Dallas White Rock Marathon

I might as well discuss politics, religion or gun control. The iPod issue is an emotional, conflict filled topic that can quickly escalate into fisticuffs if one isn't careful. While I view the issue as a mute (*!*) point, many runners still ask me about it.

The United States of America Track & Field Association adopted Rule #144.3b, which states "The visible possession or use by athletes of video or audio cassette recorders or players, TV's, CD or DVD players, radio transmitters or receivers, mobile phones, computers, or any similar devices in the competition area shall not be permitted."  Whew - that's a mouthful, and at first glance you are probably thinking "Wait, that doesn't outlaw iPods" (or MP3 player). But those items do fall under the "similar devices" wording per the USAT&F.

People say the rule was adopted to promote better runner safety, for insurance purposes, or because the devices named could be used to provide an unfair advantage to an athlete using them. What? - what's that last part about? If you've seen the Tour de France bike race, you probably noticed coaches talking to their riders via small headsets the riders keep in their ears (which is perfectly legal per bike racing rules). Coaching by this means is not allowed per the USAT&F rule.  So in reality while the rule is in place for all three reasons, it was mainly put into place to keep the competition fair for all athletes. I learned from watching the Olympics that rowers are not allowed to use these devices during competition either (this was noted during one of the preliminary rounds when an athlete had the antenna on her boat up during the competition.)

Many races do not allow the use of iPods or similar devices since they are sanctioned by USAT&F, which means among other things, they meet the qualifications to be a Boston qualifying race. It is not a decision the race makes individually, but one they follow as an USAT&F sanctioned race and/or because their insurance carrier requires it. However the Dallas White Rock Marathon will not disqualify runners using these devices for the same reason as the Portland Marathon (http://www.portlandmarathon.org/mp3policy.php): we have a closed course during the competition, meaning no cars, motorcycles, bicycles and such are allowed on the course with the exception of emergency and official race vehicles. If required, we expect all runners would be aware of these vehicles and would quickly move out of the way.

IMPORTANT - However, you, as a runner and competitor in the race, are subject to disqualification should you impede the progress of another competitor in the race. This could happen if a runner gaining on you announces that he/she will be passing on your left, but you're singing along to Big Head Todd & the Monsters - "Boom Boom" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhJA_UgPh9o) while clipping along at a 9 minute pace, and inadvertently step to your left during the upbeat and knock the passing runner to the ground, twisting their ankle and prematurely ending their race. Being somewhat vengeful, they lodge a protest, it becomes known that you were running with an iPod and boom - you're disqualified. The sad part is that you stopped to help this runner, and only continued on after they said they were okay. You finish, setting a PR and qualifying for Boston, only to have it all count for nothing after finding out about the disqualification several hours after you finish.

I tell you the last story mainly to ask that if you do wear an iPod (or similar device), please run smart and with common sense, and be extra careful. We do ask that you not "plug in" at the start and during the first half mile (the most crowded part of the race), or as you approach the finish line (in order to clearly hear any last minute instructions). We want everyone to enjoy and have a good time at the race. The last thing we want is an injury or to have to disqualify anyone.

Marcus

PS: The Dallas White Rock Marathon does not promote or advocate the use of iPods or MP3 players during the race. The comments stated above are the opinion of Marcus Grunewald, and do not reflect the running community at large.

I had an interesting conversation the other morning during a run about the “old days of running”, back around the years leading up to the Dallas White Rock Marathon (early 70’s). Back then it didn’t take much to put on a race, but then expectations weren’t that high either. Most runners just wanted a fairly accurate course and a little protection from traffic. Race t-shirts, finisher medallions, and even aid stations were something that was a real luxury and typically found only at a few of the biggest races in the nation. Each runner had to be self-sufficient, and the burden to know the course, be physically (and mentally) ready for the run, and have whatever supplies needed during the run were all placed on the runner. The organizers would advertise the race (sometimes strictly through word-of-mouth), be there race morning to address the runners and yell “GO”, and take note of who finished in what order as they crossed the finish line. After what seemed like an adequate amount of time the organizers would go home because the race was declared over, even if all the starters had not be accounted for.

Now this of course is a simplified description of the process, but things really were different back then. These days’ runners demand and expect all sorts of things that would have been considered extreme perks back then. And because there is so much competition for your running dollar, if a race doesn’t have these perks the runners complain or don’t enter. This has resulted in higher costs to stage races, both in terms of financial commitment and the number of man hours required. There are still low key races (with greatly reduced entry fees), typically put on as club races, and they foster in this environment as there are a growing number of runners who don’t want to pay for all the frills but just want an accurate course and protection from vehicles. Who needs another cotton t-shirt when your closet already holds more than you could wear in a year?

The Dallas White Rock Marathon will have balloons, confetti, bands, an expo, pre & post race events and other perks, because that’s what the runners want, and as runners ourselves we want to make this race one of the best in the nation.  We have a great course (actually two great courses – the full and half marathon courses), and offer protection from vehicles (a closed course during the event). The perks are added in response to runner requests over the years, as well as observations we make when attending other events.

So have all the perks and added attributes made the Dallas White Rock Marathon better? Say, the 1982 race compared to the 2007 race? Well, most would argue it certainly is more fun. But better? – sure. Anytime more people get involved in the sport of running, it is a sign that it is getting better. All the local marathon training groups have increased in numbers this year, a sure sign that the popularity of running is growing. Selling out last year for the first time with 15,000 registered runners compares very favorably with the number of runners we had in 1982.

It makes the event a huge undertaking, but we’ve learned that the runners who volunteer their time to help put on the event are an extremely dedicated and proud bunch, and we all work together to provide you, the runner, with the perks we would expect in a world class marathon/half marathon race. Let us know how we do.

See ya at the start line -

Marcus

Finally, the 2008 Dallas White Rock Marathon web site has been updated and our first big press release just went out. We are very excited to announce our new half marathon course, which finishes by going down the Katy Trail. For those of you not familiar with Dallas, the Katy Trail is probably one of the best inter-city running paths in the nation! A private organization, manned by dedicated volunteers, took over the trail and has built it into one of the most beautiful and popular running paths in Texas.

We also announced the relaxation of the “iPod” rule.  We worked with USA Track & Field to fully understand the intent of the rule, discussed possible alternatives, and reviewed ways to make the course and the event safe for all participants. Because the course is closed to vehicular traffic within the prescribed race time limit, it was decided that participants will be allowed to use their discretion regarding the use of iPods and similar devices. We are requiring that all participants keep their ears open at the start for wave assignment announcements and final course instructions, and again when they approach the finish line for last minute emergency info.

Did you catch that “wave start” language above?  Due to the popularity of the Dallas White Rock Marathon, the race has grown to a size that requires starting the runners in waves. We have capped our field to 17,000 this year (after selling out at 15,000 last year), but will be starting all three races beginning at 8:00am Sunday morning. Runners will be assigned to specific waves, and will see the wave assignment on their race bib and in their race packet.

For those of you outside of Dallas, I wish you could see White Rock Lake right now – it is a running and biking Mecca! Every weekend there are thousands of runners and bikers out there. The marathon training groups have taken over the lake in the mornings in groups larger than ever before, and it’s a joy to run and listen to them talk about their races and the Dallas White Rock Marathon. The Lake is especially pretty this time of year, especially at sun rise and sun set.

So now we’re down to 5 ½ months to go before race day. There’s plenty of work to do from a race logistical standpoint, but we have a great team working on it and are ahead of schedule. We wish you great success with your training program and hope you achieve your goals and then some.

We’ll see you at the start line –

Marcus