Tool That Lead the Boston Marathon

I'll chime in here as a "typical Utah Mormon...." blah blah blah

I know Seth from my time at BYU but don't have any ties to him other than that and we aren't "facebook friends."

That being said, I think he is a decent guy that made a poor error in judgement here. We've all done it from time to time, I know I have.

Everyone will have their own take on this, but Boston this year to me was about the city, paying respect to those that were injured and killed in last years bombs, and running brave and as one with everyone in the city. It appears Seth did this for personal attention and gain. This is unfortunate considering the timing and circumstances surrounding this years race.

Bottom line- Taking a step back and considering the gravity of this year's race, Seth would probably agree that he made a mistake and used poor judgement in his acts, however there are certainly worse mistakes one can make in judgment and we are all human so lets not kill the guy for it.

Dennis Reynolds 2.0 wrote:

Letsrun needs to be consistent. That one year Glenn Randall was called brave for leading and had nothing but positive things said about him. When I ripped him for being an idiot I was the villian.

You understand that the Letsrun forums consists of lots of people, each with their own opinion, right?

And, then you say it needs to be consistent? LMFAO.

have a blast with the comments section.

nbskis wrote:

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=29596633&nid=1010&title=utah-runner-who-led-boston-marathon-for-a-time-shares-his-story&s_cid=queue-6

have a blast with the comments section.

I love the defense of him, it's really turning into a ubiquitous reply to any criticism no matter how slight.

Unless you completely agree and fawn over their opinion they'll say "why so bitter", then any response draws more victim hood.

utahner wrote:

I know Seth Wold and I would like to say that this fits his personality very well. He had some good races right after college on which he now hangs all his running legitimacy. Within the first 10 minutes of any conversation you would find out that he is the Ogden Marathon record holder; I don't know a single person that knows him that he hasn't told that to.

I'm unfortunately Facebook friends with him and had to choke down my vomit all day yesterday as he repeatedly posted links to stories and videos and his own blog posts about how he lead the Boston Marathon. What's really disappointing is all these non-runner/hobbyjogger friends he has keep gushing over how great he is and keep his head ultra-inflated. I can't stand the guy.

Why don't you show some integrity and post something similar on his Facebook page? Two-faced people like you are way worse than what this guy did.

I am so proud of Seth. He is my brother in law and you would never meet a nicer guy. Always thinking of others. I am so happy he was able to have this great moment at the marathon. I truly believe that he would be considered an elite if he had not chosen family over the hard life of a professional runner. He became a father in 2009 and since then has put a lot of his energy into being a Dad and a good provider instead of training hard every day. For that and for his performance in the Boston marathon we are so proud of him.

nbskis wrote:

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=29596633&nid=1010&title=utah-runner-who-led-boston-marathon-for-a-time-shares-his-story&s_cid=queue-6

have a blast with the comments section.

Well, according to one comment, everyone one here being critical probably owes him an apology. Sounds like he could have been truly elite if he hadn't dedicated himself to being a Dad.

Here: "I am so proud of Seth. He is my brother in law and you would never meet a nicer guy. Always thinking of others. I am so happy he was able to have this great moment at the marathon. I truly believe that he would be considered an elite if he had not chosen family over the hard life of a professional runner. He became a father in 2009 and since then has put a lot of his energy into being a Dad and a good provider instead of training hard every day. For that and for his performance in the Boston marathon we are so proud of him."

Altra is using the picture of him "leading" the race on their homepage. If you think this is wrong, contact them at contact@altrafootwear.com If you don't let them know how you feel, they'll probably do it again next year.

I will chime in as I have also been a "tool" at Boston.

I think 1985, I led from 3 miles to past 9 miles, had 100-150 yard lead on Ikanga, De Castella and the rest. I did decide to run up front at 5k mark so I could experience Boston at its finest as well as the lead pack were all watching each other and nobody wnated to lead.

I hit 10k at my pace,~30:40 but on a normal day I would have been a minute and half behind already. But today I had the lead as the fast guys were paying cat and mouse. I did not impede anyone and when the pack caught me I made sure i gave them room.

Give him a break, he did not affect the race outcome in one bit. Not much different than a pace maker getting in the way of the real racers. If he was causing problems, the leaders would have let him know.

settle down boys.

Thank you for a douche-eye perspective.

Maybe you two will meet someday and tell each other how special you are.

If you want to send an email to Altra at

contact@altrafootwear.com

feel free to copy/paste this:

Altra,

I think it's deplorable that you're using Seth Wold's picture "leading" the Boston Marathon on your homepage. He is not "Boston Strong" for doing this. This publicity stunt was in poor taste. Also, the quote over the picture says "Congrats...Altra Ambassador Seth Wold for a Strong Finish." He did not finish strong. After his stunt, he died and ran a poor time the likes of which a below-average college runner could handle. Your brand now reflects his mediocrity and his pathetic actions as well. I doubt I will ever buy your shoes because of this stunt. If you would like your brand to be respected and legitimately represented at the front of a major marathon, then sponsor an athlete worthy of running with Meb, Ryan and Boit. Putting one of your pathetic lackeys up front for an outrageous PR stunt is not going to be well-respected in the running community. I hope that this action hurts your business and forces you to think twice before doing this again.

Thank you,

As tasteless as Seth's self aggrandizement is. Altra's actions are even more deplorable. So far two major news organizations in Utah (where Altra is located) KSL and the Deseret News have had articles about this stunt. Deadspin also had a similar article praising Seth. I'm certain that Altra has contacted the news organizations and told them about Seth leading the race in an effort to get free publicity. KSL's article even has a link to Altra's website at the bottom of the article.

I hope this act hurt's Altra's business. They've shown how classless of an organization they are and I hope the running community realizes it.

Altra really needs to shut this nonsense down. They obviously have PR people and an advertising budget, so they know what they are doing. This reflects poorly on them as a legitimate brand in the running industry.

What a douche.

It's one thing to be part of the elite start and end up leading. It's another to be in a different start, sprint up to the elites where you know you can't hang, and then fish for compliments about what a stud you are from ignorant people who don't know anything about running. It's a douche move. Train until you can be part of the elite start and don't be a poser.

Taking Back Ogden wrote:

Altra really needs to shut this nonsense down. They obviously have PR people and an advertising budget, so they know what they are doing. This reflects poorly on them as a legitimate brand in the running industry.

Just like Sketchers, oh wait their guy was ahead at the end.

never mind.

Sorry Golden Harper but there are already enough running shoes on the market. Your company sucks and it just got suckier.

What is more impressive is that he has a 5+ page about him on Let's Run. His dream really has become reality.

Props to him. All you jealous 3+hour hobby joggers can stick it.

utahner wrote:

I know Seth Wold and I would like to say that this fits his personality very well. He had some good races right after college on which he now hangs all his running legitimacy. Within the first 10 minutes of any conversation you would find out that he is the Ogden Marathon record holder; I don't know a single person that knows him that he hasn't told that to.

I'm unfortunately Facebook friends with him and had to choke down my vomit all day yesterday as he repeatedly posted links to stories and videos and his own blog posts about how he lead the Boston Marathon. What's really disappointing is all these non-runner/hobbyjogger friends he has keep gushing over how great he is and keep his head ultra-inflated. I can't stand the guy.

You should copy this thread and tell him to post this on facebook!

Well said, except I don't think he regrets it at all. But clearly poor judgment.