Roger That wrote:
Yes, there are better runners, even at fun runs, and yes, they deserve to start near the front, unimpeded by slower runners with little kids, dogs, baby strollers, etc. For that matter the 8 minute milers deserve to not have to be impeded by these sorts of runners.
Nope. If all paid there money equally, and if there are no specific rules regarding lining up at the event, then it's open for whoever get there. Is it that hard to figure out? I suppose you think the good parking places at the mall should be reserved for you because you drive fast or are a "serious" shopper? Get real.
Roger That wrote:
I suppose the 5K that I ran in on Sunday that had prize money and two runners under 14:45 was simply a "fun run" because there were no starting corrals.
Exactly! Maybe you're not as dumb as it originally appeared.
Seriously, were these two phenomenal runners (this is sarcasm - do you know how much 14:45 sucks compared to 14:00, let alone 13:30 - and 13:30 is basically just good for a collegiate) impeded by walkers? I doubt it. The reason why is because walkers, stroller joggers, little kids, etc have a better grasp than you for who they should and should not line up in front of. At a fun run like the one you're describing, there will be 2 - 5 reasonable runners (noting again how lame the winning time was) and the rest of the field is basically "completers" of the event. However, there is a 10-15% of the field who THINK they are so important because their shitty times are faster than those who walk, etc. It's hilarious to watch these self-absorbed losers (which I am assuming that you're in this category)!
My argument is not that all serious races have corrals. You can find plenty of track races, xc races, etc. that will not have corrals, but that will let you toe the line if your talent/ability warrant it. Trust me, these opportunities are out there even for the non-professional runner. Unfortunately, this isn't for most of the elitist pricks on this thread. Most of the super elite runners on this thread are really closer to walker status than they are to really being good, yet in their minds everyone should bow down to their running prowess. It's pathetic - It really is.