marathon a thorn

From STForum posted on 9Dec09(http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_464059.html)

Dec 9, 2009
Qualifying time will separate the runners from walkers

I REFER to Monday's report, "Next step in the marathon - a bigger people's event".

Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Community Development, Youth and Sports, and Transport) Teo Ser Luck said he wanted the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon to be a bigger people's event.

I am all for having healthy events, but judging from last Sunday's run, I am against the idea of making it any bigger because it would inconvenience others.

Mr Teo mentioned other countries having smaller numbers for their marathons. Maybe it is because the participants in those events are real runners, unlike in Singapore. From what I saw, many people were just walking most of the way.

The organiser should allow only true runners to participate. Maybe having a minimum qualifying time would separate runners from others who are there for the walk. After all, this is a major event in Singapore.

Also, have the marathon in a place where there will be minimal disruption to other activities. I would not like to join an event that will be a nuisance to others.

Alan Lim