The Slow Running Revolution. Thoughts?

Some fat person waddling around on a trail or at a race doesn't take away from a fast person's performance, so I wouldn't let it bother you.

Also, those people won't stick around for long at all. People like that are "tourist" they will only involve themselves for a couple of years then move on to something else.

People exercising = good. People buying running gear = good. People entering local races = good.

The only thing that bothers me is they still call it a "race." If you're not competing, or even pushing yourself, then it's just a group run where you pay for logistical support.

The people in the article talk about getting away from racing (even while being in a marathon or parkrun). As I get older, I get it. The more slow I run, the more I can actually run cause I'm not taking long breaks for this or that injury or niggle.

I’m all for people exercising. When people bemoan being slow, I often tell them that as long as they are moving, that’s all that really matters.

I have no problem with non-competitive slow runners using races as supported social runs, as long as they don't get in the way of the racers. These people's entry fees help keep our races alive. In my experience, adults who are slow are usually quite considerate about starting at the back and not obstructing people trying to run fast. Age-group runners who aren't that fast but are still racing are bothered mainly by kids who start at the front, sprint like mad for a few hundreds meters, and then collapse.

If you've ever wished there was more more money in professional t&f, you better not be saying anything bad about these slow runners!

These slow running groups are to track what YMCA pickup players are to the NBA— unskilled casuals who nevertheless enjoy the sport. They far, far, outnumber serious competitiors, so one of the core jobs of a sport's organizing body is to grow this audience of casuals and cultivate their fandom.

+1

The only people’s times I care about, other than my own, are the people in front of me. I want to win. If people want to run slower than me, I support and encourage that. Take all the time you need, enjoy your day.

I'd disagree with that, I see plenty of overweight people at more 'friendly' events like parkrun who keep it up week after week (and lose weight). Everyone starts as a 'tourist' in running events and many (in today's climate, perhaps even most?) of them started overweight.

Where I would draw a line with that article is keeping the finish line open until 7.30pm with over 8 hours to complete a marathon. I'd say that if you're in 8 hour marathon shape then a 5k or 10k are going to be more than enough of a challenge for you. It relies too much on the goodwill of volunteers to keep the event running on and on and on, for what is pretty much a box-ticking exercise for someone who is slowly walking a running event. I think 6 hours is a more than reasonable compromise.

Newer breed of runner who "the process not the result is more important"? Any runner for life and in it for the long haul will always focus on the process and let the results follow. Those with longevity and have a healthy relationship focus on the process. Martinus has been an inspiration to me for nearly 4 years and I hope he continues to do what he does and make the sport of running accessible to everyone.

Interesting choice of words

Some people don't like the idea of thousands of people slower than them signing up for races, because they think they're better than them, because they're "faster." But what would you prefer?

Thousands of people faster than you signing up, so that all of a sudden you're slower than everyone?