Should slow runners and triathletes be allowed to compete?

October 27, 10:05 AMMinneapolis Fitness ExaminerMalia Frey

Previous Next

3 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Minneapolis Fitness Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Some marathoners choose to walk the course.  Photo source

Slow runners are shaming the sport of marathoning, say some running purists. As the average pace for completing the 26.2 mile distance continues to increase, The New York Times reports that many hard core runners are getting frustrated.

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.

The New York Times article uncovers a hushed but growing frustration among athletes about the purpose of endurance events, particularly marathons and triathlons. Are these events community activities or races? Do they serve the public at large, offering anyone a chance to participate regardless of ability, or are they bona fide contests where trained athletes gather to engage in legitimate competition? These questions seem to ruffle the feathers of all athletes, fast and slow.

In one of my recent articles about the sport of triathlon, I commented that the purpose of a sprint distance race is to...well...sprint.

Doing a sprint distance race to finish is somewhat like doing the 50 yard dash to finish. That's not really the point of the event. While this distance is a great opportunity for new racers to try out the sport without the intimidation of a longer course, putting seasoned sprinters on the same course with newbies can present problems if the course is not designed well.

These remarks garnered heated comments about having new triathletes on the race course. One reader wrote:

Well, other than insulting those newbies who apparently are bothering you to no end but who are also growing the sport and allowing races to continue.

That reader is right about the impact that beginners have on the growth of the sport. Beginners are in fact, contributing significantly to the income generated by both marathons and triathlons, which is why race directors are reluctant to enforce cut-off times or limitations for slower athletes. One race director interviewed for the Times article notes that even though the back of the packers drive event costs up by forcing them to provide services for a longer period of time, they also generate significant income.

In the Twin Cities, there has been discussion among some triathlon race directors to offer a "newbie wave" on some short courses in an effort to keep inexperienced cyclists off the same course as racers who might be traveling at speeds of 25-30 mph. A collision between those two participants can be dangerous and even deadly. But for the most part, the discussion continues and the debate rages on. Most agree that a cut-off for marathons is necessary, but what should the cut off time be? And for triathlons, do beginners belong on the same course as more experienced competitors?

What is your experience? Hit the comment button at the bottom of the page and chime in.

Related articles about endurance training:

• Is the Zone Diet fit for exercisers?
  
• One quick tip turns a treadmill user into a confident runner on the open road
  
• Your weekend workout: Run (almost) naked
  
• Kelly Bensimon demonstrates how not to run on Real Housewives video
  
• Recovery days maximize weight loss and fitness gains
  
• Become a runner with walk/run intervals
  
• The 4 most essential stretches for runners

Or visit the workout page for training tips and ideas.