Marathon Pundit: Chicago Marathon statement on Sunday's race released

Earlier today Carey Pinkowski, Race Director of the Chicago Marathon, released his statement on Sunday's race. He should've had this out a few days ago--runners are an obsessive lot, and I'm certain thousands of them visited the Chicago Marathon site wondering when there would be some sort of explanation of what happened--and didn't happen--on October 7th.

The shirt is of course not officially licenced Chicago Marathon gear, it comes this way from Kansas Jayhawk, and you can purchase one at the new Chicago Fun Run site. a back-of-the-packer who encountered several empty water stations on Sunday--but still managed to finish.

As for the shirts, the operator of the website says portions of the proceeds will be donated to the family of Chad Schreiber, the Michigan runner who died in the race.

From the Chicago Marathon site:

Dear Runners,

For 17 years I have been honored to serve as Executive Race Director of The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, a race steeped in a 30-year tradition of providing the ultimate marathon experience for runners.

The record high temperatures and humidity at Sunday’s race made for a challenging day for marathoners. The conditions on Sunday presented me with the single most difficult decision I have ever made as race director. While that was a frustration to many, I stand behind the decision to end the race early– it was a necessary safety measure. However, I also recognize that because of the conditions and my decision, many of our runners did not have the experience they trained for and expected.

As an organization dedicated to providing the very best experience in the industry, the results have left us disappointed as well. Our team has spent the last several days reviewing the details and we are listening to runners, staff and volunteers. Rest assured that we take the day’s events - and your comments - seriously.

We are reviewing all details and feedback as we plan to continue the tradition of our race in 2008 and beyond. Offering the best experience possible to runners always has been our priority and it remains a commitment of the highest importance.

My personal gratitude goes to each of you, as well as to staff and volunteers, for participating in the race this year. I share in your disappointment, if you did not have the experience you expected.

I certainly hope to be able to greet you at our finish line in the years ahead, in the grand fashion that has characterized The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon for so many years.

Sincerely,

Carey Pinkowski
Executive Race Director

running

run

Marathon Pundit

Friday, October 12, 2007

Chicago Marathon statement on Sunday's race released

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