Three things Thursday already?
- As you all well know, the Boston Marathon sold out within 8 hours of opening its registration. Apparently there was more than one computer glitch standing between runners and their coveted entry spot causing a great deal of panic and sadness as the race closed thousand out. I have just a few things to say about this. a) I think this says something amazing for the running community. For a qualifying race to sell out that quickly shows the interest and dedication to running is higher than ever. b) I understand the frustrations of those who were on their computers in time and couldn’t get through because of the server overload. They have a right o be upset and to express their opinions to BAA. c) On the other hand, it was made quite known that the race would sell it in record time for the past 2 months or so. Therefore, while I feel for them…there is no reason for people who did not attempt to register on opening day to be throwing fits. d) There is no reason to be taking their frustration out on charity runners. I could go one for a good day about this one. As you all know, my heart belongs to charity running. I’ve run the majority of my racers as a charity runner. NO I DID NOT QUALIFY FOR BOSTON WITH A TIME!!! Yes I get that. But I did qualify through my fundraising efforts and success over the past year. Believe me, I know running a qualifying time is no easy feet…either is raising $26,000+ in 6 months. And yes there is the argument “But Boston isn’t about charity its about running. It didn’t begin as a fundraiser. It’s traditionally a race for fast runners”. True. However, it also didn’t start as a race allowing women. Women are not part of its original tradition either. And to blame charity runners for “taking their spot”. Oh get over it. Charities get about 1,300 total entries and start behind everyone else. That extra 1,300 entries may have kept registration open for oh say another half hour? But would have cost deserving charities that depend on the funds raised thousands upon thousands of dollars. So my point is I understand people being upset about not getting in. But that frustration should be directed toward BAA and not toward charity runners. On facebook. It’s not going to change anything. People are saying they are “heartbroken” by getting shut up. In my opinion they should talk to a parent who just found out their child has a teriminal illness, Down Syndrome, or another disability. Talk to a single mother who has lost everything. What about someone who will never run again? Then talk to me about true heartbreak.
- Okay now that I got that off my chest I will be working at the running skirts booth tomorrow at the army 10 Miler booth! Anyone in the DC area going to be there?
- Oh, incase you didn’t get it from #1,
I’m running Boston for charity.
I totally agree with everything you said in number 1! Congratulations =)
Congrats on getting to go to Boston! I don’t think there’s any shame in being a charity runner nor should there be. Personally I didn’t know that you have to start behind everyone else – that actually kind of surprises me since it’s not the norm in other races… I have such respect for charity runners – many are first time half- or full-marathoners and it takes a lot of commitment to train AND raise the money that will get a racer to their big event. I find that I have enough on my plate just training…
I have friends that got into Boston and friends that didn’t (not for lack of trying). Thankfully they’ve taken it well – they’re disappointed, but aren’t bad-mouthing the event. I don’t really think that the issue is that so many people got shut out. There are people every year who don’t get to go regardless of how long it takes to sell out. It just happened all on one day this time around so it seems like more of a big deal.
Just my $0.02
Good point on #1. Have fun in Boston!
You’re a pretty amazing woman, Katye, witha really big heart!
I agree, people need to stop shitting on the charity runners. For me, running a 3:40 is WAYYY easier than raising $4,000. When i did TNT last year i only had to raise $850 bc i was already qualified, and as a qualified runner being around all those non-qualified runners, honestly, i felt more impressed with what they were doing than with what i had done. The charity runners do not take up that many spots and aside from all the $ they raise, they are probably to thank for half the spectators that show up to watch, since many of them are local runners.
The field size for the Boston marathon is 25,000 and guess what, you will see bib # 27,500. there is a set # of bibs for qualified runners, once that # reaches capacity, registration is over. in addition to that, the BAA can give a # to whoever they want, charities, john hancock, poland springs, adidas, running clubs, Boston police department etc.
I think your work is amazing!!!
you’re gonna have so much fun: boston, skirts booth, AND boston! yay!
good for you !!! great post !!!
Thanks for stepping up and speaking your mind. I agree with you~ it’s TOUGH to raise funds! But I think there are those that will complain no matter what… there’s a lot of unhappy people out there.
On to post #2~ HOW FUN! I’ll be visiting the L.A. R&R booth and I’ll think of you! Have fun skirting people!!
Congratulations! I’m in total agreement with you, I can’t believe that people are blaming charity runners for not getting in to Boston. You earned your spot, even if it wasn’t with your marathon time, you worked hard to earn that money and you deserve it! Way to go!
I love this!!! YOu are awesome!! I love that you run for charity and I agree with you on #1!
What race are you running again?!?! HAHA, just kidding. Honestly, people need to stop hating on charity runners. They are easy to single out and sure they are pissed, but what if there were NO charity runners? I am sure people would start whinning about the qualifying times needed to get and say its too easy (and its not). People just wanna whine and moan. JMHO. You are an awesome person with a big heart and you are doing a great thing!
Do you need help getting off that soap box? I need it back! heehee
I think your fundraising is an amazing thing! People make WAY too big a deal out of Boston (and yes I quailified lots of times). I simply don’t have a desire to be part of that race. Maybe someday I will want to be part of such a big event but now I think it would be awesome to have a huge percentage of runners who raised money for charities running it! How great would that be!
I do know that many runners dream of being part of one of the oldest biggest marathons in the US and you worked very hard to get there! So Congrats on all your hard work.
You should definitely be proud of everything you’ve accomplished – you are a rockstar runner and fundraiser!! You are gonna own Boston.
Congratulations on Boston – you certainly earned your spot in a VERY admirable way!!
Congratulations girl, you DESERVE it! After your post yesterday, I checked out the Nike Women’s Facebook and couldn’t believe how many were criticizing charity runners. I had plenty of NON-purple jerseys just start walking in the middle of the road in front of me with no warning at Nike. I think you are awesome reaching your goals, and helping others achieve their’s. THANK YOU!
Kayte I think the fundraising you do is amazing and you should be very proud of your accomplishments! As many have already said, I don’t think anyone’s anger should be directed at charity runners!
Congrats on running Boston!! I’m in the Boston area and always try to ge to the marathon — look forward to cheering you on!
Katye,
As you know, I am a charity runner just like you and the controversy about our place in marathons most likely will never change.
Your points are well stated and one never knows what difference our running will make in the lives of those we run for.
So proud of your efforts!
Some people will always having something negative to say. Good luck and have fun.