Seems to be some issues with the London Marathon course closing before some people had finished. The BBC news website appears to be giving the story some legs.
Was surprised to see that there were pacers for hr6:30+ finish times and some people finishing at hr7:30+
Am I being mean to suggest that’s walking pace? One “runner” was said they were proud to have “run” the London Marathon in hr8:00!
Anyone have any thoughts?
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Whilst I do feel for the pacer and those she was pacing, I think London should tighten up its time limits so actual runners can get places.
As for actual runners Cal, sorry but that is a bit elitist. Any of us club runners can always run a marathon whenever we like, lots don't even sell out, i.e. Boston(Lincs), Halstead, both of which I'm attempting this year.
The VLM is different and as such we can't really judge it by usual runner standards - don't like it, don't run it.
If people want to walk marathons, there are plenty of LDWA races.
But everyone wants to run LONDON, even if they have no hope of actually running all the way, its just the way it is, and very frustrating for actual runners.
If they tightened up on the time limits, thus excluding the current back of the field 7 hours etc, it wouldn't free up any places for entrants that want to run it at a faster pace, the limitations are on the number of runners that they can cope with at any one time through the finish/drink stations etc. The course is already congested enough.
Most of those at the back are also raising money for charity which apart from the elite race is what London marathon is all about and that is exactly what they want it to be.
If anyone really wants to run London they can, if they fail in the ballot or club draw then take a charity place and either raise the money or they can just fund it themselves, savings or a part time job or just careful budgeting to put the money aside.
nothing unfair about it at all.. Its designed for all and if the organisers say a 8 hour cutoff then its to include everyone who can make that cutoff...
As said above they are the fundraisers and it spreads the whole crowd out... Thats why its hard to get into the ballot if you are 4 hour runner. too many average Joes out there all around the same pace, not enough room on the course and drinks stations..... If they get a place they are as entitled to run or walk it however they want... If people are that worried about getting real runners who train into the marathon... then get training and get a GFA...becuase lest be honest,.. if you are a 4 hour runner you are just mr average the same as a 6 or a 7 hour runner... it doesnt make you more entitled... The crowds dont come out to see your sweaty arse.... they come out for the quick ones and the fancy dress ones and the ones at the back who represent them...
London has to try and spread out the finishers so that they can cope with the numbers. Also a lot of those at the back are raising funds for charity.
London is a charity run with an elite race at the front, and that is what they want it to be.
Many runners that gain a ballot place then run for charity, I did that myself the first time I got into London. The gold bond places will cover runners of all abilities, often unsuccessful ballot entrants will then apply to a charity for a place.
redbikejohn - how can a 7 hour entrant be taking a place away from say a 4 hour entrant? They now allow more entries than ever and they've done that by having wave starts to spread the field out. So they physically couldn't cope with number of starters if everyone put say sub 4 hour times.
Other big city marathons are also difficult to get a place, such as NY and now Berlin too has become harder to get a place too.
If a runner desperately wants to run London, then they can either work for GFA, club place draw or get a charity place. It seems that runners think they have a right to take part in this event but don't want to put any effort in to achieve that.
I would struggle to get anyone to sponsor me for a marathon as I've done quite a few. I did my first marathon for charity although I had a ballot place as it's not difficult to raise funds if it's going to be your first marathon. If I really wanted to run London I would save up for the charity money, maybe alter my annual budget so I can put some money aside, I could get a part time job, if I was desperate then I would find a way.
Luckily I don't have to do that as I've no wish to run London again. Eleven years ago I took part in an event that required me to raise £2K before allowing me to take part, I pledged that I would pay any shortfall. I didn't have a shortfall as I did raise that money and I did it because I really wanted to do that event, it was important to me.