Sydney Running Festival Feedback To Organisers Options

[Sparkie]

Personally, I felt the event was very well organised, but like anything of this size and complexity, there is always room for improvement. So I am kicking off a thread to capture, discuss (and possibly debate) aspects of the event that didn't go as planned, which should provide some valuable feedback for the organisers (hope you're reading Wayne).

This post has been edited by Sparkie: Sep 17 2006, 04:02 PM

[Sparkie]

I will kick off with preferred runners... Having managed to wangle a preferred start late in the piece, I thought there were a few disappointing elements to this. I can only comment on the 9km Bridge Run - other preferred runners in the longer events may care to comment on their experiences. This is not meant to be elitist, but if you are going to the trouble of having preferred starts, then you should support the concept in your race organisation.

1. Tighten the qualifying criteria. A low bar (35 minutes for 9km I believe - however, this is a secondhand figure, and I could be wrong) meant that some of the limited places were likely to have been grabbed by runners that weren't at this level, whilst very highly credentialled runners had to plead for a preferred start (including a few top 10 finishers). Looking around, I didn't think there were 50 people in the front group, so possibly runners had been given a start, but not realised its ramifications, and lined up with the pack.

2. Police the start. Quite a few runners without starts lined up at the front. Some of these runners were very good, and should have had one, but that's not the point. No one made any attempt to police it, and whilst I appreciate officials are busy, there were quite a few idle ones that could have easily checked numbers.

3. The starting officials should understand the concept of a preferred start. One official told a runner with a preferred start that they were too late and had to line up at the back (fortunately they ignored him). Also, no one made any attempt to acknowledge or marshall the preferred starters - we made our way to the start line mostly because we thought the race was going to start without us.

4. Notify athletes prior to the event whether they have or have not received a preferred start. I know a few people other than myself that had to run around a bit to get their's in place (although I am very thankful to the officials that did - they could have just as easily said 'sorry - no preferred start for you - one year!')

5. If you are going to bring in very good international runners, assign someone on race morning to help them. I had to tell the eventual winner that the marathon had started 5 minutes ago, and he better get running. This should never happen to the number 1 seeded runner. A cab ride and an hour of an officials time is all it takes.

And on a personal note - don't use an airhead like Megan Gale as the official starter. It just embarasses everyone. She has no connection with running, and the judging by the cliched crap coming out of her mouth ("get ready to rock and roll"), was way out of her depth. Attractive and relevent are very different things.

[Will]

The water bags are great, but why put them at the finish where they are useless???

[Fossil]

Obviously a mammoth effort and very well done to the organisers but a few runner's observations to help in future ...

1. Preferred start - I couldn't see where to go so asked an official (whom I recognised as an ANSW official) he told me I would have to squeeze in at the start which I did eventually by stealth. Then I saw the preferred runners ahead so skipped under the tap, over the fence, around the start and got there but sadly no time for proper warmup or stride:-( Also all the preferred time levels should equate across the events - 35 min 8.8Km is nothing like 75min half

2. We knew we would run into the walkers and we did - it was very messy, running off-course around barriers, and cutting across a solid pack at McQuarrie Street exit. The first runners got an escort but we were only a short distance behind and it was dangerous. The Fun runners must start 10 minutes earlier.

Thanks for a good race tho

[vat]

Only two points (well, one point has two subpoints):

- the handling of preferred runners needs attention, on two fronts.
-I sent a letter in with my entry to the Bridge Run asking for a preferred start, and heard nothing back on that front in any of the correspondence back from the organisers, just the confirmation e-mail with my race number and collection details. I picked up my entry on Thursday night as per the e-mail and my racechip came up with someone else's details when checked. After 10 minutes of going to and fro between the guys on the laptops and the chip checker, one of the guys on the laptops asked if I'd asked for a preferred start, and voila, we were good to go.
- I arrived at the race area at about 7:05 for a race start of 8:05. I was hoping to catch the start of the marathon but it took a while to clear the exit of the rail station. Can't blame the organisers for that - truth be told, it's a blessing having the station so close to the start area. Did the usual pre-race stuff, toilet, warm up, etc. Cruised up the start area 15 or so minutes before the start and looked for a race official, weren't too many around. Finally got one who seemed to have no idea that preferred runners had any sort of status, and directed me around the back. I politely suggested he might want to have another go at that. I worked around to the side where I came across some similarly numbered runners (including Freaky Feet) and stood for a few minutes before spotting Brightshoes, Sparkie, Knoxy, Vlad and Easy Tiger and thinking "stuff this, I'll go join them". So, with no objections from any of the officials, I ducked under the tape and joined them. Sparkie's covered the rest of it.

