Is the Marathon losing its mystique and prestige because of stragglers who finish the event in 6 plus hours? I came across this very interesting article (below) which looks at this from various perspectives.
https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/sports/23marathon.html
Personally, I strongly encourage people who wish to take up running and guide them on taking it nice and easy so that they can build an aerobic base, get in decent shape and only then focus on performance. I have nothing against very slow runners/walkers and it's great that they are doing something to gain fitness.
However, I don't think people who are only capable of 14 minute miles (6 hour marathon pace) should be attempting a marathon because of the following reasons. This does not apply to disabled people.
1. People running 14 minute miles (brisk walking pace) have not put in the months of training and the hundreds of miles required to 'Run' a marathon. The rigorous training is where one makes lifestyle changes and becomes fit....race day is just a vindication and celebration of the training that one puts in.
2. If someone is running 6 hours pace, it would take them around 4.5 hours to complete their 18 to 20 mile long runs. I don't think that is practical and if you have not done those long runs....it means that you are not trained or for enough to take on the marathon.
3. Just as someone would tackle small hills, and manageable treks before attempting to scale a mountain such as the marathon, an out of shape, inexperienced or untrained runner should first make the necessary investment by participating in smaller distances such as the 10K and the half marathon to gradually increase fitness and only then attempt the marathon after having done the necessary groundwork.
4. Running a Marathon is a prestigious achievement and the mystique associated with the marathon is ruined for the committed and serious runners because of people who straggle along, stop for lunch, walk major chunks of the distance and get recognized as a Marathoner. These people who haven't put in even 25% of the training required to actually run the marathon at a decent pace devalue the whole event, the mystique and the accomplishment associated with running a marathon. It's like doing away with the grading system and everyone in class getting the same recognition.....whatever your time or academic performance (A, B, C or D) you are getting the same certificate or report card as long as you cross the finish line (or do not get an F).
5. Running a marathon and finishing a marathon are two entirely different things. Anybody can complete a marathon in 6 plus hours but it requires huge commitment, training and fitness to actually run the entire distance in a reasonable amount of time. The two are as stark as chalk and cheese and cannot be equated. Maybe, a recognition such as 'Marathon Runner' should be awarded for runners and a separate 'Marathon Finisher' should be given to the plodders.