deecider wrote:
Mr. Obvious wrote:It's a photo opp (either family members or the local paper..."Hey, look at me. I'm in the paper!).
It is also indicative of a society where people are unaware or, more cynically, uncaring about how their actions impact others.
I have seen a few good theories so far on this thread. I like these two above, plus the poster that wrote "they're trying to win an age group award."
I would have never thought of the age-group award theory. But it makes perfect sense. Those awards are decided based on gun time, not chip time. So you can get a 2 minute advantage with a front-row start position.
This is a great argument against age-group awards. They need to eliminate that b.s. unless the race is committed to seed times and policed corrals.
I think age group competitors know exactly where to line up. Since they are probably faster than 95% of the runners in the race they should be near the front, just not on the starting line.
I don't even mind the young high school runners being up front because at least they go out way too fast and the field opens a bit before you have to pass them.
It's the slow, 25 minute+ 5k runner that is the problem. They are slow and have absolutely no chance of finishing near the front of the field. For some it is lack of experience / knowledge and others are just selfish and don't care how they impact the others around them.