Deena dissed at Paso Robles 10k

And you know all this how?

She can afford the entry. Pay it.

word from deena herself...

deenakastor.com

It's this sense of entitlement that gives elite athletes a bad reputation. While many races budget for and invite the top runners to participate in their race, others do not.

If she wants to run, maybe one of her sponsors can afford the 25 bucks.

That's pretty funny. I actually don't have a problem with race directors denying comp entries, and I've always considered it to be a little tacky for a runner to request a comp entry. When I've received comp entries, they've simply been offered by the race organization.

So is she passing up the race because she didn't receive a comp entry?

Just gonna point out that on her site she doesn't say it's about money. Registration could very well be closed and that's why she asked the for the complimentary entry...

JPat wrote:

word from deena herself...

deenakastor.com

Oh my, at first I thought this was a joke.

Deena, I'll pay the goddamn fifty bucks if you'll run the race in your favorite goddamn wine county. I'm goddamn serious.

JPat wrote:

word from deena herself...

deenakastor.com

Wow! I would be embarrassed to admit that I'd acted in such a petty manner. She seems to assume that the race director is the one who will be perceived as the unreasonable jerk. Not so, in the eyes of many (including me).

Have Ben Ceasar pay the fee.

Avocados Number wrote:

JPat wrote:

word from deena herself...

deenakastor.com

Wow! I would be embarrassed to admit that I'd acted in such a petty manner. She seems to assume that the race director is the one who will be perceived as the unreasonable jerk. Not so, in the eyes of many (including me).

I think as a race director I would be embarrassed as I tried to explain to the sponsors how I blew an opportunity to dramatically increase the exposure of the race and their products.

Avocados Number wrote:

That's pretty funny. I actually don't have a problem with race directors denying comp entries, and I've always considered it to be a little tacky for a runner to request a comp entry. When I've received comp entries, they've simply been offered by the race organization.

So is she passing up the race because she didn't receive a comp entry?

Because most elite American runners are soooo wealthy? I've requested comped entries at races that say they have standards that are slower than my PRs. I'm not elite in any way, but some races will waive entry fees for faster runners. I'm young and don't make too much money, so it would really help if I didn't have to pay 80 bucks to run a marathon or half marathon.

If they cover travel costs and the cost of a hotel room, that can be a LOT of money. Round-trip airplane tickets, a hotel room, and the cost of a race can add up to 400 or 500 dollars, depending on the flight.

HAAA.

Imagine Kobe Bryant or Shaq PAYING (!!!!) 50 bucks to play in an open basketball tourny on the streets of NYC.

Who does Kaster think she is, Mary Slaney?

rgtegfd wrote:

Because most elite American runners are soooo wealthy?

That argument doesn't wash here. Deena is wealthy and she's showing her true colors.

If Sara Bei (also with ASICS) ask for a complimentary entry would the HB10k have granted it ? HELL YES !

Diva Syndrome wrote:

That argument doesn't wash here. Deena is wealthy and she's showing her true colors.

"doesn't wash"

showing her true colors"

geez, have any original thoughts? why not just say she isn't giving 110%, or there is no I in team.

I disagree with Deena Kastor's detractors. She is an Olympic Bronze medalist and should be treated as such. That should be Carte Blanche in the running world. Her entry would also weight his race with more significance for as long as he holds that race.

Also, Deena is not some selfish primadonna. She has worked tirelessly over the years, attending all sorts of engagements, etc. (gratis I might add), to support and elevate distance running in the United States. Her efforts have been far above and beyond the call of merely being a good ambassador for the sport for the last eight years.

From a purely mercenary standpoint, why would a race director refuse to comp a well-behaved, highly regarded American Olympic bronze medalist and a native Californian who has helped revolutionize women's running in the United States? As a straight businessman, if nothing else, Deena's presence would provide free advertising and enhance promotion for his race. If I'm not mistaken, she didn't even ask for an appearance fee or travel money.

I find the RD's decision a little baffling to refuse to comp Deena's entry. A 34-minute 10K chick? Sure, pay your way woman. But a bronze medalist? Please race in MY race, OH PLEEEZE! He could claim that Olympian forever.

A dumb move in my book.

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Deena wasn't a good fit for the event in the first place. It is a community event where the entry is $25, the 1st 240 runners will receive a prize of $50. This makes Deena look even more petty than she already is.

The prize money portion if the race is limited to masters runners.

Pick better divas people.

For the love of God. I don't have that much money but i'd even front the $25 for Deena... and pay for the hotel the night before. Come on... I realize why races sometimes pay for races and hotels but is this a big deal? Just pay the effing fee and race Deena.