- the organisers need to work out the division between the races. The front of the Bridge Run ran into the back of the 4k Fun Run at the turn off from the Harbour Bridge onto the Cahill Expressway and it was almost a conga-line at times getting through there. Runners at pace dodging between pushers and little tots is dangerous, and the organisers need to come up with a better solution. There was a fall amongst the Fun Run participants at the first barrier off the inside lane of the Cahill Expressway as it arced right at the back of the Toaster, and the Bridge runners were forced to cut up the inside of the blocked off section to get past, copping abuse from an official with a megaphone for doing so. I recognise there's probably an issue clearing the Harbour Bridge by a certain time - perhaps the marathon can be pushed forwards 10 minutes, bringing the fun run forward with it, with clear instructions to the fun run participants to keep to the right AND clear of the lanes set aside for the Half Marathoners.

[Kazads]

I am by no means a preferred runner. I put my estimated time on my entry at 45 min.

I beat my estimate time by a couple of minutes, but the point is that I thought that, due to the self-seeding arrangement the organisers apparently had going on, that I would be able to wait for the start amongst other similarly paced runners. Hmmm...not the case at all!!

I fought for the first 700 metres to get around the walkers / slow runners before I could even get into a pace I could be happy with. I may have slashed my estimated time, but I think of what I could have done if I did not have to swerve and weave around really slow runners / walkers for nearly the first 1km of the race. When I did eventually get around them all, and after dodging the back pack of the 4 km run, I had to push it very hard (by my standards) to give myself a shot a the sub 45.

Apart from the self-seeded arrangement at the start, I think everything else went ok. But if you are racing seriously, and really want to accomplish something from it, it can be very frustuating to have people walking / strolling in front of you, when you are within the first 1 / 5 of the starting hoard!!!!! Catching people within the first 200 metres of the start is really not acceptable and I think that the officials should police this a little more next time.

PS. Megan Gale may be beautiful, but at least I know I would beat her in a race!! Get someone noteworthy next time - she did not even run!!!

This post has been edited by Kazads: Sep 17 2006, 05:19 PM

[Gronk]

I only caught probably 8 of the 21 KM markers on the half course. Er was every KM actually marked ?

Thats my only beef.

[Horrie]

A pretty well organised run. Drink stations could have done with some water bags. Don't see the point of having them at the finish as it is easier drinking out of cups at the end rather than when you are trying to run fast. I spotted most km markers so I didn't have a problem with them.

But the biggest balls up was having to compete with 2/3 seater strollers coming up to the 20km mark of the half marathon. Not what you need at that stage of the race. When one dad decided to cut right across from left to right and almost take out a few runners in the process, I didn't hold back and gave him a serve. But when I told him to be more considerate as we were in the process of racing and to be more careful, I was very surprised with his response that he was 'racing' as well. I must say I was speechless after that.

[Silent Running]

Hello All,

I was happy with the organisation, but the water sachets at the end seemed a bit strange. Also everybody dropped their empty water sachets on the ground. The area around the finish looked abysmal. If runners do not use the bins provided the finish facilities could be withdrawn for future events. Why should people have to clear up after us? It was just lazy and inconsiderate to drop them.

[JoggerK]

After finishing the marathing, queuing for 50m for a medal was a bit off. I could hack a queue for a tshirt. later on the medal people came out of their box and walked ack a long the line. Not sure what the issue is with giving them out near the finsh line or somewhere people are walking past eg the entrance to the recovery area but not in a corner AFTER walking past all the chairs and food places. It definitely crossed my mind not to bother.

Overall though I found everything else pretty good. jellybeans I am sure saved a few lives out there. Powergel was a welcome extra too.

[superflake]

More toilets at the start. The lines were huge. I went before I left home and arrived at the start 50mins before the race and then stood in the line for 30mins. Managed to just make the clothing truck and then the start line.

Water bags if bought must be on the course and not at the finish. Completely defeats the purpose of drinking on the run.

Gronk all the klm markers were in place for the half. I only missed seeing one which was the 10k, but only because I forgot to look.

Trying to find the medal stand wasn't easy as there was only a little sign on a pole directing you to it.

Clothing bags should be in race number colours. Red for the half, blue for the marathon etc. Much easier to find for the event crews.

