No finish line friends at IM and HIMs (Page 3)

No, but I think adults are equipped to handle the rule-following for everyone involved...

Not an excuse, sorry. I nannied for years. I know what kids are like. Let's not make this a "parents vs non-parents" debate. That's how the last thread on this subject got VERY ugly.

Pretty weak excuse for breaking the rules, if you ask me.

bryancd - 2009-03-11 1:08 PM If you have any friends or family with you at the end of an Ironman finish you most likely didn't train enough.

Heh

bryancd - 2009-03-11 1:08 PM If you have any friends or family with you at the end of an Ironman finish you most likely didn't train enough.

Good one!

I think I found a new sig.

-ak-

HA! Best quote of the day      Words of a true Kona veteran.

x2.

It's one thing to debate whether the rule is a good idea or a bad idea, whether it is enforced and whether those who break it should be DQd.

It's another to say "oh, my kid ran across the finish line because he's six and I can't control him"

Oops - nm.

i cannot imagine a situation where someone would decide not to participate in a tri because their kid can't cross with them.  it's not like they can't be there watching, they just don't belong running on the race course. 

i agree, a finishers chute is for the finishers.

i also can't imagine that this rule came about for no reason..... if ONE kid gets hurt while in the chute that is most likely (legally) the races fault....unless they do what they are doing and make a policy about it.  one court case and that raises all of our costs.  unfortunately this stuff happens these days.

I think crossing the finish line is way over rated!  It's a race...and you lost...not only did you lose but you lost ugly!  You didn't come in 2nd or 3rd...you came in 1,975th place! 

Nevertheless,  people get real emotional about their accomplishment and earned the right to have their finish line experience - with or without friends and family....I don't really care.  But the rules are what they are.  My only beef with the rule is how it is presented...as if's it's not really a rule but "the lawyers are making us say this".

~Mike

Can't say I blame them.  Will be nice if they can enforce it.

You can't do it in almost all running races, so why should it be allowed in an IM?  Just because it is longer???

Thank you for making my point!  We don't do it at other races... why this one?

I also finish line caught and I had several times when the athlete was hit with fatigue the moment they crossed the line and we had to grab the kid, when our attention should have been on the athlete falling to the ground... not safe at all.

Plus, I don't have kids, but I am going to have a whole group of supporters there at IM Moo 2009... I don't think it is fair that my mom, dad and main supporter with training can't cross with me and get in their pictures and moment.

But that is just me.

So we'll make it illegal everywhere but Clearwater?

KSH - 2009-03-11 7:30 PM

popsracer - 2009-03-11 10:21 AM I'm not sure about the safety aspect of it. How many people have actually been injured because of this? It seems like its motivated more by griping of other athletes that have had to finish alongside or behind someone and his three kids. I could see this more as a safety concern in a shorter distance where I have seen many sprints to the finish. "In response to ongoing athlete feedback, Ironman has chosen to adopt this policy to ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers and fans." As far as the ability to enforce, they say they will DQ anyone who violates the policy. It would be my preference not to finish amongst the Brady Bunch.

Screw safety! I don't want someone with their kids in my photos!

ditto...I haven't done IM but I don't like ANYONE in my finishing photos of all of the other distances, unless it is a guy and he is BEHIND me!

Here, look at their faces.  They spent the whole day outside waiting for just a glimpse of me.  They little ones up past their bedtimes working on no naps, my wife juggling a 4, 3, 1yr old and my parents for 11:11:39.  Not one of them complained they didn't get to run across the finish.  Each one of them took pictures with me and all of them were super freakin happy to be a part of the Ironman experience.  They didn't leave Panama City Beach sad because they didn't cross the finish line they were freakin happy they were there for the moment.  This picture was taken not 5 minutes after I finished and when you talk to them today about that day they still smile like I just came across. 

My family is just happy to be there, and i'm happy to have them there.

(IM Family1_3.JPG)