zzzz wrote:
I also approve, for many of the reasons already mentioned. I'm a slow starter most of the time, but I don't see the problem. I've run and also have won many races where a bunch of high school kids take off really hard at the start. It never bothered me one bit. They want to experience what it's like to lead - good for them. One time I did take off at an all out sprint with a kid in a local race, knowing he wouldn't be able to hold it for long. It got me out to a big lead early that I held for the rest of the race. I guess I used him as a "tool", but thankfully, not disparagingly!
In bike racing, taking early breaks or turns at the front by the less strong in the field are actually encouraged. I see no reason why it should be bad in running. It's actually more of a potential interference/collision hazard in cycling. Like someone else said, if 20 people want to try this at each marathon, so what? Those guys are not going to be at the top in the final standings, so why does it bother you? And what's wrong with getting a cool experience for someone like cgary or Wold and getting a chance to run in the front of the race with the top guys for a few miles?
How about even faster runners taking off at a hot early pace, like Josephat Boit? He ran with Meb and helped him get away. Is a tool too? Why are you all so judgmental? Is anyone who doesn't even or negative split a tool now?
Comparing Boit to this guy is just ignorant.