Thanks for the jellybeans and the gels on course. Excellent! The rest was well done and I'll hopefully be back next year to pound the marathon.

[moh]

Only 2 comments:

1) Need a better method of getting the bags onto those trucks at the start - the lines were huge, stressing out the volunteers, who did a fantastic job organising the bags in the circumstances.

2) Water satchets AFTER the run - what was with that!? Strange indeed.

moh

[Yurtie]

Walking up the hill to the recovery area is a bit painful. It would be nice to have it in a flatter section.

Agree with all the waterbag comments.


Also want to point out my mate Jenny who was the back marker in the marathon. 18 months ago Jenny was knocked off her bike and was in a coma for 4 days. She lost most of her right calf muscle and still has a lot of trouble balancing. This was her first race back and as I saw her approaching the 30k mark, I thought she did bloody well.

[James M]

I was somewhat dissapointed with the finish, after running 42 k's and then being expected to climb to the top of the hill (again) where there were no signs about what to do or where to go. I only found the medal tent after asking a couple of people wearing them and then to have to stand in a queue for 10 plus minutes on trashed legs is very ordinary, i have never run in a marathon where that is the norm.
The organisers should take a look at how the Gold Coast is set up or they may find the number of people entering their Marathon will drop.
Why do i get the feeling that the organisers have never run a Marathon.
I know i will think very hard before i enter this again.
Jim

[Whippet gal]

Good, hard race and a really great atmosphere at the finish! Just a few little grumbles:

Why the water sachets at the end?? I thought the purpose of these was to make it easier to get fluid down while you are running, not while walking to the recovery area (although it was a bit of a hike!)

The elite athlete area at the start was great and I really appreciated it, but it would have been nice if the woman who was in there chain-smoking cigarettes while we were getting ready could have been asked to move. Not nice to get a face full of smoke before a 42km run!

I had no probs getting my medal or t-shirt, once I found out where to find them.

Thanks to all.

[Mits]

Yes, the hill climb was a challenging cooldown for marathoners, so a flat would have been better appreciated. As for the 5 most important things for a marathoner after a race, maybe these could all be placed in adjacent tents in the recovery village so we could go bang...bang..bang...and not waste our precious sore legs on going from here to there in recovery. These should be (in no specific order)....fluids/fruit/bars, finishers medals and t-shirts, massage tent, toilets, marathon bag collection.

All in all I had a great day and loved it! Except all the freebies took too much energy to get to around recovery....

Thanks to post event massage, I'm sure it's every marathoners fav trest in recovery village!

[Rocklily]

This was my first Bridge Run, and as I was really just running for fun, I can't really comment on the competitive side. But anyway...

The Good

Event staff were very helpful, especially regarding lost chips
Nice to get those fruit salads at the finish line (seriously. Think about hands, hygiene and the fact that you get a little fork thing...)
Good course in general, for running and the view.

The Bad

I nth the waterbag comments.
It would be better to let the runners spread out after finishing, because as it was we were forced to slow almost to a crawl, which doesn't work to well for cooling down.
I agree that the timing of the starts needs to be altered. At the very least, they could spread out the starts, or have different starting groups as in the City to Surf. I was about two-thirds to the back (sub-50) but found it hard to go faster than a jog for the first 1km.

The (slightly) Ugly

Lastly, there's the problem of ettiquette, but I'm not sure if the race organisers can do much besides adding some information to the race guide. I had a few near misses and got an elbow in the face at one point; I know this can happen in any race, but it was surprising how many people didn't seem aware of the crowd. Maybe just an announcement at the beginning would help?

Overall, a wonderful race despite my minor whinges. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially seeing how beautiful Sydney Harbour is early in the morning. Thanks to all the organisers, volunteers, spectators, runners (and everyone I've forgotten). Hopefully I'll be in the half next year.

[Virtual]

Great marathon. Understand that the logistics are tough.

1) waterbags mean faster times so put them on the course

2) Bit of a hike to the recovery area. But don't forget melbourne has the same problem.. Going down all those stairs to grab yr bag. In fact the warmdown will probably improve recovery.

The gels saved my fat ass out there today.. Thanks.

[Colin]

As an observer.... where are the results??

Most big races have results online in real time- this can be excused here, but good though it is to know how CR's did, I still don't know who won (some African?) , what exact times of at least top ten, males/females/9km/half/mara etc.

