Friday, October 9, 2009

Are You Serious?

The Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon women's winner was recently disqualified for taking a water bottle from a friend outside of the official water station. So, the second place finisher moved up to first. Then, that finisher was also disqualified when it was discovered she used an iPod. Now, it looks like the third place finisher will get moved up to first and get the $500 prize.


I can't believe either of the first two were even disqualified. Neither infraction seems serious enough to me to be DQ'd. Someone that knows more about running/racing and rules please explain this logic to me.


10 comments:

Erin said...

I admit to being confused about how people get termed "elites". I know that elites can't do either of the two things those women did because it's seen as giving them an advantage.

Brandi said...

That is crazy to me as well!!! I guess if it was stated in the race rules prior to the race beginning, it's good they stick with the rules but still, those seem a little extreme to get disqualified for.

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

It is a BUMMER...but I am guessing that both runners knew the rules before commiting the DQ crimes.. Funny how the rules are different for the front of the pack runners..

X-Country2 said...

The iPod rule is what's keeping me from becoming "elite". Ha, just kidding. It does seem silly, but rules are rules, I suppose.

joyRuN said...

Thank GOODNESS I never have to worry about that elite stuff ;)

Unknown said...

I'm sure those are the rules and they are well known and published in advance. no outside help. no ipods. and yet they chose to ignore the rules? i guess when there is money on the line, all rules are deal breakers

Jess said...

The first one is a puzzle. The second DQ I can see if the course didn't allow headphones.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

as JoyRuN mentioned, I'll NEVER have to worry about the 'elite' rules. haha but still sucks for them though.

Aron said...

that is crazy!!! but i guess you should know those things being an elite? but in those smaller marathons you might also not know you are an elite you know? never even thought of that!

ShirleyPerly said...

Those are really just the rules of racing. Some races are more picky about enforcing them than others (triathlons are very picky, for example). When prize money is involved, especially, getting outside help or wearing music devices are seen as an unfair advantage.