Ugh, listen to this race nonsense

[scm1011]

The half I'm training for is an inaugural year of a very established local races series (C5K/Cambridge 5K for locals). This series puts on several 5Ks/10Ks/5 milers/trail races per year and has for the last decade. This race is both a 5 miler and a half marathon (DH and I are both signed up for the half). When registration opened, the route was posted as one big loop largely within a scenic state reservation (Middlesex Fells).

Yesterday, less than 3 weeks out, we got notification that the route was never approved and it has been changed to 5+ loops around an urban industrial area. I (and many others) are LIVID. Having literally thousands of runners lapping each other on narrow city streets at various paces, on a 2.5 mile loop with TWELVE sharp turns, when dogs and strollers are allowed, seems like chaos at best, and a serious safety hazard at worst. I will be 28 weeks pregnant on race day. I'm not about this nonsense. The race director is refusing to refund and I'm so freaking angry. I've really pushed myself to train for this, and secured a babysitter already (not easy when the half starts at 7am the same day we turn the clocks forward, so 6am really). The only bright spot is the people posting Fyre Festival comparisons complete with memes on the race's FB page lol.

/end vent 


 

[vcubergirl]

Omg, I would be livid too. I love the Fyre comparison though!

[wawa]

This makes no sense on their part. The best they could do is a 2.5 mile loop?? That sounds like madness. For people who regularly put on 5 and 10ks that they can't find a longer course they can get approved is just nuts.

I'm so sorry!

[eport]

To be fair, when I organized a 5k/10 getting final permission was annoying. It was an established race (over 10 years) with the same course every year. We had to get permission from two cities, one city's park district, and the county forest preserve. All to close 1 street, a bit of sidewalk, and use a trail along the river. Our city did not give final approval until 2 weeks prior to race day (which I was told was normal). It drove me insane.

Oh I would still be angry and very frustrated as a runner, but I bet there is a story behind the move.

[Wines Not Whines]

A half marathon with 5 loops?! The most I’ve ever experienced is 2 loops, and even that was annoying.

[jane6672]

That sounds AWFUL and I would be pissed too.

[cinco]

Yikes! That sounds like terrible planning. I don’t blame you for being pissed (and I’ll probably check out the FB drama for work “research” lol)

[starburst604]

Ugh! Something similar happened with the S. Shore Half Marathon this past November. They had to move it to a new route that I think was 2 or 3 laps. People were SO mad, but I believe they at least offered refunds. I hope it’s not as bad as you think - maybe people will drop out and won’t be as congested.

[Susie]

a 5+ loop race is garbage, I'm sorry.  I would totally do it anyway for bragging rights now that you have the sitter and most of the runs in though.  I did a 5k OWS when I was about the same number of weeks along with DD, and that's kind of a fun memory.  I did it in a workout bikini with my race number ###-1/2 written on my belly in addition to where my race number actually went on my arm and shoulder.

[keweenawlove]

That sounds awful. I'm sorry!

[scm1011]

Feb 20, 2019 19:31:11 GMT -5 eport said:

To be fair, when I organized a 5k/10 getting final permission was annoying. It was an established race (over 10 years) with the same course every year. We had to get permission from two cities, one city's park district, and the county forest preserve. All to close 1 street, a bit of sidewalk, and use a trail along the river. Our city did not give final approval until 2 weeks prior to race day (which I was told was normal). It drove me insane.

Oh I would still be angry and very frustrated as a runner, but I bet there is a story behind the move.

I can certainly appreciate that, but 5 loops around an industrial area is not an acceptable solution. Its so far from what was advertised and is unsafe for such a large field of runners. 

[scm1011]

Feb 20, 2019 20:44:42 GMT -5 starburst604 said:

Ugh! Something similar happened with the S. Shore Half Marathon this past November. They had to move it to a new route that I think was 2 or 3 laps. People were SO mad, but I believe they at least offered refunds. I hope it’s not as bad as you think - maybe people will drop out and won’t be as congested.

I remember seeing some posts about that (The 2014 SS Half was my first half, and I "like" their FB page). This half (Malden) posted that there will be a solution announced this afternoon so we'll see what that is. It better be refunds for those who want them!

I'm looking into alternative halfs, either Hampton Beach the week before or New Bedford the week after, so I'd like to be able to put funds towards that instead. 

[scm1011]

Feb 20, 2019 20:55:01 GMT -5 Susie said:

a 5+ loop race is garbage, I'm sorry.  I would totally do it anyway for bragging rights now that you have the sitter and most of the runs in though.  I did a 5k OWS when I was about the same number of weeks along with DD, and that's kind of a fun memory.  I did it in a workout bikini with my race number ###-1/2 written on my belly in addition to where my race number actually went on my arm and shoulder.

Umm, I would drown before finishing a 5K OWS NOT pregnant, you're a total badass. I'm definitely not going to waste the training (or deny myself the bragging rights ), whether it be this one or switching to another half. 

[wambam]

Oh hell no!

[brooke77]

I hope they offer refunds! I’ve been following the drama on Facebook because I was thinking about doing the 5 miler and friends have already signed up. Their solution is definitely not safe or fun for anyone (half or 5 miler participants).

I’m kinda done with C5K. I LOVE Fellsfest, but their races are getting too big and too expensive. The last Cambridge Half was a disorganized mess, too.

[melmel48]

scm1011 , It was posted on my running clubs facebook that they are supposed to make an announcement today (I think it's today) saying the people who registered for the half can run the 5 miler and get a free race entry to a future race. A lot of my friends are running the half as well and are very upset. I am with you; the loops are not acceptable. Also, if I was training for a half, I want to run a half. Not a 5 miler. I feel for you, K, and everyone else this impacts.

