More people than ever are participating in races, but times at the top of races have leveled, or in many cases, slowed.
Just this week, a major road race sponsor has dropped prize money for elite athletes. An article in the New York Times, as well as in other circles, suggests that road races be classified as an 'activity' rather than a sport.
As a former politician, I can say I feel strongly...about both positions.
The depth of quality runners has, indeed, dwindled. The sport is graying, and in many local races, the 50-55 age division is more competitive than the 20-24 age group. My longevity has enabled me to look at road racing from the glory days of the late 70s and early 80s, to the latest running boom.
Our sport, and it IS a sport, is a big tent. I believe we can, and should embrace runners of all abilities, but, we should also encourage elite, gut-splitting efforts, the kind epitomized by our hero, the late Steve Prefontaine, who once declared, "Somebody may beat me, but they are going to have to bleed to do it."
We have become an "everybody gets a trophy" society, and certainly, everyone should be recognized for putting forth a good effort in any endeavor. But, in sports, like in life, there should be special kudos for those who excel above and beyond the rest. There is going to have to be a delicate balance achieved in our sport if we are to reward our elite runners, yet keep running a people's sport.
Not paying elite runners in a major road race series is just plain wrong. One of the great aspects of our sport is being able to line up in the same race with Ryan Hall, the Kenyans, and legends like Joan Benoit Samuelson. No matter how well you golf, you are NEVER going to play in the same tournament as Tiger Woods.
But...we cannot do anything to discourage even one of the 40 million plus runners who participated in road races last year. We live in the fattest society in the history of the world, yet there are more than 40 million people competing in races, and many more who choose to run without competing. We need to celebrate and applaud their efforts.
In my book, "Running Shorts: A Collection of Stories and Advice for Anyone Who Has Ever Laced Up a Pair of Running Shoes," I talk about my friend, John Ausherman. Each year, in August, in his hometown of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, he holds a memorial race in honor of his father, a former Marine, and pioneer of running in the region.. John is a running purist, who, like me, excelled during the first running boom. His race is a distance of 5 miles. He offers over $10,000 in prize money, unique pottery for age divisions, including an over-80 category, and each finisher receives a commemorative medal. He has it right. His race encourages world-class competition, (the course record is in the low 22-minute range), and he offers amenities to all runners of all abilities and ages.
Back in 1977, I once traveled from my home in eastern Pennsylvania to a race in Greensburg, at the western end of the state, a four hour drive. I finished in third place and came home with a t-shirt, and a medal the size of a half dollar. Today, I can find a half dozen races, on virtually every weekend, within an our of my home.
Being a product of the first running boom, a am completely content with this second running boom we are all a part of. Let's get as many people into this big tent as we can. Let's reward our top performers with the perks they have worked for and deserve. Let's all keep running faster and more frequently.
Who can argue with that?
No comments:
Post a Comment