Posted on Nov 19, 2015
Are lifetime bans good for the quality of a sport?
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http://www.runnersworld.com/races/marine-corps-marathon-issues-lifetime-ban-to-runner
This one is near and dear to my heart, because it's a race I actually run. I know the Race Director, and the Operations Director (Used to work with him at my last unit), and this decision is not a light one.
For those unfamiliar, there is a 16 minute / mile pace (7:00:00) on the course, so the "competitor" in question really had no issues with completion. Based on finish times at Boston (3:40:xx), this would have been a significantly easier course. Heck, the qualifying time for a 61 year old male is 3:55:00. He would have made it without cheating.
The People's Marathon (Marine Corps Marathon) has NO cash prize. You are literally competing against yourself. It is a truly great race, and although it is one of the last races that "qualify for Boston" (a "Prestige" race), I just don't understand the idea of cheating yourself.
I've completed the course 4 times. My times aren't great. Not going to lie. I'm not fast. I haven't been "fast" in 15 years. I doubt I'll ever be back in the sub-4 category, but my splits are honest. I just don't get why.
That said, I tend to agree with R. Nealis. I almost want to see bigger repercussions, but I'm not sure if it's because it's personal or because I dislike cheats. The idea of this guy never being allowed in a sanctioned race again sounds really appealing. What's your thoughts?
This one is near and dear to my heart, because it's a race I actually run. I know the Race Director, and the Operations Director (Used to work with him at my last unit), and this decision is not a light one.
For those unfamiliar, there is a 16 minute / mile pace (7:00:00) on the course, so the "competitor" in question really had no issues with completion. Based on finish times at Boston (3:40:xx), this would have been a significantly easier course. Heck, the qualifying time for a 61 year old male is 3:55:00. He would have made it without cheating.
The People's Marathon (Marine Corps Marathon) has NO cash prize. You are literally competing against yourself. It is a truly great race, and although it is one of the last races that "qualify for Boston" (a "Prestige" race), I just don't understand the idea of cheating yourself.
I've completed the course 4 times. My times aren't great. Not going to lie. I'm not fast. I haven't been "fast" in 15 years. I doubt I'll ever be back in the sub-4 category, but my splits are honest. I just don't get why.
That said, I tend to agree with R. Nealis. I almost want to see bigger repercussions, but I'm not sure if it's because it's personal or because I dislike cheats. The idea of this guy never being allowed in a sanctioned race again sounds really appealing. What's your thoughts?
Distance Running
Running
Marathons
Marine Corps
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 6
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I support the lifetime ban for cheating and other conduct that would be a discredit to the organization. I wish professional sports would do this for their problem players.
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I don't get it. Why stylize yourself as a good enough marathoner to go to Boston and then tank?
Even a course cutter has to legitimately train for the event. Ye t all of that work goes out the window when you don't actually run the race.
This is stupid.
Even a course cutter has to legitimately train for the event. Ye t all of that work goes out the window when you don't actually run the race.
This is stupid.
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Well, if he was breaking the rules all these years, then he needs to pay the piper.
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