There has been a noticeable tone of negativity in the
running world lately as people from around the country have weighed in on the
decision of Competitor Group to eliminate funding of its elite athlete
program. Most of the articles and
opinions I’ve read raised solid points, and I do believe Competitor Group has
deserved its criticism. I don’t
really have much to add to the conversation, so instead of focusing this blog
on an organization that doesn’t want to help runners, I would like to recognize
some of the amazing groups that make professional distance running
possible. Since this list includes
most of my racing schedule this fall, I thought it would be worthwhile to give
praise where praise is do and unveil my racing schedule at the same time. Also, this list isn’t
comprehensive. There are many more
races that deserve a shout out.
However, I lose interest in a blog that is over a page, so I don’t want
anyone to leave mid-blog.
My first race this fall was the EQT Pittsburgh 10-miler this
past weekend put on by Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. and the Steel City Road
Runners. These folks generously
fund a full and half marathon, a road mile and have added a 10 Mile this fall. Additionally, they have announced a
grant program for developing athletes.
Most importantly, they see the value in connecting the elite runners
with the public. For example,
while the elites were in Pittsburgh, we met with the local running group for a
run as well as a high team that had just finished their season. I think this is the future of road
running – trying to find ways to mingle the elites with the local running
community to promote the race and enhance the appeal of those who pay to
run. In what other sport can the
public compete at the same time and in the same arena as the
professionals? Three Rivers
recognizes the value of elites and is dedicated to helping us while also
improving the racing experience for other runners.
Two weeks later, I’m set to run the Big Sur Half Marathon in
Monterrey, CA. The race organizers
in Monterrey earned much respect from me two years ago. I had placed 4th in their
race in 2011 finishing behind Ezykias(?) Sisay who later tested positive at
another race for deer antler spray or whatever drug cheats are taking these
days. By the time the results from
his failed drug test were in, the prize money had already been distributed to
the top finishers. The race didn’t
have to take any action. However,
they took Sisay out of the results and sent checks to the runners that would
have finished in the money had Sisay not run. I doubt they were able to find Sisay to reclaim their first
place prize purse, but that didn’t stop them from re-distributing the prize
money. I have a lot of respect for
those that do the right thing when they don’t have to, and I’m honored to be
running their race again this year.
Next, I’m returning to Costa Rica for a half marathon in San
Jose. This will be my second time
racing in Costa Rica, and I hope it’s not the last. The atmosphere at races there rivals that of major U.S.
sporting events. The other runners
are excited about the elite race and winners spend the next hour after
finishing taking pictures and signing autographs. Given the enthusiasm for the elite race, organizers in Costa
Rica have made a concerted effort to bring in elites and offer decent prize
money as well. Again, these
organizers see the value that elites can bring to a race, and recognize that an
elite competition can improve the overall experience of the race as a
whole. The professional running
scene needs these individuals to survive, and thankfully we have many in the
U.S. and around the world.
I have a couple more races after Costa Rica and will talk
about those next blog.
