I feel that the correct answer is, almost objectively, that a DNF is preferable.
Because the trials is a qualifying race.
All but the best in the race should go out in the slowest conceivable qualifying time pace.
Then, people will start DNFing around 15 miles, but at least they can say they were in contention.
I get that it is the big show for a 218 guy and that is really cool. But the 2:13 guys that were never “in it,” and finished, they never even tasted the possibility.
Neither true nor false, as it's matter of opinion. But here's this: David Moorcraft was the world record holder in the 5k circa 1982. He ran 13:00.41 without the aid of pacers.
Then he got injured and just barely made the 5k final in the 1984 Olympics. Where he finished DFL in 14:16. When asked why he didn't drop out, he explained, "I've never dropped out of a race, because then I feel like I'd be giving myself an option for the future." He was almost lapped in that race, but never gave up.
Dennis Young has published a really great in-depth article where he's interviewed 16 of the men/women who have been DFL at the Olympic Marathon Trials. He's also talked to many who were DNF like LetsRun's own Weldon Johnson.
Early on the piece has the line:
Dennis Young wrote:
But to most, DNF (Did Not Finish) is preferable to DFL. Certainly that’s the case at the U.S. Olympic Trials, maybe the world’s most brutal marathon.
What do you think? Is DNF preferrable to DFL?
I don't really agree. I think Weldon would have preferred to have finished but if you are an elite and injured there is no real reason to finish if you think it's going to get worse.
If you're a pro, then DNF is better. Live to race another day on the track at the trials or a spring marathon or something.
If you're a hobby jogger, then DFL is better. Within reason. Don't do anything that will compromise your long term health, or result in a broken bone or something on the course. But pushing through and finishing is better.
Chris Barnicle, a former professional runner who now works as a distributor for medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles, finished the race in 3:45:34.
In most circumstances when you DNF, you let race and distance beat you.
If you're DFL, you still beat the race/distance as well as the poor souls who gave up (for whatever reason). It's obviously not the best result, but there is some pride in this.
I finished a race years ago that Scott Jurek DNFed, I own that dude in head to head competition.
Proud to say I'm 1-0 lifetime against Lance Armstrong. Only time we were in the same race was the 1989 US Triathlon Championships. He got DQ'd for drafting on the bike. I might be slow but I don't cheat.