Comments (5)

1. 

   Kristine Hinrichs, May 21, 2012

   My heart goes out to the runners who experienced medical issues and those disappointed runners - and the race staff who had to make the difficult decision. However, just for the record... in 2007 when Chicago had their melt-down, the Lakefront Marathon continued and had fewer medical issues than normal thanks to the runners, volunteers, residents along the course, and our top-flight medical staff. Reply
2. 

   Michael Henze, May 21, 2012

   I only see 4 of the 10 times listed on the website that are under 2:35 and only 1 that is under 2:30. There seems to be inconsistency in the application of "Race course is close and no official finish times will be given out" There can not be a women's winner or women's prize money paid out if there is a consistent application of the race organizations ruling. I know of at least 1 woman that was pulled from the course that would have finished under 3 hours, and yet there is a woman listed as 5th in 3:24. I feel bad for the runners ~ But understand as long as the ruling is consistently applied. Reply
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     Thanyalak, July 5, 2012

     10K is a great addition! It's a tough jump from a 5K to a Half (although I did it from 2007 to 2008). I wish there were more 10K races aunrod. It's a great distance for those who want more challenge than a 5K without the full-on training commitment for 13.1 or 26.2. Well done Fargo Marathon! Reply
3. 

   Aaron Schneider, May 21, 2012

   Absolutely the right call to make. You can’t blame the race organizers for making the call, and I’m sure it was tough to do. Particularly in the Spring many of the runners for the Green Bay, Madison, etc marathons aren’t ready for temps near or above 90 degrees. I felt Sean and his team went above and beyond by creating the option to switch to the half marathon (great idea). Plus in these kinds of events, size makes a huge difference. There were around 7,000 runners on Sunday in Green Bay; it doesn’t take long before medical resources are maxed out at an event that size. Weather related issues should be expected for any running event. If a tornado had popped up in the area; than organizers would have had to close the course for that as well. Same goes for record high temps. There is just only so much a race director can do to prepare for extreme weather. Safety has to come first. Reply
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     Michael Henze, May 21, 2012

     Aaron - All the people I have spoke to may be disappointed - But can handle the decision. They all just want consistency. That would mean only 4 people officially finished ~ not the 10 listed on the results page. There should be no women officially finishing. There were women that got pulled that would have been sub 3. I feel bad for all involved. I do find it interesting at how some race would let the race go on and some pull the plug with similar or worse race conditions. Definately hotter races out there. although the race was shut down the line for beer and brats was excessively long even 4 hours after the start ~ 11am. Reply