One More Take on Boston

Ok, I promise this will be the last I write about the Boston Marathon Registration issue. I have now read many blogs, articles, posts, rants on the subject. Mostly I have read the people who did not register. I don't know how many people have BQ times. I am 100% sure though that there are more qualifiers than spots available in the race.

So what do those folks do who are shut out of the race in years when it doesn't sell out in 8 hours? Do they complain as much as the ones I have been reading this week?

I don't want to diminish the anger some of these people feel, but on the other hand, races sell out. That is a fact. For years I listened to people complain in Chicago about not registering in time. This would be in April, and the marathon would sell out in 3 months. They couldn't log in and register within that amount of time?

I have missed being in races because I was too late. Yeah, it sucked, but I figured there will be other times, other races.

Qualifying for Boston never means you automatically get to run it. Some people sound like it is a given they would be in it. No givens in life.

Am I sounding harsh? Perhaps. I am still stinging a bit from the anti-charity comments I have read online. Really? A runner should be ashamed to run Boston as a charity runner? Ouch? No shame on my end if I am granted a spot. I would consider it an honor.

So to the folks who did not get in Boston this year - there is next year. Log on early and keep trying until you get in. If you worked hard to qualify, work just as hard to get in.

Charlie