[scm1011]

Feb 21, 2019 10:31:50 GMT -5 brooke77 said:

I hope they offer refunds! I’ve been following the drama on Facebook because I was thinking about doing the 5 miler and friends have already signed up. Their solution is definitely not safe or fun for anyone (half or 5 miler participants).

I’m kinda done with C5K. I LOVE Fellsfest, but their races are getting too big and too expensive. The last Cambridge Half was a disorganized mess, too.

Yeah, they are getting super pricey and I agree that the last Cambridge Half was a mess (but I think part of that can be blamed on the weather conditions; the mud made for a total cluster). They used to be my favorite races, and its disappointing how things have deteriorated over the last couple years. 


melmel48, yeah I'm not interested in running a 5 miler when I've busted my pregnant ass to train for a half. I understand that shit happens but offering refunds is really the least they can do. C5K banks, if they have to take a lose here then so be it.

[melmel48]

Feb 21, 2019 10:41:50 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Feb 21, 2019 10:31:50 GMT -5 brooke77 said:

I hope they offer refunds! I’ve been following the drama on Facebook because I was thinking about doing the 5 miler and friends have already signed up. Their solution is definitely not safe or fun for anyone (half or 5 miler participants).

I’m kinda done with C5K. I LOVE Fellsfest, but their races are getting too big and too expensive. The last Cambridge Half was a disorganized mess, too.

Yeah, they are getting super pricey and I agree that the last Cambridge Half was a mess (but I think part of that can be blamed on the weather conditions; the mud made for a total cluster). They used to be my favorite races, and its disappointing how things have deteriorated over the last couple years. 


melmel48 , yeah I'm not interested in running a 5 miler when I've busted my pregnant ass to train for a half. I understand that shit happens but offering refunds is really the least they can do. C5K banks, if they have to take a lose here then so be it.

I wouldn't run the 5 either. Big no from me. Do you remember when I was injured and you, M and L ran the half and I had to run the 5 miler? I was so angry! And that had nothing to do with the race! I get you. I don't know anything about C5k and didn't know they have $$$$$. 

[labbie]

I would be livid. I've run a 4 loop half through an industrial park and it sucked. Ugh....
I'm sorry.

[shauni27]

I would be so friggin pissed. I really hope they offer up a refund. So frustrating.

[osulori]

Ugh, I'd be pissed too.

[bostonmichelle]

scm1011 I hope they get you a refund. That’s bullshit.

[hurricanedrunk]

Ugh that sounds horrible and not even close to the original advertised feel of the race. I hope you are able to get a refund and find another half that fits your schedule.

[bcv513]

I saw this on the app and knew you were local so I had to read. I just looked up the course. That’s downtown Malden! They are out of their minds. You’re absolutely right that it’s not safe

[melmel48]

scm1011 , I saw their update with the earlier start for the half. Are they offering any other type of compensation, Other than a free race in the future?

[foundmylazybum]

Well, I'm positive this isnt going to be a popular opinion but whatever.


Often in races, things are uncomfortable , they dont go as planned, it's not perfect and we have to adjust.


It's also that way with children.

Here is a perfect mental race simulation.

Instead of getting frustrated and staying so attached to what you believed "should be" an opportunity exists to accept and embrace what is and see what can be. It's fine to upset, but when things dont go the way we planned we dont have to resign ourselves to the worst case outcome.

Just another perspective.

[scm1011]

Feb 23, 2019 16:57:54 GMT -5 melmel48 said:

scm1011 , I saw their update with the earlier start for the half. Are they offering any other type of compensation, Other than a free race in the future?

Nope, that's the solution unfortunately. The half start time is staying the same (7am), but they're bumping the 5 miler start to 8:30 (from 8am).

[scm1011]

Feb 23, 2019 18:49:09 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Well, I'm positive this isnt going to be a popular opinion but whatever.


Often in races, things are uncomfortable , they dont go as planned, it's not perfect and we have to adjust.


It's also that way with children.

Here is a perfect mental race simulation.

Instead of getting frustrated and staying so attached to what you believed "should be" an opportunity exists to accept and embrace what is and see what can be. It's fine to upset, but when things dont go the way we planned we dont have to resign ourselves to the worst case outcome.

Just another perspective.

Thanks for the lecture on my vent. It was just what I needed. 

[melmel48]

Feb 23, 2019 18:54:53 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Feb 23, 2019 16:57:54 GMT -5 melmel48 said:

scm1011 , I saw their update with the earlier start for the half. Are they offering any other type of compensation, Other than a free race in the future?

Nope, that's the solution unfortunately. The half start time is staying the same (7am), but they're bumping the 5 miler start to 8:30 (from 8am).

Ugh. I obviously got the time thing mixed up, but ugh.... Sorry for the aggravation this is causing.

[foundmylazybum]

Feb 23, 2019 19:00:56 GMT -5 scm1011 said:

Feb 23, 2019 18:49:09 GMT -5 foundmylazybum said:

Well, I'm positive this isnt going to be a popular opinion but whatever.


Often in races, things are uncomfortable , they dont go as planned, it's not perfect and we have to adjust.


It's also that way with children.

Here is a perfect mental race simulation.

Instead of getting frustrated and staying so attached to what you believed "should be" an opportunity exists to accept and embrace what is and see what can be. It's fine to upset, but when things dont go the way we planned we dont have to resign ourselves to the worst case outcome.

Just another perspective.

Thanks for the lecture on my vent. It was just what I needed. 

🤷‍♀️ lol. I mean it's obvious it sucks, and you got a lot of confirmation here that it does. I think so too. But what can you control and what are you going to DO about the situation?