RnR rocking Providence RI Aug 7th, 2011

[DisneyParrothead]

Just want to say congrats to everyone I remember New England rain and it's certainly not easy to deal with.

 

[keenercam]

Wait. They let people get on the bus, get off, and then still finish and get a medal and a time?

That, IMO, is unacceptable. Unless you complete the entire distance on your own two feet (or propel yourself in your chair in the case of wheelchair athletes) you haven't done a half marathon.

Frank - I have no idea whether those people finished and got medals. I only know that we saw them getting off the bus ahead of us.

Here is part of what was in the final race instructions on the website:
The official course time limit for the half marathon is
4 hours (18:19/mile pace). The race will utilize a wave
start; your official time will not start until you cross the
start line. A tail vehicle will follow the last runner at a 4
hour pace. If at any time a participant drops behind
the tail vehicle, the participant will be picked up in
the tail vehicle and transported to the back of the
pack to stay on-pace.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I am really, genuinely upset that people who did not do the entire race have a placement and finished ahead of me, when I did the entire thing. Seriously, that is just not right. I felt so bad to be off my pace, and this was a tough race for me. I just kept slogging it out (literally), and then finished slower than I have all year.

I know I shouldn't care about what someone else did, but it puts a very sour taste in my mouth. When I saw very elderly people passing me full of energy, I was kind of surprised, but now it all makes sense....just the idea that you can be transported ahead if you fall behind feels wrong to me.

Ok, now I'm going to let it settle in and decide if I still feel this way...but as of right now, why would I ever do another one of these "races", and I'm using that term loosely?

Maria

 

[J3nn78]

I also do not like that. I honestly could not imagine even wanting the medal if I was not able to legitimately finish.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I just read on another thread that they did the same thing at the Chicago RnR, so apparently that is the policy for these races.

This was my first non-Disney Half. For those of you that run a lot of races, is this a normal procedure? Should I expect this in other Halfs? Honestly, I'm very sour on the whole "racing" thing right now. I am looking forward to Princess because I know I will finish where I should. How ironic it would be if the only "real" races were Disney races! It's not that I'm fast or expect to be, or need to come in a certain place. Actually, it's the opposite. I know I am a slow runner - but if everyone behind me is getting on a bus and moving up and finishing, it really doesn't seem like as much fun to me. Perhaps I need a more global perspective, but from where I am right now that was not right.

That said, I am so glad I got to be with WISHers and see you all on the course! Everyone was so wonderful, and I love the WISH community! I'm just not sold on RnR right now...

Maria

 

[mousemgr2]

Wait. They let people get on the bus, get off, and then still finish and get a medal and a time?

That, IMO, is unacceptable. Unless you complete the entire distance on your own two feet (or propel yourself in your chair in the case of wheelchair athletes) you haven't done a half marathon.

That pretty much sums it up. It was really upsetting. I'm fine with being a back of the packer. Actually, I am quite proud that I am at least in the back of the pack rather than being back on the couch. BUT, it disturbs me that people who were not keeping pace were moved ahead of me, not once, but several times. The required pace was a generous 18:19/mile. My friend and I were maintaining a 16 - 17 minute mile (depending on the hills). We finished almost last. It's no surprise since so many people were moved ahead on the course. I could have finished way ahead of what we did if I had a bus ride every so many miles.

But, I could not have taken a medal because I wouldn't have earned it. The combination of the hills, rain, and some health issues made this a very difficult race but at least I can say I finished it because of my determination not to quit.

I have already signed up for several Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathons> I just have a completely new opinion of them.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox. Other than the Sag Wagon, it was a fun event. I think the best was seeing all of the W.I.S.H. folks.

Susan

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I just read on another thread that they did the same thing at the Chicago RnR, so apparently that is the policy for these races.

This was my first non-Disney Half. For those of you that run a lot of races, is this a normal procedure? Should I expect this in other Halfs? Honestly, I'm very sour on the whole "racing" thing right now. I am looking forward to Princess because I know I will finish where I should. How ironic it would be if the only "real" races were Disney races! It's not that I'm fast or expect to be, or need to come in a certain place. Actually, it's the opposite. I know I am a slow runner - but if everyone behind me is getting on a bus and moving up and finishing, it really doesn't seem like as much fun to me. Perhaps I need a more global perspective, but from where I am right now that was not right.

That said, I am so glad I got to be with WISHers and see you all on the course! Everyone was so wonderful, and I love the WISH community! I'm just not sold on RnR right now...

Maria

Good to know since I was considering the Dallas RnR at some point. That would totally make me angry too, knowing I had put in all the minutes and yet others didn't. I'll also echo J3nn78; I wouldn't want the medal if I didn't finish everything.

 

[FireDancer]

I just read on another thread that they did the same thing at the Chicago RnR, so apparently that is the policy for these races.