And in response to the perceptions of the race, Sydney may be a major city, but this aint a major 'city race' in terms of quality, information etc. Didn't run so can't comment on the organisation.

[BeesKnees]

As one of the last runners home I can give you a different opinion. At the several of the drinks station there was only water no Powerade, I had gone to the trouble of buying some at the festival and seeing whether I liked it or not (I did). At one drinks station near Oxford st on the return jorney from Centennial park there was no cups, so I drank from a measuring cup that was given to me, dont know how many other people had drank from it (yuck). By the time I had got to the recovery village most of the sponsors were packing up, managed to get an apple from Blackmores.
For most of my race I ran with 2 guys from the UK they were amazed that all the drinks were in cups, apparently they go in races with several thousand runners and everything comes in a bottle (water and sports drink)

[PodRunner]

More toilets and walk thru urinals for guys reduces all queues - missed the start by ten minutes whist waiting 25mins in a queue. Reckon it would have got worse when the 9k hoardes turned up.

Waterbags.

Chaos at the village - agree with previous comments about a linear walk thru. Only found my medal easily as it was opposite the Striders tent.

Noticed the 9k leaders smash into the back of the 4k as I was finishing the half.

Everything else was great. Thanks to the organisers and volunteers.

[Eagle]

What medal?? Never saw the tent or wherever they were.

[Eagle]

Now having read the earlier posts I would also say what Tshirt?? Never saw that either.

[rocky]

the starting line was much too tight, especially for the bridge run, the biggest event. it might have worked in the past, but now that numbers are swelling, it just takes too long to get people moving. i can understand that it needs to be tight for the timing chips to set off, but what about having two gates instead? and if that road's not big enough, the start would be well suited to being on the road that leads over the harbour bridge, just 500m back from where we turned to get onto the bridge. why start uphill in such a crammed area?

when the roads narrow as some do on the course, you need to get people moving early so they can spread out, and that just didnt happen.

and why have the starter + podium on the road where runners could be starting instead? put the starter on the park next to the road! and have two timing gates!

[vat]

As an observer.... where are the results??

Most big races have results online in real time- this can be excused here, but good though it is to know how CR's did, I still don't know who won (some African?) , what exact times of at least top ten, males/females/9km/half/mara etc.

Damn it, Colin - we're so used to the crap results service with the newspaper sponsored races in this town, no-one thought to mention it. You're spot on. That sucks the big one.

[ParkRat]

Lardy,

Generally great race, however a couple of observations:

No officials at key turn around on road beside ES Marks, nothing to stop runners turning early, either deliberately or inadvertently.

Pace runners all over the show. I was running 3.10 pace at 5k and at least one of the 3.30 guys was in front of me. These blokes need to be like metronomes and reliable.

No officials at finish to provide help or guidance, just a bunch of cleaners. Needed someone who knows running to look for distressed runners or to tell finishers where to go for their medals, t-shirts, etc. All very well to say it was in the race pack or e-mail, but most people aren't terribly lucid after 42k and a bit of TLC would have been great (especially for $128).

Having said that, I had a great day, and more than likely will come out of retirement again next year.

Cheers,

Spehry.

[running_saint]

I was up the front end of the 9k and it was an absolute balls-up! The two leaders (Mark Tucker and Tom DoCanto) were so lost in the sea of prams and tourists that when they took the seemingly correct path to the right, shortly after coming off the bridge, they were not redirected by any marshall or official and ended up so far off course that they had to withdraw!! For the rest of us it was ok for a few km's until things really bunched up in the last few hundred metres, making it very difficult to try to sprint for a higher place without putting a toddler in hospital! The announcers didn't even realise that the bridge runners were finishing until well after the top 10 or so had come through. The lesson here is..... Don't start the walkers before the runners!

Other than that I thought it was a great day and it was awesome to see so many people out enjoying our sport!

[Dave]

Pace runners all over the show. I was running 3.10 pace at 5k and at least one of the 3.30 guys was in front of me. These blokes need to be like metronomes and reliable.
Spehry.

Sorry ParkRat/Spehry, can't let that go to the keeper.....

I was one of the 3:30 pacers and was judiciously taking splits, just checked my 5km split which was 24:36 which comes out to 4:55 min/km, certainly not 3:10 pace!!! (in fact bang on to build up some time in the bank for the tougher back half, which was needed)

[moondust]

Pace runners all over the show. I was running 3.10 pace at 5k and at least one of the 3.30 guys was in front of me. These blokes need to be like metronomes and reliable.
Spehry.

