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Finish with kids/family???
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 2009-08-15 8:15 PM |
Veteran  161  |  Subject: Finish with kids/family???Alright everyone, I know this is a hot topic. Ironman has officially said, "you will get a DQ if you do it!" We live in a democratic society. Let's see how it lands, do we want it or not? Edited by TC3 2009-08-15 8:16 PM |
| 2009-08-15 8:17 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
| Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? TC3 - 2009-08-15 6:15 PM Alright everyone, I know this is a hot topic. Ironman has officially said, "you will get a DQ if you do it!" We live in a democratic society. Let's see how it lands, do we want it or not? Well, WTC is not a "democracy." Not sure they care what we want in this regard. |
| 2009-08-15 8:18 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
Veteran 161 | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? Good point. Edited by TC3 2009-08-15 8:21 PM |
| 2009-08-15 8:26 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
Master 1240  Knightdale/Raleigh | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? I think the size of the race makes a big difference. Iron Man events could be dangerous for the little ones and we should think about those finishing around us as well. I had one great experience finishing with my son who was 4 at the time. It was a very relaxed race and was perfect for it. He tried to finish a half mary with me before that. He came out and stuck his hand up while I was sprinting flatout to try to make my time goal (got it with seconds to spare), I thought he was high fiving me and I almost knocked him down doing it. Turns out he had seen other kids run in and wanted to finish with me. I gladly would have missed my time goal to make him happy, I just didn't know. I still feel bad about that. |
| 2009-08-15 8:26 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
Master 1457 MidWest | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? Before June 21, 2009 I would have said let them run in with their families. kids, pets, etc. Now, however, I have seen the finish line at IMCdA and realize why they changed the rules. The finish line is lined with catchers when the athletes come through to help them through a VERY BUSY area. There are camera crews right there, along with all of the volunteers and medics. At the beginning of the race it is pretty spread out and MIGHT work, BUT at about the 12-15 hour mark it gets very busy and congested. trying to take care of an injured, dehydrated, or otherwise injured athlete is of utmost importance. Trying to do that with people who are super excited for their athlete in the way is detrimental to those that have finished and are in the area and to those that are entering the finish line area in need of assistance. |
| 2009-08-15 8:32 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
Champion 10157 Alabama | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? I'm usually a 'let the people have fun' kind of guy but the finish shoot is like a funnel and it get's really tight with runners and volunteers and medical people. I think the DQ thing is a crock. Why treat this rule so much more harshly than drafting or other rule infrations? The easy answer is just to tell participants that family members will not be allowed to cross the finsih line. Period. If a person approaches the finish line and they are not wearing a wrist band, they will simply be turned back....just like they do in the transition area. ~Mike |
| 2009-08-15 8:36 PM in reply to: #2350994 |
Master 1240 Knightdale/Raleigh | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? Rogillio - 2009-08-15 9:32 PM I'm usually a 'let the people have fun' kind of guy but the finish shoot is like a funnel and it get's really tight with runners and volunteers and medical people. I think the DQ thing is a crock. Why treat this rule so much more harshly than drafting or other rule infrations? The easy answer is just to tell participants that family members will not be allowed to cross the finsih line. Period. If a person approaches the finish line and they are not wearing a wrist band, they will simply be turned back....just like they do in the transition area. ~Mike That would likely work better. As long as I finish, what does it matter if they DQ me? I'd know I finished and had fun. |
| 2009-08-15 8:38 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
| New user 476 | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? No one belongs on the course besides the participants and officials. What other sports/athletic events do you see something like this? Can you imagine a baseball player having his family round 3rd base with him after he hit a home run? A NASCAR driver pulling over so his kid can hop in to take the checkered flag? Come on, you family can great you after you finish. |
| 2009-08-15 8:41 PM in reply to: #2350994 |
Science Nerd 28760  Redwood City, California | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? Rogillio - 2009-08-15 9:32 PM I'm usually a 'let the people have fun' kind of guy but the finish shoot is like a funnel and it get's really tight with runners and volunteers and medical people. I think the DQ thing is a crock. Why treat this rule so much more harshly than drafting or other rule infrations? The easy answer is just to tell participants that family members will not be allowed to cross the finsih line. Period. If a person approaches the finish line and they are not wearing a wrist band, they will simply be turned back....just like they do in the transition area. ~Mike It does seem to be an overly severe punishment. Maybe they were afraid people wouldn't take it seriously and this is their way of addressing that. |
| 2009-08-15 8:47 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
Champion 9600 Fountain Hills, AZ | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? Really? Again with this topic? PLEASE, new users use the search function. |
| 2009-08-15 9:05 PM in reply to: #2351015 |
Master 1457 MidWest | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? bryancd - 2009-08-15 8:47 PM Really? Again with this topic? PLEASE, new users use the search function. Come on, Bryan! Don't be a sourpuss! I have to admit, that as a newby, I found the search function to be hard to figure out. Besides, you don't know what key word to finish because it could be worded in different ways in the subject line. Are you in taper?!?!?!  |
| 2009-08-16 4:50 AM in reply to: #2351015 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? bryancd - 2009-08-15 8:47 PM Really? Again with this topic? PLEASE, new users use the search function. If you'd like, I'd be glad to send you marmadaddy's response to those who say "use the search," or "create a sticky." (But I'd have to search for it). In the meantime, if you don't like the subject of a thread, then avoid it. |
| 2009-08-16 6:55 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
Master 1690 Metro NY Area | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? Did the kids/family complete the event? No. They don't belong in the chute. Let them stay on the sideline and cheer or run the last 1/4 mile before the finish area starts with you. |
| 2009-08-16 7:01 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? No families and kids. BUT... they should let the athlete take pictures with his/her family with the IM backdrop. I was not allowed to do that Kentucky and I wanted a picture with my entire support crew with that backdrop. If the put is some place not close to the finish line it would be feasible. |
| 2009-08-16 7:05 PM in reply to: #2351954 |
Master 2404 Redlands, CA | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? If they didn't have a DQ, then everyone would do it. No one bringing thier family through is trying to win the race or qualify, so they would care less about any minor penalties. I'm not for it, I've just had too many problems with people going on the course (I took a 8 year old kid out) and its best left to just the competitors. |
| 2009-08-16 7:56 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
Veteran 281 | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? The reason for the rule was explained at Ironman New Orleans. It was explained there are two main reasons for the rule. 1) Interference with other athletes. example given: an athlete is running with their 5 year old and about to cross the line when another athlete, not looking for a 5 year old that should not be there, runs over said child trying to cross the line. 2) Safety. example given: At an Ironman last year (can't remember the race), a father picks up his 6 month old to carry across the line. In his exhausted state the athlete collapsed while carrying the child. They did not give the status of the child but did imply it was not good. It is of my opinion, given these examples, the rule is a good idea. I'm just sayin... |
| 2009-08-16 8:10 PM in reply to: #2350955 |
| Veteran 142 South Jersey (Cherry Hill) | Subject: RE: Finish with kids/family??? I'm no where near ready to complete an IM, but I'll offer an opinion. I see both sides. Once there is an exception to the rule (kids, spouse, sig other), then where does that end (co-workers; friends)? In totality, allowing children onto the course could pose a dangerous situation not only for the children, but also for participants attempting to finish the event. On the other hand, having young children, I understand the desire to want them to participate in the celebration. It is quite an accomplishment to finish an IM and something that ought to be celebrated by loved ones in as close to the moment as possible. But, my vote would still be in favor of keeping the code as is, despite seeing your perspective. |
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