Posted on 11/02/2009 3:30:05 PM PST by TigerLikesRooster
In a 26-Mile Slog, a Shortcut Can Be Tempting
By ANDREW W. LEHREN
Two California women running together in last year’s New York City Marathon needed more than four hours to cover the first 16 miles. Then, suddenly, they seemingly transformed into elite athletes, their finishing times suggesting a world-record pace through the marathon’s toughest section.
Turns out, they had taken a shortcut. They ran in only four boroughs, skipping the Bronx and making a beeline for the finish line.
They cheated. And they were not alone.
Thirty years after Rosie Ruiz infamously combined distance running and subway riding, some marathoners still succumb to temptation and take unscrupulous means to the end.
Last year, 71 runners in the New York City Marathon were disqualified for various violations of race rules — at least 46 of them for reducing the marathon to something less than 26.2 miles. An untold number of runners escape detection, marathon officials said. Surely some cheats will prosper among the 42,000 entered in Sunday’s race.
Mary Wittenberg, the race director, called the number of cheats shocking.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Uhhhh...
How about a GPS bracelet?
What did the first guy say when he ran from Marathon to Athens?
"Rejoice we have conquered." (plop)
And Rosie Ruiz wasted a golden oportunity having won the most precious of all things in America: notoriety! She could of been rich now!
“Way too many people participates in Marathon. “
Why? If you can do the distance; it’s a great thing to complete.
The problem with marathons, and I am a long distance runner (just not that long distance), is that they’re too long.
They were running a Madoff-athon.
I don’t get it. You are just cheating yourself. What is the goal? To cheat to get a Boston qualifying time? Why would you cheat on one marathon to enter another one?
I’ve run 11 marathons, NY twice. The Bronx is the least scenic of the route (just juts inside a little ways). It’s probably true that the training regimen and distance can have some adverse impacts on one’s body, but overall for most people it’s beneficial.
I have lots of stories about why you want to try to avoid the lower deck of the Verrazano-Narrows bridge as your starting point, but also how great it is to be cheered on by 1 million + people.
Then you’re transforming an event that has mass participation with many amateurs to a professional-only run.
Locally, there were several disqualifications from our local marathon due to very minor infractions. One runner was DQ’d because she had an iPod. Another was DQ’d for taking water from an unofficial water stop set up by some kids.
Marathons are “big goals” for runners to shoot for. I’ve got a friend who is training to run in her fourth marathon. She’ll never be an elite runner, but it gives her a goal for her running and exercise regimen.
What is needed is a marathon for regular people that keeps the elites out. Everyone should take the opportunity to run a marathon, no matter what their ability.
I think it’s a good idea to have elite marathons such as you suggest (such as Boston); but also a good idea to let those who can complete one run in non elite marathons.
I am a huge believer in fitness and running in particular. Having completed 2 marathons myself; I know they are a big motivator to get in shape.
Look out, for the cheater..
Yes.
26.2 miles is a great achievement...
Running 10 miles isn’t a big deal for someone in moderate shape.
I miss those days.
You want all marathon runners to show that they can average faster than 8 and a half minute miles over 26.25 miles of distance? Yikes - people would be keeling over left and right!!
Are you an ER cardiologist with slow business, by chance?
No it’s not, but for those of us who are true recreational runners and like a challenge and don’t run 10 marathons a year; a fun-run for motivated people would be a great idea.
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