Just because you want to call 17 minute miles "running" doesn't make it so.
It's painfully obvious at this point that page after page after page here are 90% posts from two or three mentally unhinged individuals (yes, probably PM and her rivals) having manic episodes where they freak out and do runs of 20 exclamation points!!!!!!
Fighting over which one has walked more 17 minute pace "marathons".[/quote]
I think you might be surprised at the fact that there are a lot more individuals posting on this thread than you think. Granted, we are not all fast runners, but many of us have been running (some run/walking) for quite some time. This has never been about the "front of the pack" or the "turtle in the back". This was, and remains about allegations of cutting courses, entering false or inaccurate information, and trying to get to the truth about the matter.
So, by definition, a marathon is:
1. a foot race over a course measuring 26 mi. 385 yards (42 km 195 meters).
2. any long-distance race.
3. any contest, event, or the like, of great, or greater than normal, length or duration or requiring exceptional endurance.
Yes, it's a race to the finish line, but it's far more than that for many. Each of us has our own reasons to compete / enter. I'll never be an elite athlete, but I'm okay with that. I run and sometimes walk for the physical, mental and health benefits I get out of it. Some of us run or walk because we have overcome personal challenges such as cancer, injuries, addiction or even a heart transplant. We understand that there are rules regarding times and cut-offs. We acknowledge the fact that when given an even playing field, there will be a first place finisher and a last place finisher. In fact, some may not even finish at all.
This has been about keeping the integrity of the race and making sure that the spirit of the marathon experience is maintained. This is about making sure rules are followed and those found not following them, held accountable. Sure, in the grand scheme of things, what difference does it make to the front of the pack runners that a back of the pack runner may have cut the course, probably not much of a difference. But I can assure you that it makes a difference to everyone else who gave the race their all to cross the finish line, no matter how long that may have taken them. It also makes a difference to each and every person who took a DNF due to injury or not making the cut-off.
So you see, this isn't a small matter that means nothing to the running, marathon, and ultra community. In fact, I would bet that if the person I question were a front of the pack runner, you'd be doing all you could to get to the truth. This is about honesty, integrity, and accountability.