I did run this race in "04" and it was a very nice course.
However, I believe the ATM race committee/organizers owe the runners at least this much.
It was understandable that the course needed to be rerouted and it was also understandable that they could not get the finish line area over to the desired spot. Although the report came in at 8:02, so it's possible they didn't get word until much later. The finish line staff was actually helping at the start, but we understand they could get there in time.
However, everyone did run through the 6.5 mile checkpoint from my understanding, so why not provide those results? I'm also not sure why if they ended up running the extra distance, the chips weren't recording the finishing times as well?
Why didn't things go as planned? Why wasn't there an awards ceremony? If this happened, why was the finish area changed and if not, why couldn't they have run an extra .5 miles to get to the other side of the Pentagon Parking Lot?
Since the race was officially cancelled, why isn't the what would've been the awarded prize money be given back to the runners? I'm sure they won't have a problem taking at least $5 off next years entry fee with the extra money they have left over.
I'm calling out the ATM race committee/organizers. If they are truly sorry for what happened they will:
1.) In some way give the prize money that wasn't awarded back to the runners. Again, maybe offer a discount on next years race.
2.) Make an attempt to somewhat please the runners by posting the 6.5 mile splits of the race and the finish times if available.
No excuses, it's time to put their money where their mouth is. From my understanding, the ATM organization is "loaded with money" don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Anyways, just my two cents here about the whole "fiasco".