Say it with me world: A marathon is a long-distance running event of 42.195 km (26.2 miles; 26 miles 385 yards; or 46145 yards).
Thirteen miles is a long way, but it’s not a marathon – it’s a half marathon. If you are in the media and can’t get it right, how will the rest of us?
Wednesday March 29, 2006 @
Yes that would have to be one of my pet peeves too. All credit to her for doing the half, but I can’t believe it took her 2:54! When I saw that, I thought wow what a great time, then I realised it was for a half! I suppose she redeems herself by referring to the half marathon several times later in the article, but that first mention is pretty inexcusable. I also can’t believe they give out medals for a half marathon.
Wednesday March 29, 2006 @
She must be related to me. When there is a lull in the conversation and my relatives want to ask me about my running, they always ask “So, are you still marathoning?” (note: my first REAL marathon is still to come).
Wednesday March 29, 2006 @
Dave, I got a medal at my last 10k. I’m not sure what the thought process is in giving a finisher’s medal for such a short race (or a long one, for that matter). I vaguely knew of the guy who won that race, and he ran 30-flat. Did they give him a medal for finishing? How weird is that?
Wednesday March 29, 2006 @
Mark ditto the previous comments. I loved her statement that she ruined a good pair of shoes with blood. Forget about the finishing medal, the bloody shoe should be her badge of courage.
Your link inspired a full-on post on my site. Thanks!
Wednesday March 29, 2006 @
I can believe it took her 2:54. It might take me 2:54. (might not, though. hope springs eternal!) But I would know better than to call it a MARATHON!!! WHERE is her editor??? And ruining the shoes by bleeding? That’s just kraziness!! That’s like saying you ruined the canvas by painting on it.
Wednesday March 29, 2006 @
I cannot believe she made that mistake – she really should’ve had someone proof her article! I get asked, “now how far was that marathon?” all the time! Ugh.
Unlike Dave, however, I do think that 1/2 marathoners should get medals because a 1/2 marathon is not just any walk in the park – it is a pretty tough endeavor that requires hard work and dedication.
Wednesday March 29, 2006 @
Well, that post certainly touched a nerve. Thanks everyone for your comments. I guess I’m not alone. 
Wednesday March 29, 2006 @
at the end of the article is listed her email address, did anyone write to point out the error of ways?
Pingback by A Passion for Running » looks like i lit a fire
Friday March 31, 2006 @
[...] Looks like my post from the other day set a few people off. [...]
Sunday April 02, 2006 @
Ignorant of sport, but ignorant of history, too.
What’s with these kids today?
File under “World is going to hell”, and join me over in the crumedgeon’s corner. I’ll be the one without the new Mac Book Pro. 
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Tuesday March 28, 2006 @
At least most folks know it has *something* to do with running! It is not a long sale at a store, nor an all-niter event, nor sitting on a flagpole, nor anything else which happens to seem to take a long time.