Just curious what people think about adding a 1/2-mara to the Olympics. Heck, they added ballroom dancing and synchronized swimming; I think a 1/2 is a little more athletic. There is a 10,000 and marathon, but this jumps from 6.2 miles to 26.2 miles. That's a big jump. For a 10,000 runner who doesn't make the team, he/she has got a second shot in the 5,000. Same with 1,500 and 800. But marathoners who slip up in the trials have to try to reschedule their training to prepare for the 10,000 track trials. It is much easier to adjust for a 1/2 marathon; besides, some good marathoners just don't have the speed to compete with 10,000 runners. Adding a 1/2 would also tempt some marathoners to try to "double" in both events.
Also, the Olympic marathon is one of the few "free" events that spectators can see since it is on the roads. No expensive tickets are needed. It's a shame when the Olympics come to town and some young kids can't see them because their parents don't have the money. Adding a 1/2 on the roads would allow more spectators to witness the competition up close.
Just curious what people think.