Sorry ParkRat/Spehry, can't let that go to the keeper.....

In ParkRat/Spehry's defence - I was a course marshall standing at the traffic lights at the corner of Balmain Road and the City West Link (31 to 32kms), and I definitely saw a man with a 3:30 pace flag who was in front of the 3:15 pace group. I'm absolutely certain of it. But then later I also saw the two who must have been Silverfox and O Runner, running on pace (or so it seemed to my inexpert eye).

There must have been a mix up somewhere, but I definitely saw what ParkRat saw.

md

[Steve 'The Footm...]

I agree with Rocky about the size of the start being inadequate. But how good was it to attact that many runners! I ran from the start to see the half marathoners finish and then ran back to the start again. I missed the start by seven minutes and they were still pouring through the small start gap. It took me at least 4km before I had passed most of the walkers but that was largly because they did not start in the right place. Hardly somethiong that the organisers can be blamed for. The real problem was when the runners turned around and were going in both directions as they needed more than the width of one side of the road.

When it comes to the elite runners area, that was well organised right next to the start and just not that packed with elite runners. I think some direction by organisers about what is being offered would fix this problem. I also think Megan Gale was an excellent choice for a starter as it brought a bit of glamour to the event which is what the vast majority of participants were interested in. They were not all serious runners. If you did a poll of participants in the 9km bridge run then more of them would have heard of her than Craig Mottram.

A great event in my opinion with a beautiful course and wonderful atmosphere. With that many people it becomes a participation event rather than a race. I think a 9km for 'walkers only' might make the run a bit more manageable. The police may not let the road closures go that much longer though.

[Bristol City FC]

I ran in the Bridge run and thoroughly enjoyed it compared to last year, where the organisation in the recovery village was a shambles!
I thought that the organisation of the bag drop off at the start, and pick up at the end was excellent - after last years debacle I was dreading going to pick up my bag, but it was a breeze, everything was there, no queues, friendly helpers, brilliant.
i found the village well laid out, no real queues for anything, picked up medals, freebies, no problem, everything flowed well, and I like the water satchels at the finish, I found people picked them up and kept moving, compared to cups, where they stand there and drink, causing a big crush. I liked having the chip collection up the path, made it so easy, and the walk up the hill was no drama, mind you I did only do the bridge run!
Yes the start is too narrow, its like a funnel, the queues for the toilets are too long, I didnt bother queuing as I was only doing 9k, and the walkers, prams etc a annoying and dangerous, but overall, the organistion was excellent compared to last years shocker, so well done to the organisers!

[Sparkie]

I also think Megan Gale was an excellent choice for a starter as it brought a bit of glamour to the event which is what the vast majority of participants were interested in.

As 50% of Nine's coverage of the event in their news last night focused on her, I can see why the organisers put her in (another 40% was devoted to Phil Kearns). However, I think glamour should be seen and not heard. We really have become a nation of idiots, if this is what is important to us...

[Action]

Pace runners all over the show. I was running 3.10 pace at 5k and at least one of the 3.30 guys was in front of me. These blokes need to be like metronomes and reliable.
Spehry.

Sorry ParkRat/Spehry, can't let that go to the keeper.....

In ParkRat/Spehry's defence - I was a course marshall standing at the traffic lights at the corner of Balmain Road and the City West Link (31 to 32kms), and I definitely saw a man with a 3:30 pace flag who was in front of the 3:15 pace group. I'm absolutely certain of it. But then later I also saw the two who must have been Silverfox and O Runner, running on pace (or so it seemed to my inexpert eye).

There must have been a mix up somewhere, but I definitely saw what ParkRat saw.

md

This could get interesting. Given that O'Runner made all of the pacing flags (to Digger's original design), and only made two 3:30 flags, and he was wearing one of them, and Silver Fox the other, and we know exactly what their splits were.. it seems we have a misread 3:15 for 3:30 flag or a very industrious imposter!

PS - both Luke S and I (the Half 80 min pacers) have some minor recommendations for adjustments to the pacer flags (Mark 4). The flags seemed to have a bit of a problem in a crosswind, but I must say that once out of the cross wind I forgot it was there most of the time.


PPS - and still no results anywhere more than a day later. I trust that the Championchip timing system didn't fail?

[Dave Wongillies]

Dammit, like Eagle, I had no idea there was tshirts. I saw people wandering around with medals, but I couldn't find where I get them and ended up with the Sunday Telegraph like PlodBod.

