did it happen again?
did it happen again?
$$$ wins again
Another Mt. Sac / Houston situation. This is bonkers. Who is in charge?
This is bad because it makes it very clear that USATF is not considering the quality of the location and is just going to throw it to wherever the cash is. Orlando can be very warm and sticky in February unless you time a cold front just right. Chattanooga's weather in February is much more reliably cool to cold. Chattanooga has a nice downtown with hotels and restaurants and entertainment all within walking distance. The race would have been centered around downtown like their regular marathon, which would have made logistics for athletes and spectators (including family, friends, coaches, etc.) easy. In Orlando, the course will most likely be around downtown. Downtown Orlando is nice enough, but it is short on convenient hotel space compared to downtown Chattanooga. Some people will end up having to stay out near Disney and drive in for the race. The Board made the correct decision, but USATF again blows off the best candidate. Anyone wanting to host in the future will know that it is pointless if you are competing against a bigger market. Less competition for the trials means that the bigger markets can just show up, get picked and phone it in.
Interesting news. I thought the interview done with citius was completely underwhelming. The Orlando people seemed to think people want flat looped courses in friggin’ Florida? Good lord no.
As someone hoping to be in the race, I would definitely prefer Chattanooga. 85% of athletes will likely be training in cool, winter temperatures and then have to race in hot, humid temps.
I would be interested in the level of athlete support, in terms of travel and accommodations that each site bid too (and if that played any role).
