Thank you very much for responding to our email. Let us tell you what we know so far, and what we are doing.
We have heard from about 65 runners who went off course, and many have different reasons for taking a wrong turn. We know that elite runners were led off course by the lead vehicle, and it looks like it snowballed from there. Those in sight of the elite runners followed, and then well-meaning bystanders, volunteers and police misdirected others. We learned of the problem from a race official as it happened, and we were able to get it corrected as quickly as possible. This is no excuse, and we sincerely apologize.
We are talking to USATF, the governing body of road racing, to help us determine the correct course of action. This may take a few days, so please be patient with us. We will do what is right, and we will make whatever changes are necessary to ensure that this never happens again. Under consideration already are a course change and greater separation in the start time between the marathon and 10K.
We appreciate your comments - even the harshest and most critical. We are listening, and we will make changes to make our race better for you, our runners. Many of the people who put this race together are runners, too, so please know that we feel your pain and we care.
Again, thank for responding and sharing your experience with us. We will be back in touch with you as soon as we have a decision about the best course of action we can take.
Sincerely,
Ralph A Staph Race Director
I'll post any new information I get from the race director as soon I get them.
I guess the Marathon director is receiving all kinds of complaints from not only the 10K runners but also the marathoners as well. Runners were directed to run on the sidewalks after 5 hours on the course and after 6 hours aid stations were gone, police support gone, and race cones gone but according to race information, quote "Official times of the 26.2-mile competitive foot race are maintained for 8 hours". People will be calling this 30th anniversary of the Cleveland Rite Aid Marathon & 10K race as the "marathon mistake on the lake" for sure.
6 comments:
What a shame! Think of all those folks where this was their FIRST race experience...not good. Not good for any of you out there. Hope the right the situation.
At least it sounds like they're taking the complaints seriously. I just hope they use this as an opportunity to make this race better. It really has so much potential to be great.
that is too bad, but as long as they learn from it...
Here's hoping they do more than admit they messed up and actually make amends. Have a fantastic holiday weekend.
Oh dear... Hope they will indeed do the "right thing". May be harsh to expect them to give a full refund given that they probably still need to pay for the entire event and helpers... But having the lead vehicle go the wrong way is really inexcusable.
It was a bummer to hear about the race. I'm glad and surprised to see the race director apologizing and trying to remedy the situation.
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