This was my first non-Disney Half. For those of you that run a lot of races, is this a normal procedure? Should I expect this in other Halfs? Honestly, I'm very sour on the whole "racing" thing right now. I am looking forward to Princess because I know I will finish where I should. How ironic it would be if the only "real" races were Disney races! It's not that I'm fast or expect to be, or need to come in a certain place. Actually, it's the opposite. I know I am a slow runner - but if everyone behind me is getting on a bus and moving up and finishing, it really doesn't seem like as much fun to me. Perhaps I need a more global perspective, but from where I am right now that was not right.

That said, I am so glad I got to be with WISHers and see you all on the course! Everyone was so wonderful, and I love the WISH community! I'm just not sold on RnR right now...

Maria

I have done a lot of non-Disney races, including 5 by Competitor, and never heard of this. I thought maybe it was because of the weather and they made an exception but if they are making a policy out of it that is unacceptable.

I wouldn't let it dissuade me from doing a race I really wanted to but it does make me think a little less of Competitor. There are a lot of great races out there so don't let this one bad policy keep you from trying some of them. I think I am going to write Competitor a letter and see what they say about the policy.

ETA: I've just sent off an email through their site to see what they say. I'll update you guys if I hear anything back.

 

[fashionista311]

Whoa - heard about this over at the Princess thread, and had to see what the deal was.

Very surprised to hear this. I've done my fair share of non-Disney races, and never knew this was even an issue. I've only ran one RnR race before - New Orleans this past Feb - and if this went on, I truly had no idea.

It will be VERY interesting to see what happens in Vegas since the full marathon has a 4:30 cutoff...if they end up doing the same thing, I have a feeling there will be a lot of marathoners who didn't earn their times/medals with such strict pacing requirements.

Frank - definitely keep us posted on what they say. I'm very curious!

 

[K80K]

I just wanted to give a HUGE THANK YOU to Cam, Anne and Robert for letting me hang out with them during most of the race. When I told my friends this was going to be my come back race following my back injury they were worried about me being alone and I told them I would most definitely not be and seeing friendly WISH faces moving about my pace I knew I wasn't lying when I told them that. Even when I started to fall off pace some towards the end I was able to keep them in my sights and keep myself moving forward towards the finish line. You folks made my race!

Yes the sag wagon behavoir was disappointing. We were far from off-pace and they stopped near us from time to time and tried to encourage us onto the truck and we stood our ground and kept waving them on. I e-mailed Competitor today to ask if these people are at least DQ'd so that they don't show up in the finisher's results as if they covered the distance in less time than those of us that really pushed through the distance. I will let everyone know what I hear.

 

[K80K]

I have done a lot of non-Disney races, including 5 by Competitor, and never heard of this.

This is actually the third Competitor event I have done where either myself or friends have witnessed it but never before has it been at the volume that I saw at Providence. It happened at least year's Philapdelphia race and also at this year's Nashville.

 

[keenercam]

I just wanted to give a HUGE THANK YOU to Cam, Anne and Robert for letting me hang out with them during most of the race. When I told my friends this was going to be my come back race following my back injury they were worried about me being alone and I told them I would most definitely not be and seeing friendly WISH faces moving about my pace I knew I wasn't lying when I told them that. Even when I started to fall off pace some towards the end I was able to keep them in my sights and keep myself moving forward towards the finish line. You folks made my race!

Yes the sag wagon behavoir was disappointing. We were far from off-pace and they stopped near us from time to time and tried to encourage us onto the truck and we stood our ground and kept waving them on. I e-mailed Competitor today to ask if these people are at least DQ'd so that they don't show up in the finisher's results as if they covered the distance in less time than those of us that really pushed through the distance. I will let everyone know what I hear.

Katie - It was so great meeting you! Your positive spirit was wonderful. I was in such great company at the back of the pack.

Yeah, I was kind of embarassed that the buses kept stopping to ask us if we wanted a ride even though we were NOWHERE near the pacing limits. I'm glad we all had the courage and determination to remain on the course and push to the finish.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Katie - It was so great meeting you! Your positive spirit was wonderful. I was in such great company at the back of the pack.

Yeah, I was kind of embarassed that the buses kept stopping to ask us if we wanted a ride even though we were NOWHERE near the pacing limits. I'm glad we all had the courage and determination to remain on the course and push to the finish.

Yes! That is the true WISH spirit! I am so pleased to know the WISH athletes -- it did take courage and a great deal of determination to stay out in the Flood, and every time I saw another WISHer, there was a big smile, a "Go Wish!", and a happy feeling that we were doing it!
Maria

 

[FireDancer]

This is actually the third Competitor event I have done where either myself or friends have witnessed it but never before has it been at the volume that I saw at Providence. It happened at least year's Philapdelphia race and also at this year's Nashville.

That is unfortunate. I guess my normal finishing time is fast enough that I have just never noticed because I've done Nashville twice and Phily and this is the first I'm hearing of it. It was 2006 and 2009 so maybe then they didn't do it. None of these people will ever effect my time or placement and it doesn't take away from my or anyone else's accomplishments but there is just something wrong about it to me.

 

[kim3339]

a great deal of determination to stay out in the Flood,

I love that quote!!! Especially at the end of the race when you pretty much had either said forget it I'm already soaked and walked through the lakes on the sides of the street or in the middle on the few spots that were filled with water.