[andz]

Firstly, this was my 4 half but the first one in 15 years and in Aus. I tried my best to keep up with the 2 hours pace setters at the 12-15km mark but slipped back and finished in 2.07(PB 1.31 in 96). It has been a hard and difficult year getting back into running. Tore my calf 3 times, getting used to my new orthotists, pain in the right knee and trying to loose weight, 15kg heavier since my last half). I can only get better....

I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie that SS showed and displayed during the run. They are friendly, happy and supportive. I may join them soon.

The pace setters are a fantastic idea, however it's up to each and every runner to pace themselves and keep track of their own time.

[langswm]

All-in-all, I reckon this event just keeps getting better and better. Some observations:

1.The Martin Place pick-up this year was so much better than previous years
2. Wouldn't you just love the start to revert to the old North Sydney oval start, rather than that dog of a hill climb for the first 1k we have now. Just a wish, but realise it is logistically impossible.
3.Agree with Pod-so much easier for everyone if they installed walk-through urinals a la GCM to get most of the blokes out of the cubical queues.
4.Half Mara k markers looked spot-on to me. Pretty much saw every one.
5.Recovery area, I thought, was excellent. Magnificent finish down at the Opera House, with the Harbour as backdrop. Also provides a great "funnelling" approach down Macq St to provide fantastic spectator support for the finishers.
6.No trouble at all with bag collection-well organised and great volunteers, plus plenty of them.
7. Medals/T Shirts not hard to find (especially if you were a Strider, as it was right across from the marquee!)
8.Bit puzzled by the waterbags. Seemed to defeat the purpose a bit and it did create a huge mess at the end in the gardens.
9.Finally, how good is it to see so many guys/gals/kids etc just out enjoying it all, whether they were running or not, or just supprting their loved-ones!

Well done Lardy. You should be pretty proud!

[Dave]

This could get interesting. Given that O'Runner made all of the pacing flags (to Digger's original design), and only made two 3:30 flags, and he was wearing one of them, and Silver Fox the other, and we know exactly what their splits were.. it seems we have a misread 3:15 for 3:30 flag or a very industrious imposter!

PS - both Luke S and I (the Half 80 min pacers) have some minor recommendations for adjustments to the pacer flags (Mark 4). The flags seemed to have a bit of a problem in a crosswind, but I must say that once out of the cross wind I forgot it was there most of the time.

My last word on pacergate

I'd suggest that it was actually me that parkrat saw, it was just that parkrat was not on 3:10 pace at 5km. For Moondust I reckon it was probably the 2nd 3:00 pacer that was in front of the 3:15 (there was a bit of a gap between the 3:00 pacers by then), I did check the flags and definitely only 2 3:30's there. Might use a different font for the time flags next time.

Now as to results, given the event's link to the Telegraph I reckon it is pretty safe to say that no detailed results will be on line until the hardcopy has been released, however, they should be able to post the top 5/10 from each race??

[roadrunner22]

This is the third time i have run this marathon and find it to be an extremely well run event for its size.

The event staff i have dealt with have always been extremely helpful, the weather was great, the atmosphear was wonderful and hopefully, with this feedback, it continues to get even better each year!

[whenwouldiberunn...]

Actually there were aspects that were better than an average marathon:
- Drink stations (superb) and on course toilets.
- Course markings, witches hats.

Still had trouble with km markers in the marathon course. But that could have been my eyesight.

Its almost though the Toilets need to be planned better, as it took 30 minutes for me to get into the Toilet with loads of Bridge Runners in front of me.

Recovery area was well done in general.

Waiting 2 hours in the sun for the presentation....hard work considering you want to head off and celebrate!

I think this event has a good future.

[FakePlasticTrees]

In ParkRat/Spehry's defence - I was a course marshall standing at the traffic lights at the corner of Balmain Road and the City West Link (31 to 32kms), and I definitely saw a man with a 3:30 pace flag who was in front of the 3:15 pace group. I'm absolutely certain of it. But then later I also saw the two who must have been Silverfox and O Runner, running on pace (or so it seemed to my inexpert eye).

There must have been a mix up somewhere, but I definitely saw what ParkRat saw.

I was at about the 25k mark cheering people on and I definitely only saw 2 3:30 pacers, Silverfox and O Runner. I had seen the 3hr and 3:15 pacers going through earlier. So the only explanation would be a rogue 3:30 pacer who only was around for the first 5k and last 10k.

