Yesterday I participated in the Aware 10km race. Last year's race took place on a bitterly cold day. The ice almost necessitated its cancellation. This year's race ended in a complete shambles. Just before the race began the race director announced that it the race would only be 9kms. No explanation, just a perfunctory statement that Aware announced it to everyone the previous evening. It subsequently transpired this statement was a line on their own website. Most people did not become aware of the truncated race until they came upon the finish at 9kms!
I completed the 'race' in 34:58, and fancy I would have secured a new PB of 38:?? if chaos has not ensued. Aware has issued no explanation for this nonsense. Rumours suggest that the organisers had positioned the original finish too close to the St. Mary's hospital ambulance entrance and alternative finishes had the same problem. Whatever the reason it is unacceptable. While I acknowledge is it a 'charity run' it does attract a not insignificant number of non 'funrunners' who are happy to raise and/or donate money to a worthy cause because it provides a good opportunity to compete. Henceforth I will no longer participate in this or any other charity organised event. Their attitude to the sport and organisation borders on the disrespectful.
Mileage w/c 7 December: 51
5 comments:
Thats a bummer 10k, but not as bad as the Blackpool marathon last year that turned out to be just 25.7 miles long! ;[
Yes, it would be much worse had it been a marathon, which would much more likely be people's primary goal for the previous six or twelve months. At least saturday's 10k was a good workout and not my primary goal. I'll stick to club run events henceforth.
Great 9k PB all the same. Although it may be a long time before you get the chance to better it.
I have taken part in a couple of charity events that were appallingly organised, so I can definitely see where you are coming from. However, refusing to participate in ANY charity event from now on is a bit harsh. There are still some that are well run and worth it even from an athletic point of view.
Yes, Thomas, you might have a point there. Once my annoyance subsides I will probably reconsider. It was at least a good bonus workout, and combined with a long run the following day I can still feel some residual effects in my legs.
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