Good afternoon runners,
It is with a heavy heart that I feel the need to address the public regarding my unforgivable mistake this past weekend. As my old man once told me, “You’re only as strong as your worst mistake.” Now, in my weakest hours, I need to explain the events and sincerely apologize for the mistake that I single-handedly caused to unfold on an unsuspecting race, even though it was only the D-III women’s race.
I have been a cross country meet coordinator and, more enjoyably, a pace car driver for over 20 years, logging over 650 miles of pacing for women and men around the country. I have driven a wide variety of carts and cars to pace, including but not limited to golf carts, gators, small pick up trucks, and medium sized pick up trucks. Over my 20+ years of experience, I have successfully paced national champions, future Olympians (men and women), and a small sample of lapped runners. Pacing cross country via driving the pace cart is my heart and soul, and I would do anything to get that back.
I regret to inform the public that I will be stepping down as a certified pace cart driver for the NCAA. Over the past few days, I have been inundated with hate mail and other hurtful messages from the running community, which I understand as a sign to retire and hang up the gator keys. I am disappointed that I must give up my last great passion, but I believe that being a true man is knowing when to move on. As my Pop once told me, “Admit when you’re wrong and you’ll never be in the wrong.”
I would like to take this final opportunity to sincerely apologize to the public for my inexcusable actions this past weekend. I would specifically like to apologize to the MIT runner who had a sizable lead - you were running tough for a woman and I deeply apologize for taking your race away from you.
With regret,
Jim
Formerly “Pace Cart” Jim