[Sparkie]

as it took 30 minutes for me to get into the Toilet with loads of Bridge Runners in front of me.

Another example of not really offering much for preferred starters. There was a porta-loo in the medical area that I think was reserved for elite runners (and I wouldn't call every preferred starter that, but 3rd place outright definitely is), but this was not communicated to runners that could have taken advantage of it. To run at their best, elite runners need a proper warm-up, and this can't happen if they are spending half an hour in the toilet queue.

[Slow As]

overall given the number of runners I thought the marathon was well run. Only suggestion would be to put the medal and t-shirt handout at the end of the finishing shute...I've seen that work well in other marathons. Got to say the medal was curious. Much as I admire Kerryn McCann's running I didn't expect to see it on the medal.

[Bristol City FC]

Another example of not really offering much for preferred starters. There was a porta-loo in the medical area that I think was reserved for elite runners (and I wouldn't call every preferred starter that, but 3rd place outright definitely is), but this was not communicated to runners that could have taken advantage of it. To run at their best, elite runners need a proper warm-up, and this can't happen if they are spending half an hour in the toilet queue.

Sparkie, while I appriciate where your coming from in this, I think some perspective needs to be thought out, unless 'preferred runners' are seen as elitest compared to the rest of us slowcoaches.

I dont think this 'running festival' of 4k, 9k, 21k & 42k runs are viewed as serious competition runs on the racing claendar? I dunno, if I'm wrong then accept my apologies. I can understand preferred runners need consideration for the half and full marathons, but 9k 'preferred runners'? come on, its not even a recognised race distance!

It was supoosed to be a day of fun, not an olympic qualifier for 9k! I think you need to see the event and especially the 9k one for what it is, run hard, run your best, but see that its a race for the community, most having fun, unless you see yourself as above all of that because you faster than the rest of us and dont want to mix with us hoy paloy!!

What next? do you ask for 'preferred' status in 5k runs?, what do expect? heated roads? toilets with gold taps? If your so keen on 'preferred' runners getting special treatment, are you prepared to pay more for your first class service that the rest of us dont get?

Lighten up on the preferred a bit, your still just a runner trying their best, just like the rest of us unwashed!

[rocky]

If your so keen on 'preferred' runners getting special treatment, are you prepared to pay more for your first class service that the rest of us dont get?

firstly i think more toilets in general would be nice, prefered or not.
but yeah, id pay an extra ten to not have to wait for toilets, if that could mean id get to the start earlier and get closer to the front. most people probably would...
more importantly, id pay an extra ten for more toilets and a bigger start line.

[Fossil]

Another example of not really offering much for preferred starters. There was a porta-loo in the medical area that I think was reserved for elite runners (and I wouldn't call every preferred starter that, but 3rd place outright definitely is), but this was not communicated to runners that could have taken advantage of it. To run at their best, elite runners need a proper warm-up, and this can't happen if they are spending half an hour in the toilet queue.

Sparkie, while I appriciate where your coming from in this, I think some perspective needs to be thought out, unless 'preferred runners' are seen as elitest compared to the rest of us slowcoaches.

I dont think this 'running festival' of 4k, 9k, 21k & 42k runs are viewed as serious competition runs on the racing claendar? I dunno, if I'm wrong then accept my apologies. I can understand preferred runners need consideration for the half and full marathons, but 9k 'preferred runners'? come on, its not even a recognised race distance!

It was supoosed to be a day of fun, not an olympic qualifier for 9k! I think you need to see the event and especially the 9k one for what it is, run hard, run your best, but see that its a race for the community, most having fun, unless you see yourself as above all of that because you faster than the rest of us and dont want to mix with us hoy paloy!!

What next? do you ask for 'preferred' status in 5k runs?, what do expect? heated roads? toilets with gold taps? If your so keen on 'preferred' runners getting special treatment, are you prepared to pay more for your first class service that the rest of us dont get?

Lighten up on the preferred a bit, your still just a runner trying their best, just like the rest of us unwashed!

Hi Bristol City FC

I have to respectfully support Sparkie here. However, I do accept your point that it's not a recognised distance (which I why I haven't entered before). But I would not have entered unless a preferred entry was offered.

I have run many runs as 'fun runs' this year and am very happy to be in the middle of a pack and don't expect special treatment but I also know athletes in the 'prefered' category have a very heavy training schedule and can only do a certain amout of racing in the year.

