Disgraceful article in Runners World

I read the article but I didn't think it was disgarceful (although some of the quotes might have been). I am disturbed by the following:

1. Walkers not lining up at the back an thus inhibiting those who wish to race (especially when walkers get indignant about it saying that they have just as much right to line up where they are as anyone else). That's just plain inconsiderate.

2. Walkers filling up "destination" marathons so quickly that it becomes difficult for runners to gain entry (who might want to pick between a few depending on how their training is going).

3. Team In Training and similar groups who effectively deplete the local race scene. I had one race director tell me this summer that his numbers were getting hit by these groups and he was looking for a better slot on the calendar. Local races and their charities are negatively impacted by this. A few thousand dollars can make a huge difference to the local food bank.

4. The feeling that walking 26 miles is in some way a great accomplishment for anyone in reasonable health and younger than late middle age. My feeling is that if you can't walk 26 miles after some modest training and you're in your 40's or younger, you're not healthy, period. This is like a student expecting an A because he attended every class. Doing the required minimum should in no way be confused with high performance.

5. The somewhat smug, slightly superior attitude that walkers "know better" than runners because walkers aren't exhausted when they cross the finish line. If you set the bar low enough, you can accomplish anything.

Ultimately, I understand the walkers want something different out of the event than the runners and I'm fine with that, but when they start impeding the runners that becomes a problem.

My major beef with the article is those walkers who refer to themselves as "marathoners". They want it both ways. They don't want the work involved but they still like the feeling (and pseudo prestige) that comes with the title.

QUESTION: Should people who walk 26.2 miles be called "marathoners"?

ANSWER: If someone rides the chairlift to the top of a ski resort and then walks down, do we say that he "did the downhill"?

If someone gets on the mound and proceeds to roll baseballs toward homeplate, do we call him a "pitcher"?

If two guys get into the ring and then slap each other silly for 15 rounds, do we call them "boxers"?

first off, I dont know why anyone would want to walk for that long, it seems like that would get old fast. And, no matter what anyone says, runners will never fully respect "marathon walkers" but when it comes right down to it, if they want to walk a marathon, more power to them. I think it is stupid to walk a race, but if you really want to waste your time walking a marathon, then why not?

Real Portland Runner wrote:Pete,

Many marathons that cater to walkers have instituted early starts (1-2 hours) for walkers before the gun for runners. In some cases, you might have several hundred walkers that the leaders and better age group runners are having to navigate through anywhere between 6-12 miles into the race. It can make tangent cutting impossible and getting water very difficult once you hit that traffic jam.

Well, I suppose that could a problem at big races with lots of early starters. You'd think the RD would advise these folks to be courteous and get out of the way of the runners, but maybe I'm being a little too idealistic.

The last few halfs and 'thons (just trying to piss off the guy in the other thread who doesn't like this word) I've run, they have had an early start, and I never had any trouble navigating around those folks. Mind you, the races were fairly small, so there weren't that many slow folks out on the course ahead of me.

2:18* wrote:

I'm just sick of penguins that should not be in this distance. Let them run or wak a 5 or 10 k. Have you ever seen an 8 hour marathon walker at mile 22. Idiots with knee bandages wrap around the legs. Its so stupid of these people. One had a solar suit on during a 70 degree day.

i have not seen any 8 hour marathon people since i am long gone by then. i am sure many look very comical.

i am just a live and let live kinda guy. they dont bother me, i dont bother them.

Let’s see, my sister walked a marathon not long ago. Rural marathon, no particular traffic impacts, took her 7 hours, and she enjoyed it. I hope that’s ok. Her husband was running it (the whole way, if you must know). She started in the back (not exactly rocket science), doesn’t own a walkman, isn’t particularly overweight, even though she’s in her late 50s, has never been a runner, has trashed her knees in other activities through the years (although she doesn't wear knee wraps - maybe she knows how offensive others find those), and has a list of athletic accomplishments which would outshine 98% of the people on this site. She doesn’t claim to be a runner, wear her finisher’s medal around, read RW, or claim to be as good as, superior to, or smarter than a marathon runner.

I’m sorry she has ruined the sport for so many of you.

Courtesy and rules: there lies the problem. Much of that does not exist right now. Race directors can voice those rules at the start but, most walkers either forget them or don't care. I don't honestly believe they are trying to impede runners but walkers tend to be more "social" on the course and often walk 4, 5, or 6 abreast so they can carry a conversation.

I chalk it up to ignorance. Race directors and walking advocates need to do a much better job of directing walkers to form single file columns, yield the tangents to runners, designate walker or runner only tables at aid stations, and then have the cojones to DQ any walker that impedes the progress of runners.

There is room for everyone if simple rules and courtesies are adhered to. RW and others should lead the effort to educate both runners and walkers, not simply pander.

You fast runner guys may hate all the walkers and the Galloway program, but they have been a boom for business in the running stores. In a lot of stores in the Washington D.c. area, sales have doubled over the last few years. Breast Cancer walk, Aids marathon training group and Team in Training has been good for business. With the internet, the fast elite type of runner has abandoned the local stores looking for the better price. And I don't blame you for that, who wouldn't want a better deal. However, you guys knock people who don't run and say they are fat and lazy. These marathon walkers may be slow, but they are just as dedicated. Here's an idea, instead of bashing them, come up with a way to turn them into fans of the sport. Its alot more of them out there than you. Think about it, more tv coverage, more races and more prize money. Maybe a stronger support system for post collegiate running. And by the way, Runner's World isn't for you, its for them, so stop reading it.

Not biting the hand that feeds me

mtn man wrote:

I’m sorry she has ruined the sport for so many of you.

Now that you know, get her off the course. Take advantage of the assault weapon ban being lifted and do what you need to do. But get it done.

Guys - Get over it!

