Glass City Marathon--- Hebron, Kentucky Cheaters!

True! I actually just Emailed the Race Director and the AP.

I was one of the elite athletes as well. I traveled to this race because it was good competition at around the time I was trying to run and I also would have had a shot at breaking into the top 5 based on previous years. Since most of East African runners went way under the course record, I was left in no-mans land for most of the race (which was the opposite of why I traveled there to compete).

How does a race like this identify elite runners? Is it a performance within a certain amount of time from the course record? 3rd place 2:27. 5th place 2:37. Props for great running, but elite?

fr wrote:

I was one of the elite athletes at the GCM. Larisa's email address was not included in the elite athlete list until the last email the night before the race.

Given that the organizers had made a statement against doping I was surprised and disappointed that this group was allowed comped entry. I understand races would have a hard time barring entry but they can certainly avoid comping known sketchy groups, especially if it's at the last minute as this seems.

I'd love to hear a response from the organizers.

I was in the half marathon - that's where most of these runners were. Look at the half results.

Gotcha. Thanks.

same boat wrote:

I was in the half marathon - that's where most of these runners were. Look at the half results.

A more effective solution is to do away with prize $$$$. You know I am right on this.

Whats your best , Not an Accountant ?

Where you there, did you realize there was Wind on the course ? lots of turns, etc ? Course not, your just another behind the computer finger typing hero!

Or just give it to U.S Only Runners! Solution Solved! BoNO

I am an agent working with Kenyan runners. I had three athletes entered in the half marathon in Toledo. I saw the Russian manager at the start and after the race voiced my opinion with the elite coordinator for entering athletes from her group. While I understand why he had to let them enter the race, I think having a policy similar to the Carmel Marathon is necessary. 'No athlete entered by an agent that has had ?? athlete(s) banned in ?? years/months will not be allowed entry.'

Some of my remarks included: We all knew there would not be anti-doping at this race. We all know what is going on in her group. If we allow them entry to races we are feeding into the drug culture.

Races that are not able to afford bringing USADA to their race have to use other means to discourage doping. History tells us that doping rumors tend to be true. Perhaps smaller races should allow the rumors to influence their decisions on who they allow to enter. Then again, it could be a slippery slope. Either way, every midwest race with prize money has to take responsibility in finding ways to combat doping.

Bump

How did the elite director respond to your remarks? I'm curious as I was very surprised when all of these athletes showed up last minute. Especially with the whole anti-doping spiel email from the elite director.

I also wanted to say that I hold nothing against the athletes themselves. I chatted to a few before the race and I don't believe they have any ill intentions. I believe they're absolutely taken advantage of by the agent and the focus should really be on the agent. Not that it hasn't been, just wanted to reiterate that.

I've won a fair share of money one year (close to 10 grand) despite running against this Hebron group. It blows my mind that if these small time directors had policies in place I might of made more. While it is really disheartening making races "US only" seems zenophobic in my honest opinion. They need to block known dopers who have been sanctioned.

One race in particular had top 5 money and US Citizen money. The Africans that listed citizenship as US but had no proof were denied that additional money. So I made out with $500 that day. I got a call from one of my African competitors (I'm close friends with people he trains with) asking if I received the money. That's a situation I can support. Offer money for both.

The big thing you guys need to realize is these African runners in a lot of causes are doing this for their families over seas. $500 dollar paydays help them support their families medical bills. food and housing for almost half a year.

I'm curious if anyone knows how much it costs to have USADA at your race or how much it costs to have drug testing?

Meet directors?

Well, Some of us (U.S) Runners are also trying to do this for our families as well. Just because we do not live in a POOR country, does not mean $500 wont go a long way. it's how you spend it.

Just my two cents!

wall.e wrote:

While I understand why he had to let them enter the race, I think having a policy similar to the Carmel Marathon is necessary. 'No athlete entered by an agent that has had ?? athlete(s) banned in ?? years/months will not be allowed entry.'

.

Good points. I'm curious though - do you know if they were comped or if they paid their entry?

[The big thing you guys need to realize is these African runners in a lot of causes are doing this for their families over seas. $500 dollar paydays help them support their families medical bills. food and housing for almost half a year.

I hear you, but if they are knowingly doping (and I cannot imagine that they are truly doping unintentionally), then they are stealing, pure and simple. I get why they are stealing, but they are stealing.

Gosh I'm so sorry that I asked that question. Really truly impertinent of me to ask about how a race identified its elite performers.

FuddleCaKE wrote:

Whats your best , Not an Accountant ?

Where you there, did you realize there was Wind on the course ? lots of turns, etc ? Course not, your just another behind the computer finger typing hero!

You did sound like you were saying the times were not elite times. You had to have been there, know how the race played out. but to act like they are not elite you are not even correct. the winner has recently ran 2:19, 29:55 road races, etc...do you're homework, and if you don't know the scenario of why the times look slow then Shut up!

I agree with you. It is not anti-Kenyan but anti-doping that is the key factor.

This group is obvious and they need to be stopped. The agent is now trying to hide by changing the address.

Based on this thread, her plan is not going to work for much longer.