Both have incredibly difficult processes for entry if you are not residing in or from Italy/Spain. It would be cool to have more European majors but they are not the most accessible for outsiders right now.
Both have incredibly difficult processes for entry if you are not residing in or from Italy/Spain. It would be cool to have more European majors but they are not the most accessible for outsiders right now.
You know American races are the same, right?
So you keep pushing the idea that Euro races should displace American ones as majors. So, how about presenting some data supporting your premise or I'm about to assume that you are a Euro for whom it would be easier/more appealing to have more Euro races as majors.
Valencia? Milan? What is special about those races? What are the field sizes, history of the races, how well are they supported/attended, what are the courses like?
Like I said upthread, I attended the Paris race and it is pretty 'meh' as far as big city marathons go. Mediocre attendance, plenty of locals seemed unaware and/or annoyed that the race was inconveniencing them, not much coverage in the news, it just wasn't a big deal in the city that day, certainly not anywhere close to the level of excitement generated by the Tour De France when it rolls into Paris.
Prize money is one very small part of what makes a race special. There is a 'culture' that grows to surround and support races in some places. Paris could offer big time payouts and have four or five big names competing for that bag of cash, but the race itself would still be 'meh'. Until a Valencia or Milan can offer ALL of what the other majors can offer, they'll remain secondary races.
Last, as far as ANY race in China, no f-cking way. Talk to me when ANY city in China has safe, potable water coming from the faucets. Talk to me when ANY city in China is not choking on thick brown smog. Talk to me when China isn't ethnically cleansing large populations in the interior. NO WAY to any Chinese race, period.
Last, as far as ANY race in China, no f-cking way.
According to World Athletics, The US currently has 4 Elite and Platinum Level Marathons. By comparison, China has more Elite and Platinum Level Marathons (27) than any other country in the world. If any of those races have the ability to adhere to the 20 or so pages of regulations required to achieve and maintain Platinum Level Status, you should expect there will be a World Marathon Major in China someday. You may not like it but I'm fairly confident you also don't have a vote.
IDK. English is not my first language but I'm pretty comfortable with it to try and use more complex sentences. Sometimes this can lead to stupid mistakes or just being incomprehensible. Thanks for the tip by the way, I looked the expression up.
They have a requirement for the athletes to be a member of local athletics association. Do you refer to that? You get a short-term membership for a small fee with your Valencia registration. Feels more like a quirk to me, like having to pay for your timing chip separately for Berlin marathon (or bring your own).
I think some European countries require a medical checkup to enter, France or Italy or both. That, indeed, can get difficult because you'll have to translate the medical documents from your language and make sure they're compliant with the requirements. Or find a local doctor at destination. But that's certainly not the case with Valencia Marathon.
"Marathon Majors" are a brand name and have nothing to do with prestige, talent, or anything else. However sponsorship money and flat courses and great organization has allowed them to attract and host 50,000 runners + families in a city for the weekend.
2021 Chicago was an extremely hot day and also competed with Boston being the next day.
2020 Chicago was cancelled for Covid.
2019 broke a world record.
Get off your recency bias-horse. It's leading you astray.
It is an ugly duckling with no identity. The problem is that it competes with prestige of New York and world record setting ability of Berlin in the fall. It would have the same issue with Boston (prestige) and London (record setting) in the spring. The only reason it’s a major is because Nike pays for it. It’s a good place for Nike to get a major “win” for second tier marathon guys like Rupp and Farah.
The only reason it’s a major is because Nike pays for it.
This is one of those seemingly factual replies with no basis in fact. Chicago was named a World Marathon Major in 2006 when it was sponsored by LaSalle Bank. Nike didn't become the sponsor until 2008.
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