To think organised runs are pointless?

[ineousa]

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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)

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Ok, wasn't clear to me you were specifically NOT talking about elite athletes. so should these races only be for elite athletes then?

What about the sense of accomplishment from competing in the middle of something special with crowd spectatorship?

Usually you would be training near home, people would know where you are and you would know the local services?

Yes you can, but it cannot be officially verified if you are trying to break records.

@ineousaFor me, yes, it’s mainly the atmosphere and the buzz you get from it. I have never run very long distances but there’s a huge difference between plodding around a park doing 10k and being on a course with people cheering you on. It’s addictive.

Even fairly (high standard) average runners need a time to qualify for other races in things like ‘good for age’ categories etc.

“I don’t want or value it so it’s pointless.” 🙄

clearly lots of people value having an event to work towards, to be accountable and to make it a ‘special’ run. Some people raise
money for charity, some people like the competition with others. Some people like to run specific routes with closed roads.

mainly, some people are not like you.

But that is part of the reason for organised races in the first place - for people to progress to become elite athletes. Great for average runners too, but it's how people go on to become world class.

I’m talking about the majority of people who run in these events - amateur, average runners.

Have you misread my post? Where did I say they should only be for elite athletes? Don’t put words in my mouth.

You a raise money for charity just by running. You can have something to work towards just by running. Not sure about the competition element, the few very elite runners are the only ones in competition.

But maybe it’s that people enjoy closed roads instead of paths. I find it bizarre.

Well, 50,000 people this morning think differently. I have done the marathon go and support most years and did the virtual marathon during lockdown. It really wasn’t the same my time was much slower as well because you go round in a mass. There’s something wonderful about doing it with so many people experiencing the same thing. On a smaller level, I know someone who park runs because of someone to pick them up if they have an episode. I know women who do it because they feel safer. I do it for the milestones and to find new places to run.

Go run on your own if that makes you happy, but lots of people like just the opposite. Both are okay.

How absolutely joyless. If you’ve been to the finish lines then you also know how wonderful it is to see the community spirit and people cheering each other on. It’s a sense of togetherness and unity.

whats next? What’s the point in concerts when we can just listen to the albums at home?

How sad.

Horses for courses surely? Organised runs aren't for you, so don't do them 🤷‍♂️ Some people like the sense of occasion of an "event" and the social aspect of running with many others.

I didn't say that at all. I asked a question! Hence the question mark!

And your OP didn't mention average amateurs, so hence part of my first response. I didn't misread anything.