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Original poster

To think organised runs are pointless?

89 replies

ineousa · 26/04/2026 17:19

They’re too busy, it takes forever to get there and forever to leave because of the sheer scale of people. You can run a 10k, marathon or half marathon any time you like. Why bother with an organised route?

OP posts:
Ca2026 · 26/04/2026 17:33

For the support of the crowds and the cheers as you pass the line. The hype after the event when everyone is walking round with a medal feeling pleased with themselves and sometimes if you have an illness or injury to make sure you don’t give up in front of 1000s of people where as if you were running alone you would have snuck home quietly and not finished.

GoodVibesHere · 26/04/2026 17:33

Arlanymor · 26/04/2026 17:27

Strangely enough the Olympic qualifying committee won't accept whatever your smartwatch says as it's too easy to tamper with. How do they know you didn't do the route on a bike or a scooter? Same as why when you break world records you need to do it during an officially planned race - not three laps around your own back garden. Surely that much is obvious?

Show quote history

TBH I'm thinking of the thousands of average runners, rather than olympic-level athletes.

Original poster
ineousa · 26/04/2026 17:32

Mumsntfan1 · 26/04/2026 17:30

It's not pointless. You don't enjoy it which is fine but plenty of people do. Not all races have masses of people.

I do enjoy running. I don’t enjoy trying to get to and from starting and finishing lines that are heaving with people.

OP posts:
Original poster
ineousa · 26/04/2026 17:31

mynameiscalypso · 26/04/2026 17:28

I can’t run any more but there’s a really special feeling when you line up with a group and all start running together. Running can be very solitary (which is why I liked it frankly) but all of a sudden you’re part of some thing bigger. Plus there’s more adrenaline (and medals)

So it’s the atmosphere that’s the draw?

I run and people are always asking why I haven’t ever ran our local half marathon. I’ve been to greet people at the end and it is hell on earth getting to and from the finish line. I can’t see why anyone would want to do it after running.

OP posts:
Mumsntfan1 · 26/04/2026 17:30

It's not pointless. You don't enjoy it which is fine but plenty of people do. Not all races have masses of people.

Octavia64 · 26/04/2026 17:30

It gives you a goal to train for
you can combine it with going somewhere else
it’s timed
yhe atmosphere.

i don’t run I swim but I’m doing the great north swim this year.

user1471548941 · 26/04/2026 17:29

Running a marathon without support is largely dangerous. Having run 5 of them, the sides of the road ALWAYS have numerous people in medical tents or even lying in the road being attended too.
My first marathon a man collapsed and died- he was a far better runner than I am and I will never forget it. The marathon should be respected and I am ALWAYS grateful to the volunteers and marshalls who keep us safe!

JoshLymanSwagger · 26/04/2026 17:29

Arlanymor · 26/04/2026 17:22

Because officially organised routes will clock your times effectively, efficiently and are subject to the right scrutiny. They have the right medical support on hand for people who get into trouble - not the same if you're doing your own little run on your own. And it can be the difference between someone qualifying for the Olympics or not.

For example: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/68869869

I'm sure a runner will come along with a more comprehensive response before too long, but these are the key reasons that come to mind.

No adult human in the UK would be running those kinds of distancing without a smart watch.

Who needs a medal?

You run against yourself, don't you? to improve your own fitness.

Original poster
ineousa · 26/04/2026 17:28

Arlanymor · 26/04/2026 17:22

Because officially organised routes will clock your times effectively, efficiently and are subject to the right scrutiny. They have the right medical support on hand for people who get into trouble - not the same if you're doing your own little run on your own. And it can be the difference between someone qualifying for the Olympics or not.

For example: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/68869869

I'm sure a runner will come along with a more comprehensive response before too long, but these are the key reasons that come to mind.

Im clearly not talking about Olympic standard runners - I suspect they’re not sitting on overcrowded public transport or in traffic jams trying to get in and out.

And people have to train for these events, and there’s no one there for support during the training runs, so why do they need them at official runs? You can easily clock your own time now too.

OP posts:
mynameiscalypso · 26/04/2026 17:28

I can’t run any more but there’s a really special feeling when you line up with a group and all start running together. Running can be very solitary (which is why I liked it frankly) but all of a sudden you’re part of some thing bigger. Plus there’s more adrenaline (and medals)

Arlanymor · 26/04/2026 17:27

GoodVibesHere · 26/04/2026 17:25

Surely in this day and age it's possible to clock your own times with a watch / smart watch etc.

I don't get the need ro run en masse but lots of people seem to enjoy it so who knows.

Strangely enough the Olympic qualifying committee won't accept whatever your smartwatch says as it's too easy to tamper with. How do they know you didn't do the route on a bike or a scooter? Same as why when you break world records you need to do it during an officially planned race - not three laps around your own back garden. Surely that much is obvious?

dunroaminaroind · 26/04/2026 17:26

I’m a fair weather runner but I’ve done a couple of half marathons. The crowd and joyful atmosphere got me to the end.

GoodVibesHere · 26/04/2026 17:25

Surely in this day and age it's possible to clock your own times with a watch / smart watch etc.

I don't get the need ro run en masse but lots of people seem to enjoy it so who knows.

Arlanymor · 26/04/2026 17:22

Because officially organised routes will clock your times effectively, efficiently and are subject to the right scrutiny. They have the right medical support on hand for people who get into trouble - not the same if you're doing your own little run on your own. And it can be the difference between someone qualifying for the Olympics or not.

For example: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/68869869

I'm sure a runner will come along with a more comprehensive response before too long, but these are the key reasons that come to mind.

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