Subject: RE: Early bird no longer gets the work for Houston Marathon I would like to see a guaranteed entrance for runners who have run a certain time. This is the exact same process as the NYC Marathon (ie an open male who runs a sub 1:23 half or sub 2:55 marathon or an open female who runs a sub 1:37 half or a sub 3:23 marathon, are guaranteed entry ), which also uses a lottery system.
If you do not like the lottery system, sign up as a Charity Runner and you are guaranteed a spot.
It is a unfortunate that our race will now be excluding people and that not everyone will be able to race it. Houston has established itself as a great national race, which is reflected in our hosting both 2012 trials. Not to mention we had 6 males run under 2:10 this year. The secret is out that Houston is a great race and the demand to race it is there. I do not think the lottery system will take anything away from the race, quality wise.
Sign up, cross your fingers and wait until August 17th.
Remember, you don't have to be racing to be part of the Marathon. Volunteers and supporters are always needed.
Good luck to all. |