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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be unsure about a half marathon

16 replies

maa1992 · 14/03/2020 08:45

This weekend DH is running a half marathon (can't believe it hasn't been cancelled) on Sunday.

We have a 5 month old son (not attending marathon due to CV)

We both have parents with compromised immune systems (MS, diabetes, heart disease)

DH has been saying all week he didn't think it was a good idea, then he's decided he wants to do the run. I would be there supporting him, I'm really not sure about this, AIBU?

I could maybe go into the town centre where the marathon is held and simply go for food and then wait for him away from the crowd, which defeats the point of be actually being there because I won't see him at the finish line.

I don't know, I'm not worried about contracting the virus myself but wouldn't want to catch it then spread it to our parents who likely wouldn't survive. It doesn't seem to be effecting children and babies in the same way but I don't want to risk that either.

Ahh is there a solution other than don't go, or is don't go the only option?

OP posts:
Butterwhy · 14/03/2020 08:56

If its the Bath half marathon then they are being incredibly selfish not to cancel it. For reference, they cancelled it due to a tiny layer of snow before which was melted by the time it would have started. The start line itself with the pens people will be crammed into are by a resedential area popular with the elderly for a start. I wouldn't go anywhere near, it's crowded and stifling at the best of times, as the city is effectively in a bowl pollution etc can't escape so the air quality is bad anyway- the thought of potentially infected people roaming around even is small numbers is not appealing. Quite a lot of people also travel from abroad for it, I would hope they wouldn't if they are from somewhere affected but who knows. I wouldn't go personally. Obviously if it's not bath then ignore.

Original poster
maa1992 · 14/03/2020 08:58

@Butterwhy Liverpool half marathon, I'm very anxious but I think he's going to go ahead anyway

OP posts:
Sirzy · 14/03/2020 08:58

I know the one in Liverpool is offering the option to run it virtually if you don’t want to go to the actual event which I think makes sense.

I’m supposed to be racing next week and will if it’s still on but it’s a small race in the lakes. If it was a big city centre race then I wouldn’t be.

Butterwhy · 14/03/2020 08:59

Ah okay, if you're already local to it you'll have to deal with the effects of it anyway once everyone has gone home so may as well go really. If it would mean travelling I would be inclined to ask him to go alone.

Dulra · 14/03/2020 08:59

Personally I wouldn't go. I think it is madness all these events are going ahead everyone needs to start social distancing. I live in Ireland we are on semi lock down schools colleges creches closed everything cancelled. Outside gatherings of 500 or more cancelled. We need to start taking personal responsibility to stop the spread. No one wants to be Italy in two weeks time and I think the uk is headed that way

Original poster
maa1992 · 14/03/2020 09:20

Best to leave it

OP posts:
TheFaerieQueene · 14/03/2020 09:24

My sister is running the Hampton court half on Sunday. I’m a bit concerned about her doing it, but she has to make the call.

DoubleAction · 14/03/2020 09:25

We have one locally this weekend. They've done their best to avoid crowds in the "admin" areas and as it's a relatively small event, runners won't be held at the start for very long. On the course runners will soon spread out and these events don't get crowds like LM does so it should be possible to stand apart from others as a spectator as long as you don't pick one of the popular spots.

Bestnewshoes · 14/03/2020 09:27

Run it but don't go near vulnerable family for a week or so afterwards.

Runningonempty84 · 14/03/2020 09:48

I think it might be cancelled anyway, tbh. A few halves set to run tomorrow are just being cancelled now.

But if it does go ahead, it totally depends on how important it is to your DH. Is this a key race, for example - part of a club champs? Or is he aiming to get a Championship qualifying time or similar? If so, I'd be on the side of him going and nailing the time, on the proviso he avoids the crowds as much as possible (surprisingly easy while you're actually running) and then gets home straight after.

I wouldn't suggest you go to spectate, though. Why stand in a huge crowd for what could potentially be up to two hours, for no reason? You'd be unlikely to see him finish anyway, and you'd be more at risk of getting - standing still in a big crowd - than he will while running.

HopelessLayout · 14/03/2020 11:58

Don't go and ask your DH not to go.
People's lives are more important than an amateur running race.

ilovedjerrymore · 14/03/2020 12:07

We have a local half marathon in our local town tomorrow that is still going ahead. Local social media page has had arguments on it all night half saying it should be cancelled and the other saying don’t be stupid go ahead.
There will no presentation at the end of it everyone should just immediately go home it says.
Personally I feel it should be cancelled as it’s going to cause large crowds. Sad
We will be staying indoors all day!

Gadgnkk · 14/03/2020 12:17

Selfish and stupid. He should just stay home. The event is absolutely unnecessary and he could obtain the health benefits from running closer to home in a more isolated area.

In 100 years, kids are going to be learning what utter complacent assholes we were about covid.

siddons1 · 14/03/2020 13:03

I can totally understand both sides - if he’s trained hard he’ll be keen to do it if it isn’t cancelled, but at the same time it’s a big gathering where CV is more of a risk.

If he wants to do it, great, but you don’t have to go and support him. Half marathons aren’t that long; he’ll be able to do it and get there and home himself if he’s trained well. I never expect my DH to come along to every race I do; I think it’s probably super boring for him.

Then you could ask him to distance himself from you guys a bit afterwards; use different cutlery, sleep in a different room, no cuddles/kisses/etc for a week?

It may well still be cancelled; hope you guys find a solution if it isn’t!

51Pegasusb · 14/03/2020 13:09

Every event of 100 people and over has been cancelled in NL, this means all parkruns have stopped too ( quite sad as we've only just launched but we understand and agree) I was meant to be running a few races over the next coming weeks , bit every race is off including the Rotterdam marathon/half and quarter. I'm fine with it not going ahead. It's the right thing to do.
I would not go or run right now at an event.

MissBax · 14/03/2020 13:10

I wouldn't go

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