A few weeks ago, my friend Mary and I drafted this note to the editor of one of the local athlete publications. I ended up never sending the email, but I still think it has validity.
Call it what it IS!
There is a need to speak out about the advertisement published in your December 2008 issue for the “13.1 Marathon Chicago ”. 13.1 miles is a HALF marathon. This is just some gimmick for event directors to get more money by preying on athletes by using the allure of “marathon” in the title of the event without it being the actual 26.2 miles. There is a certain prestige that goes along with saying one finished a Marathon . So why are we cheapening the accomplishment by coming out with races with the title of Marathon if the race is not the actual distance? But if that’s how you roll, I’ve got some suggestions for you. Let’s have a Shamrock Shuffle 4K. Or let’s have the Chicago Half Marathon 6.55. And for your short course specialists, we should have the 2.5K Ravenswood 5K. Personally, I would like to be called an Ultramarathoner – so I’d like to request we have an Ultramarathon 26.2.
About Me
- MJ
- After 10 Ironman races including Kona - the World Championships, triathlon has turned into my lifestyle. I've enjoyed the sport so much, I've now started coaching. A "one size fits all" plan is not for everyone. To find out about what customized coaching can do for you, click on the Tri Smart Coaching logo below for more information!
IM Louiville
Bikes racked at Ironman Louisville 2010
7 comments:
Ha! I can't believe you didn't send this. You should definitely send it! I LOVE it. I want to be an Ultramarathoner, too!!!!! - Liz
MJ - SEND IT!!! Although I am ONL a half-marathoner (at the moment, at least), I couldn't agree with you more!
Great letter MJ, I agree with you to write it, but then delete it.
Maybe write a piece on how some race directors and race publications are cheapening the accomplishment with their falsely labeled races.
Tell them how you are standing up for all the athletes that train hard every day to accomplish these milestones.
Then send it to the editor of a competing publication or your local paper.
Can I get an "Amen!!"....
Let'em have it.
Don't forget "Ironman 70.3"
Maybe it was a typo or editor error. Find out before you send it.
I doubt very much that it was a mistake and agree that it was deliberately named in an effort to attract more runners. Even if it was a mistake, I'd still send it.
I mean cmon.... Get a clue!
With all the other "Halfs" in Chicago, this one I don't get. I don't think Chicago needs another Half Marathon....now a 30K, now that is a different story.
It is bad enough that I continually get asked " and How far is THAT marathon?"...now it will actually be a pretty good question.....Oh Geez.
Ken
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