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[BamaEd1]

I don't know what's worse, DNF or a Not Allowed To Finish. I was having a great race, on pace for a marathon PR (sub-5 hour) and feeling great at the Country Music Marathon when the organizers shortened the race due to inclement weather. They made the right call; I'm not disputing that. However, I trained well and was running great and feeling good and was not allowed to finish. What's worse, I was directed to the 1/2 finish line and, because of my bib, they gave me a full medal anyway. I don't feel like I deserve it. While I'm in marathon shape, I was thinking about doing another one, but after checking every race site that I know, there are none within driving distance and I can't afford a plane ticket. I'm going Goofy in '11 but right now, I feel so unfulfilled. Four months work for a marathon and getting to run about 14 1/2 miles SUCKS!

 

[APrunner]

First, it is great that you finished 14 1/2 miles, and were still feeling good. You knew you were going to finish, so feel good about that.

Use this to get you fired up for the next one, even if it is a ways off. You feel unfulfiiled now, that will make finishing the next one feel that much more awesome.

 

[windwalker]

Ed there should be some in the near future near you. If nashville is within driving distance for you there are some other amrathons this year. Go to Nashville Striders web site for a race calander.

By the way, I did Nashville last year and decided on the Louisville Derby race, our weather was great. Luck of the draw.

Dave

 

[Cindylou]

Ed,
So sorry to hear about this. I can't blame you for being disappointed. The training you did will serve you well for your next race, so all is not wasted. Good luck.

Cindy

 

[disney_mommy]

Ed, that sucks big time! You trained for the full and were fully intending on running the full, so I wouldn't feel too bad about getting the full medal. Now you just have an interesting race story to tell your race friends.

 

[FireDancer]

I didn't hear about the weather, what was it that caused the race to be stopped, bad rain? After the heat of last year Nashville has had a couple of unfortunate years.

Sorry to hear about the set back, you'll get it next time. Look at the bright side, it wasn't an injury that stopped you.

ETA: I looked and saw it was a tornado situation, that is unfortunate but they have to be proactive in a situation like that. Are they offering any partial refunds or special discount codes for the 2011 event?

 

[wtpclc]

That just sucks! Very good of you to be understanding about the reasons, but that doesn't make it suck less. I cannot comprehend how disappointing that is.

 

[MouseDogMom]

Ed - I completely feel your frustration. All winter I told myself that Myrtle Beach would be my spring half marathon (post-Goofy) that I would train for and set my PR for the year. Everything I'd heard about the course said it was fast and flat - perfect race conditions. So when we woke up that morning and heard the race was CANCELED due to snow, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was the 3rd race in a row (4th if you count both Disney races) that I'd had out-of-the-ordinary weather situations, but we never imagined they'd actually cancel the race.

They still held the post-race party, and handed out medals. Many of us ran on the course that day (I did close to 13 miles), so I somewhat feel like I deserve the medal, but it still feels strange when I wear the shirt that says "Myrtle Beach Half Marathon 2010." There was no race this year. And I know people who were planning to BQ during the full, and were completely denied that opportunity.

But in time, you do start to forget that it wasn't a normal race, and the memories take over, and you remember the good parts. I had a great run that day - absolutely beautiful weather (the snow melted almost before the scheduled race start time), good friends, terrific party. So lick your wounds, be glad that you understand why the race committee had to act in the way they did, and keep looking for another race between now and January. I was already registered for a local half in March, but couldn't get my mind set to train for it, yet PR'd anyway. And I'm already registered for Myrtle Beach next year!

Jackie

 

[ultramickeymouse]

As an RD of a Marathon/Half, you have to do what is best for everyone and applaud the Race Management. As for discounts/refunds, it is impossible to refund and offer discounts after all monies are spent. Acts of god can't be planned. Just check Disney's waiver!

 

[BamaEd1]

ETA: I looked and saw it was a tornado situation, that is unfortunate but they have to be proactive in a situation like that. Are they offering any partial refunds or special discount codes for the 2011 event?

I got an email from the Rock and Roll people offering a $50 off coupon for next year's race or any R&R event this year. They are also opening up 50 spots (full only in races that are already at capacity) in May races for people not allowed to finish but I can't afford to get to California. It is very generous and, like was posted earlier, they didn't have to do it. Thanks for the encouragement everyone.

 

[FireDancer]

I got an email from the Rock and Roll people offering a $50 off coupon for next year's race or any R&R event this year. They are also opening up 50 spots (full only in races that are already at capacity) in May races for people not allowed to finish but I can't afford to get to California. It is very generous and, like was posted earlier, they didn't have to do it. Thanks for the encouragement everyone.

I figured they would do something. While of course it isn't necessary the good publicity is worth the expense, especially in a community like running where these kinds of things aren't forgotten.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I got an email from the Rock and Roll people offering a $50 off coupon for next year's race or any R&R event this year. They are also opening up 50 spots (full only in races that are already at capacity) in May races for people not allowed to finish but I can't afford to get to California. It is very generous and, like was posted earlier, they didn't have to do it. Thanks for the encouragement everyone.

With a major sponsor(aka deep pockets), it is great they can do that. Don't expect Disney to ever do that. Just read their disclaimer