I'm really upset about the wagon thing too. I saw it, but just thought they were picking people up and taking them back to the finish line. I can't believe they were just moved up, finishing faster than me and other people only having run half the race and in half the weather. Getting hurt and stopping at the med tent and getting a ride back is one thing, but to act like you finished the race on your own, is just wrong. Why not just have the wagon at at Mile 1, and drop them off at the finish line so they can win the race.

Aside from that, is anyone else having problems finding race results? I keep inputing my info and nothing comes up? Not that I am expecting a great time or anything, but I would like to know me time.

 

[fashionista311]

This is actually the third Competitor event I have done where either myself or friends have witnessed it but never before has it been at the volume that I saw at Providence. It happened at least year's Philapdelphia race and also at this year's Nashville.

Well they better change their policy before the Vegas full marathon, or there's a huge issue on their hands- I posted this in another thread, but I think it merits discussion here, too.

Their time is 4:30 limit for the full marathon in Vegas. So if they "help out" ppl and give them official finishing times of 4-4:30 they might be giving someone a BQ time they didn't earn (BQs start at 4 hours for women 45+)

Considering the BAA lists the Vegas race as a qualifier on their site...yeah, I would say we have a big problem here.

 

[tiggerunner]

Well they better change their policy before the Vegas full marathon, or there's a huge issue on their hands- I posted this in another thread, but I think it merits discussion here, too.

Their time is 4:30 limit for the full marathon in Vegas. So if they "help out" ppl and give them official finishing times of 4-4:30 they might be giving someone a BQ time they didn't earn (BQs start at 4 hours for women 45+)

Considering the BAA lists the Vegas race as a qualifier on their site...yeah, I would say we have a big problem here.

Wow, 4:30 for a full seems off. All of their other races have 7 hours for the full.
I really hate to see this because I don't want a medal that let's people just cross the line to receive one. My daughter is doing her 1st half this year and training on target. Her GOAL is to finish in the designated time and finish well.

I will say as an experienced runner I have had the DNF due to injuries and would never want the medal.
Boo to any race that lowers the standards

 

[WDWFAN9]

First off, I had a blast at the half, even soaking wet it was fun. I was very impressed by the number of volunteers and their enthusiasm at the water stops. And, as always, seeing WISHers added to the fun!

As far as advancing participants, I know that in the past Disney has transported people forward and they received medals (even though their official website says otherwise). I think RnR started doing this in Chicago after they took over the Chicago Distance Classic, which had a four hour timelimit, but their race has a 3.5hr limit. Jim and I didn't see it happening in Providence, but what a shame. I can't imagine taking a medal I didn't earn, because really, who are you cheating?? No one at this point is going for an award. It is troubling that so many people took advantage of the fast-forward.

 

[TEK224]

Hi All!

I'll echo others' sentiments about the weekend. It was great seeing the other WISH-ers and having dinner together. I know we're a fun crowd, but I was worried my nephew would be bored. He had a blast (and this was his first time hanging out with us). He was talking about having dinner with everyone and how they did in the race. Thanks for making him feel welcome.
I might even get him to do the WDW half.

AS for the race, it was a tough one for me. I had my slowest time of all the 1/2's I've done. The hills were tough, I was waterlogged and woefully undertrained. But I did suck it up and finish. My legs were really sore after the event. My quads hurt the most (probably from the hills). But it was also my first long distance race back from an injury, so I'm just happy I finished.

I had the SAG wagon pull up beside me around mile 9 or 10. I knew it wasn't to stop me because I was at a 15-16 mpm pace. I saw people in the van. Then it pulled up a little further ahead of me and 2 people got out and started walking on the course. I so don't like this policy. As someone who has been swept before, it's not a good feeling. So to see people getting a lift ahead on the course, who will finish with a so-called better time than mine, is annoying.

Since I already know I'm not winning any awards for the race, I'm really doing the event as a challenge to myself. So even if these "cheaters" finish ahead of me, my goal is to finish in official time, be able to walk afterwards and meet whatever time goal I set for myself.

There was a lot of construction work being done around the city. It seemed kinda dead, especially at night. We did go geocaching and found 3 of the 4 we were looking for. Of course the furthest away was the one we couldn't find.

All in all it was a fun weekend and good to see everyone!

Terri

 

[fashionista311]

Wow, 4:30 for a full seems off. All of their other races have 7 hours for the full.
I really hate to see this because I don't want a medal that let's people just cross the line to receive one. My daughter is doing her 1st half this year and training on target. Her GOAL is to finish in the designated time and finish well.

I will say as an experienced runner I have had the DNF due to injuries and would never want the medal.
Boo to any race that lowers the standards

I agree it's a bit of a ridiculous time limit (I personally wouldn't sign up for it unless I was damn sure I could run a sub-4 hr marathon because as we all know, crazy things can happen between miles 20-26) - but it's because the race is now a night race, and they are shutting down the strip...so it was the compromise they could reach with the city