower runner that blocked their way in a race, causing them not achieving their PBs.
you don`t seem to see sub 35mins runner for 10km have these problem in a 10km race. they are serious enough and make sure they stand in front to avoid the crowds.
those so-call elites sub 60mins runners, think that they are unable to do 58mins, because someone blocking their way at the starting line. so funny!
bro, dun think too much, got license to do an IM, sign up then say la. let do langkawi together! cheap and tough!
BFG, Corrals may just work.
But you can be sure that there will be people who will lie abt their own timing so that they can start in front.
Unless they can find a way to enforce the rules.
Matching past results using previous race certificates for 15,000+ full marathoner is not an easy task...
BFG, they do have start pens for the past few marathons. But I dun think it worked.
Hehe Burnz, I am not bothered by the 'elites'.
I am just readying myself for the barrage of negative replies after every SCSM. =D
Ohh... IM green light is one thing.
I still have to like the marathon distance first before taking the plunge.
No matter what many reasons it have. The most important factor for the race organiser will be the commercial reason.
Putting long hours on the race means more $.
bro, marathon distance you need to run it to like it. train!!!
Post a Comment