If there were no provision for preferred runners then it's purely a fun run and that's great but if the organisers want to attract the faster athletes by offering 'preferred runner' status then it has to be just that, 'preferred'.

Basically there are 2 races going on with two sets of needs. Running slowly, it's possible to warmup in the race but not with a 3 - 3:30 minute up hill Km at the start.

There is no point in 'prefered' runners trying to compete unless it is at the their maximum effort, and that requires a proper warm-up to avoid rapid lactic build up or injury.

If the organisers what a pure fun run then there should be no invited runners and no preferred runners but once they offer these then it would be reasonable to expect the facilities that are normally provided.

Great day tho wasn't it :-)

This post has been edited by Brightshoes: Sep 18 2006, 12:09 PM

[Bristol City FC]

Hi Brightshoes,

Yea it was a great day!

Look, I've got no axe to grind at all with preferred runners, I wish I was able to run as fast as you guys!
Also, I am quite happy they are allowed to be at the front of the race, I certainly would'nt want to be in the way or slow down anyone trying to be competative, my point was'nt that at all.

My point was it just sounded as it was getting a bit elitest the way others were complaining of lack of special treatment - as if the bulk of runners who enter these runs, ie: the majority of people who make up the entrants, who are not of 'preferred' speed, are less worthy of the few that do qualify for this status, and not worthy of consideration.

My view is the preferred status gets you starting rights, ie being able to be at the front away from 99% of the entrants, so you are not impeded.

Preferred runners pay the same entry fee as the rest of us, but starting at the front is no problem - after that, if you want more special treatment, seperate toilets, personal masseurs etc, then you should be prepared to pay more for it, and if you are, then again, thats fine, as long as the cost is borne purely by the preferred runners and not subsidised by the rest of us.

I'm fine with that, if I was a preferred runner, I would pay for more. I think that even if preferred runners stopped entering these races because they felt they dont get enough consideration, the races would still go on, as most of the entrants are not of that speed!

As in most of life, you get what your prepared to pay for!!

[pronator]

As 50% of Nine's coverage of the event in their news last night focused on her (Megan Gale), I can see why the organisers put her in (another 40% was devoted to Phil Kearns)...

Seven's coverage focused on the traffic disruptions caused by road closures in the CBD. Only a quick mention of the male marathon winner.

[Louie de Fly]

Hi
Bring on the water bags both sport drinks and water
lou

This post has been edited by Louie de Fly: Sep 18 2006, 01:04 PM

[Fossil]

Hi Brightshoes,

Yea it was a great day!

Look, I've got no axe to grind at all with preferred runners, I wish I was able to run as fast as you guys!
Also, I am quite happy they are allowed to be at the front of the race, I certainly would'nt want to be in the way or slow down anyone trying to be competative, my point was'nt that at all.

My point was it just sounded as it was getting a bit elitest the way others were complaining of lack of special treatment - as if the bulk of runners who enter these runs, ie: the majority of people who make up the entrants, who are not of 'preferred' speed, are less worthy of the few that do qualify for this status, and not worthy of consideration.

My view is the preferred status gets you starting rights, ie being able to be at the front away from 99% of the entrants, so you are not impeded.

Preferred runners pay the same entry fee as the rest of us, but starting at the front is no problem - after that, if you want more special treatment, seperate toilets, personal masseurs etc, then you should be prepared to pay more for it, and if you are, then again, thats fine, as long as the cost is borne purely by the preferred runners and not subsidised by the rest of us.

I'm fine with that, if I was a preferred runner, I would pay for more. I think that even if preferred runners stopped entering these races because they felt they dont get enough consideration, the races would still go on, as most of the entrants are not of that speed!

As in most of life, you get what your prepared to pay for!!

Looks like if the toilet facilities are better all-round then everyone will be happy

[Sparkie]

I think you missed my point Bristol - there was a toilet already set aside for elites (not preferred) - but no one told them. They had already done the hard bit.

On a more general note, none of the points about preferred runners I have made would:

a) take more than a couple of minutes of someone's time to implement
B) have any impact on non-preferred runners

Were either of these not the case (onerous demands or effecting other runners), I could understand your issues, but I simply wanted the organisers to do the final 10% that makes the 90% they've already done work out properly.

On the matter of whether it is a serious race, the fact they are offering prize money indicates they want at least some people to take it seriously. No prize money in the 4.5km - no preferred starts - makes sense.

This post has been edited by Sparkie: Sep 18 2006, 01:25 PM