There is no doubt the LVM Committee's "investigation" or "review" of Mr. Rossi is a combination of lies, ineptitude, lack of integrity, incompetence and lack of intestinal fortitude, among likely other things.
But let's clear up a few things in your post.
First, their official statement did not say that they contacted runners nor did they ever call the evidence inconclusive. What they did say was that "The LVHN Via Marathon has not received any reports from the more than 2,500 race participants, thousands of spectators, and more than 600 volunteers, course marshals, security personnel, medical personnel or race officials on the course of any wrong doing by any runner". That is not surprising and likely the extent of their investigation to the extent of talking with other people. However, in an NBC10 in Philadelphia report (http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Viral-Boston-Marathon-Running-Dad-Accused-of-Cheating-303010481.html#ixzz3gdhP2bLx ) it was written that "Organizers of the Lehigh Valley Health Marathon said they plan to review more than 19,000 photos from along the course to look for Rossi. They are also reaching out to 126 runners who finished the race around the same time as the man".
Second, the Committee's statement said "… there is not conclusive evidence that his time in the 2014 LVHN Via Marathon is inaccurate", which is not the same as saying that the evidence was inconclusive. In fact, they seem to imply that they have CONCLUSIVE evidence of some sort when they further stated, "Therefore the LVHN Via Marathon Committee concluded that Rossi will not be disqualified unless additional conclusive information arises in the future". The key word being "additional", which means in addition to the already in-hand conclusive evidence.
What is ultimately clear is that nowhere in their entire statement do they give a vote of confidence that Mr. Rossi ran the entire race or that his time is accurate. Moreover, they can't say that because if challenged, they wouldn't be able to provide any such evidence because we know and they do too, there is no such evidence.
Below is the full, official statement:
After a thorough review of the available evidence in relation to Mike Rossi’s participation in the 2014 Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon, the Marathon committee concluded that while there is data from Rossi’s participation in other racing events indicating that Rossi’s time may not be accurate, there is not conclusive evidence that his time in the 2014 LVHN Via Marathon is inaccurate. The LVHN Via Marathon has not received any reports from the more than 2,500 race participants, thousands of spectators, and more than 600 volunteers, course marshals, security personnel, medical personnel or race officials on the course of any wrong doing by any runner. Therefore the LVHN Via Marathon Committee concluded that Rossi will not be disqualified unless additional conclusive information arises in the future.
Moving forward the LVHN Via Marathon has taken several action steps to verify runner participation and provide the utmost accuracy in timing and scoring the race for all runners. For the 2015 LVHN Via Marathon, the course will have a minimum of six timing mats - at the start, finish line and four additional on-course locations. In addition, there will be video surveillance of the course at several locations which Via will archive annually.
The Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon is proud to be a Boston Marathon Qualifying event and will continue to support this race by providing athletes the opportunity to be a part of this longstanding tradition. The LVHN Via Marathon appreciates the running community’s support and vigilance in ensuring the integrity of our race and looks forward to continuing to provide a high quality racing experience.”
The LVHN Via Marathon raises funds for Via’s services for children and adults with disabilities. We all want the same things from life; a great job in a great community and plenty of friends with whom we share the experience. For people with disabilities, these life goals can be challenging. Via works every day to help people achieve this reality.
Serving our community since 1952, the dedicated and committed care providers at Via work to help children overcome developmental delays, help young adults find meaningful and sustainable jobs, and provide the resources and opportunities so people with disabilities may lead active and enjoyable lives right in their own community.
We will not be making any further comments on this matter.
