Boston Charity Runners: Lots of DNS

A 27 year old running 3:03 IS a hobby jogger.

BostonCharityRunners wrote:

Let's talk about this issue.

We all know that Boston doles out 10% or so of their entries to charity runners... and without looking at the numbers, it's clear that a lot did not make it to the starting line this year.

It's 100% unfair that a 27 year old guy who runs a 3:03 can't even get into the race, meanwhile hobby joggers who don't even show up to the start line get access. BAA needs to get this charity thing handled sooner.

You're either a serious race that caters to the hardcore runners or a hobby jogger charity fest - can't have it both ways.

Looks like they can and do have it both ways. Any elite who wants in can get in. Lots of charity runners can and do get in. So they do have it both ways.

By the way, my PR is 20 minutes faster than yours, and I'm a hobby jogger. So.done with a PR 20 minutes faster than mine is still a hobby jogger.

There's a reason they call Boston the hobby jogger Olympics.

P.S. 3:03 qualifies a 27 year old male. Why couldn't you get in?

P.S.S. Nothing's stopping you from getting a charity entry.

P.S.S.S. You are a hobby jogger.

Vast majority of charity runners are 5-6hr people. They're not taking the place of a 3hr03 guy. They're adding to the empty space at the back of the field.

John Hancock really pushes the charity running part of the race. Saying that it raises $35 million for charities is good for John Hancock and the BAA.

And it's closer to 25% that goes to the charity runners.

As for the qualifying standards - they used to be 2:50 so be grateful that they're now at 3:05. For 2020 it could be

dropped to 3:00 for 18-34 males......(and 5 minutes for all other groups as well). Not confirmed. but I know that this is on the table for consideration right now.

BostonCharityRunners wrote:

Let's talk about this issue.

We all know that Boston doles out 10% or so of their entries to charity runners... and without looking at the numbers, it's clear that a lot did not make it to the starting line this year.

It's 100% unfair that a 27 year old guy who runs a 3:03 can't even get into the race, meanwhile hobby joggers who don't even show up to the start line get access. BAA needs to get this charity thing handled sooner.

You're either a serious race that caters to the hardcore runners or a hobby jogger charity fest - can't have it both ways.

It looks like they can have it both ways and are doing just fine. How much under the standard do you think the cutoff will be next year?

H.E. Pennypacker wrote:

A 27 year old running 3:03 IS a hobby jogger.

This is the obvious answer. I've run 2:55 and I'm 100% a hobby jogger. Don't complain about the standards, go out and run faster.

Hey Brainiac...you are a hobby jogger.

You could have either run faster to qualify or donated money to charity and bought a spot in the race.

What if other professional sports only allowed paid spectators to have demonstrated a certain level of proficiency in that sport to attend events. What about even watch or buy team gear? Free market?

The qualifying time in 1970 was 4:00.

What value is a 3:03 guy bringing to the table? Because he has as good a chance of winning or competing as the charity runner, but bringing in several thousands of dollars less money. The 3:03 guy is owed nothing. (And I say this as a 3:03 guy)

How does the charity thing work for Boston?

Must all money be raised BEFORE the start of the race? Or, is one of those things where people donate per mile or whatever. I am guessing Boston gets their money regardless of the charity runners showing up or not.

>>> There's a reason they call Boston the hobby jogger Olympics.

Because douchebags have to complain about something?

It costs $7,500. 00 to be a Charity Runner in the Boston Marathon!!!

https://www.charityteams.org/faqs-boston-marathon-runner-process

Unless you're getting paid you're a hobby jogger. That's the definition of hobby? Something done in leisure time for fun.

I hate that people on these boards use it to bash others.

According to Outside Magazine only 2% of people in 2011 who ran a marathon broke 3 hours.

https://www.outsideonline.com/1916046/running-sub-3-hour-marathon

When you sign up to run for a charity the charity runs your credit card and put a hold on it for $7,500 - the full amount to be raised. I believe there is a a few weeks post race that they allow you to continue to raise the money you're short before they hit your card for the balance.

joho wrote:

How does the charity thing work for Boston?

Must all money be raised BEFORE the start of the race? Or, is one of those things where people donate per mile or whatever. I am guessing Boston gets their money regardless of the charity runners showing up or not.

dude - chill wrote:

As for the qualifying standards - they used to be 2:50 so be grateful that they're now at 3:05.

and the 1st "standard" was FOUR hours.

Let the standard arguments go. Its a gimmick the race does. The charity runners don't need to meet it, and so you can buy your way in.

3:00 is over 6:50 a mile. You can run that if you run more miles and focus on staying healthy.

[quote]

When you sign up to run for a charity the charity runs your credit card and put a hold on it for $7,500 - the full amount to be raised.

I believe there is a a few weeks post race that they allow you to continue to raise the money you're short before they hit your card for the balance.

[quote]

There you go. If you don't qualify, the entry fee is $7,500. Pay up or shut up.