Whats the big deal if people want to walk? Its better than sitting on their asses at home. Its all good for the sport. There are no bad elements to marathon walkers. None.

1/It increases teh awareness of teh sport. It is more likelt to get on TV.

2/Police will be less likely to grant a permit to races with only elites.

3/ it brings money into teh sport, no question.The number of walkser >>> the numbre of good runners. Gear, shoes, gels , drinks would all be consideribly more expensive if there wasnt a mass of walkers buying into teh sport

4/ People who walk it are more likely to run it the following year

5/ RW cant afford to cater purely for elites /good athletes. Why? Coz we're thrifty misers and there simply arent enough of us. Plus, the internet has made glossy publications redunant for us.

6/ It generates huge anounts for charity

As long as the race organiser assure that good runnesr get a clean run there can be no gripe with the walkers.

mtn - man: does mtn stand for 'medium term note'???

You might be right, but Runners World still sucks

in fact I suggest the name of the mag be changed to Jogger's World

You are correct. RW sucks as a publication for competitive runners. Simple solution - dont buy it!

Maybe we should sue them for false advertising and force them to change the name to Joggers World.

But I dont blame them for catering for the masses - its easier to write and the audience is less educated in athletic matters. There are also more walkers and they expect less.

There are added costs, but remember that the average marathoner takes around 4 hours (I think I read that somewhere) which means there are a lot slower than that. The sponsorships come from companies that like the numbers of people that their name will be visible to. If you take out a lot of the walkers you will have a lot less people, and some sponsors will shy away from the events. I think if the walkers were really eating up money you would see more strict cut off times. Personally, I will take 100 6 hour marathoners over 1 over weight coach potato. At least they are out there trying. Cheer on everyone trying.

OR wrote:

Walking marathons means that they keep the courses open for a few hours longer for the ass-draggers. This drives up the very substantial costs of roadrace police protection and road closures, etc. This in turns drives up the entry fees of people who actually intend to RUN the marathon. So it does have an effect on all of those who choose to run marathons. We pay $100 for an entry instead of $60 because the course is going to be kept open for 8-10 hours.

Jeezus: That means some folks would finish an Ironman distance triathlon before a walker finishes a lousy marathon. Go figure.

I hate having the walkers around as well. But having said that on two occations I was reduced to walker due to cramps. I'm sure the real runners thought I was a lame ass walker taking up a slot. Normally I can go 3hrs, but two of my marathons were truely horrid 4 hr affairs.

RW- that mag has been horrible for years. RT is clearly the better running mag out there, and T&FN is and will always be the best thing going.

RW always has:

-a picture of a hot babe on the cover.

-food you need to eat (Let me guess, low fat, high fiber, lots of fruit and veggies right?)

-shoe reviews- might as well just run 4-5 pages of ads.

-one good artice from Ed Eyestone- usually good, but also only 1 page. and how many times can you try to convince joggers to actually do tempo runs or track work? face it- they are going to run that same 5m loop at 9 min pace @ day!

-something about an injury- if you have the injury you should rest, take asprin, and use ice; if it persists you may have to see a Dr.

i glance through it for free, but only because i have a slight fetish for running shoes and I love to see the new modles for the season.

Nice post Store Manager. You are right on the mark concerning the dollars brought in by the new runner and walker.

I don't believe that this forum is representative of the larger running community. It skews younger and more elitist in its tone. However, I am not convinced that the customer you rely on is ever going to become a fan of the sport in any meaningful way. Why? True fans of elite running come to that state because of "shared experience" with elite athletes. While I am not as fast as Geb or El G, I was good enough to truly understand the pain and sacrifice they endure because running was the top priority in my life at one point.

Contrast that with fitness runners and walkers. They are workers, moms, pastors, etc. first and their exercise activity is about self improvement or discovery, not competition. It also resides way down the list of life's priorities behind faith, family, work, home, school, and such. Thus, they are not interested in running as sport. In fact, most go to great lengths to say, "I'm not a serious runner" or "I just walk for fun." They are dedicated to losing weight, raising funds, or fighting age not breaking time barriers or feeding ego. I laud them for their efforts but I respect true athletes more.

I do not condone bashing nor have I seen much of it at races or in stores. If they are to become fans and provide tangible support for the sport, then retailers such as yourself are the educational conduit, not websites and chat rooms. You need to sponsor "newbie" races and "How To Get Faster" clinics. You need to be enthusiastic about why Joe Jogger and Wendy Walker should check out Golden League meets on ESPN. You need to encourage them to join USATF. You are their point of contact and the most effective evangelist for running.

Walkers only pose two real problems to the majority of the people on this board:

1. Starting the course early and not being considerate of faster runners coming behind them.

2. Lining up ahead of faster runners at the start.

Any other complaint is just an inferiority complex that these people could lessen how your achievements are percieved. If your satisfaction with running is so based on other people's impressions of it, you have bigger problems. Very few of you are elite, so you are all recreational runners to someone.

The other two issues are the responsibility of the RD.

I completely agree with you on this. Sure, it's not my personal goal in life to walk a marathon, but if someone else wants to do it, I'm not going to sit around and bitch/moan about it. As long as walkers don't get in the way of runners, then they have the right to walk however far they please. And obviously anyone else also has the right to complain about it, but that doesn't make the complaining any less lame.

This phenomenon actually afffects your lives like...not at all, and you shouldn't be concerned with it. Frankly, the proliferation of ANY kind of participation in the sport leads to the kind of sponsorship and support that made Deena and Meb's Olympic medals possible ...and Deena for one would even tell you so.

Your own personal inadequacies that devour your soul will not be alleviated by bitching about people who enjoy a casual relationship with exercise and roadraces.

things could be worse - these walkers could be SPRINTERS. keep them out as well.