In a recent article in the NY Times entitled, “Runners Have a Place, but Is it in a Marathon?” author Juliet Macur examines the practice of slow runners running marathons. While the article was well written, I was shocked with what I read. One woman interviewed said she asks people what their time was and if it was more than 6 hours, she says “Oh great, that’s fine, but you didn’t really run it.” Seriously? Did her parents completely forget to teach her empathy or manners?
Thankfully, the article also includes remarks from John Bingham, a man who has inspired countless people to lace up, including me. Regardless of their speed, size or prowess, John convinces people of every walk of life to start moving.
Because comments have been cut off at 400, I’m posting my comment here:
This article infuriates me. Shame on you Adrienne Wald and Julia Given! You’re both like spoiled little brats, toddlers who don’t want to share a toy. Elite runners can take the front of the pack, have it! We slow runners certainly aren’t going to get in your way. We’re just trying to do something that is healthy and positive.
Stopping for lunch on the route, talking on a cell phone – I don’t believe that should be acceptable, but to berate someone who is working their butt off to finish at a slow pace is outrageous. One of the greatest things about the running community, at least the community I know and love, is that it is open to everyone. My fast running friends encourage me to get out there and their talent for the sport inspires me. Thank goodness they are not like the people in this article! I don’t think I would have had the courage to continue running if they acted as poorly.
If you’re so fast, go pro and you won’t have to deal with any slow runners involved in your events. Not good enough to go pro? Then sorry, you’re stuck with us. Maybe an attitude adjustment will help.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Right on Jen! I went as fast as I could during the two marathons I completed….. well over 6 hours each!
Keep up the good work, Kris!!
Hey
I agree with you!!! I am sorry i got you all mad.
Totally agree with you. There is discussion about this very article over on the Runnersworld.com forums. You would think that people would be happy that their sport is becoming more popular but as with everything, there are elitists everywhere. Oh well for them.
Appalling. How could anyone disparage others from getting out there and participating in something that can make you feel so good about yourself! I love running. It is my meditation, and for the most part I do it by myself, but I will gladly share it with anyone. I want others to experience the feeling of accomplishment the freedom, and the excitement I get from running. Not everyone is built for speed and thank god! I wonder how these people would feel if suddenly they couldn’t run fast and either had to run slow or give up their sport. What do you think they would do or say then?
This is disgusting that any kind hearted human being wouldn’t be proud of someone else’s HUGE accomplishment!! These people haveno right to judge or look down upon others who are trying their best and doing something so challenging that so many others could never do! What a absolute shame. I for one would love to do a marathon someday and even though I used to be a competitive swimmer…I would probably have to walk and STILL use 100 tubes of my Topricin pain cream!! That’s just the way it goes – but too bad for those who finish first with such a lack of empathy.
I LOVE your “comment.” Sorry you have to “sit it out” for a couple of weeks. Hope your achilles heals quickly!
PS: Found you on Lisa’s blog.
Hello,
I want to let you know that Julia Given was miss-quoted in the article. her quote was taken out of context to support the article. I knowbecause I was there when Julia was interviewed.
Ms Macur stopped us as we were headed to pick up our packets for the Baltimore marathon.
Julia’s complete quote when presented with the premise from the reported that larger marathons with lots of “slower” runners were ruining the mystique of the marathon was:
‘We love the larger races. They are a lot of fun with so many people running; They are quite festive and great for the host cities”
When asked about slower runners, Julia responded with:
” They way races work today, slower runners don;t get in the way of faster runners because of the wave starts”
Then julia was prompted about how she feels about slower runners not really running the marathon
” I am not worried about slower runners, some people might think I am slow. If you are really worried about it you can ask them their time, and make you own judgment”
so as you can see her quote was not as it appeared in the article.
It was obvious once the article came out that Ms. Macur had already determined her slant for the article. I think it funny that she resulted to taking the quote from Julia Given out of context to make her premise. it seems that she really found it difficult to find anyone to provide a legit quote to support her premise.
And this is why running is so great. Runners are the friendliest group people. When I go to races I enjoy the camaraderie and support of other runners and do my best to cheer for others and chat up people along the way.
I find it interesting that Ms. Macur is not a runner. As I recall from our conversation, she has not ever trained and run for a race. Julia and I both encouraged her to find a race, train for it and run. We even invited her to come run in Charlottesville.
The invitation still stands. We would like to show Ms. Macur first hand the wonderful experience of running a race with others. So that she can experience the encouragement of others who are faster and slower than she is running.
That is what makes our sport so great. We compete and encourage at the same time.
Thanks for the opportunity to set the record straight.
Keep up the running and good luck in your next race!
Paul Given
Paul, thanks for leaving a comment here. I’m relieved to hear the comments weren’t quoted correctly. It makes me wonder if Adrienne’s comments were real or not. It seems like this article has created a bit of an uproar from the running community. I wonder how the NYT is dealing with Ms. Macur.
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