Racer Question

btsinmd

Last weekend I ran in a race, as did, it turns out, 84 other people. I was just about in the middle (50th). I pretty much went through most of the race with a husband, wife, and child. The child, a 12 year old girl, was pushed through the whole race. She had to be, due to whatever was wrong with her.

The girl enjoyed the race, as did her parents, and a younger brother and older sister. I was glad to see her there. It was funny to hear her complain when her father wasn't going fast enough for her.

On the other hand, when they posted race results, she was 2nd in her age group (under 19 - female). This seems strange to me. Am I being unfair? Is it wrong for me to think that a child who actually ran, or at least propelled themselves should have gotten the placement? This is a local, small time, race. The girl went from the start to the finish in the time given. I saw her. I would never say anything to her, her parents, anyone involved in the race, etc. This is not a critism or a complain, just my personal reflection. But, do you think that she deserves the placement?

likitisplit

I totally get what you are saying. Wheelchair runners who push themselves, sure. A category for running teams, fine. Getting an award because your dad is strong...doesn't seem right. However, it's allowable under RRCA rules:

Pushing disabled athletes in a sport chair has become more and more popular. From time to time, RRCA members have struggled with having a “no stroller” policy and complying with ADA accommodations for events. If the persons seeking to enter the event meet any age restrictions placed on participation, then the event needs to make reasonable accommodations to allow a disabled athlete to be pushed in a wheelchair in the event by an able bodied participant. This is in accordance with providing access to the event. It is the discretion of the event whether this team is one registration or two. Waivers should be signed by both participants or the participant’s legal guardian. If the participants seeking to enter DO NOT meet the minimum age restriction for the event, then the event director does not have to allow them into the event as this would violate the events “no stroller” policy. While sport chairs are not strollers, a participant that does not meet the age restrictions does not have to be given special treatment as an able bodied person below the age requirement would not be allowed to run.

For example from a real world scenario: A 5K has a strict no stroller policy and an age requirement of 6 years old for the event. A family demands to push their disabled 2 year old in the event under ADA access requirements. In this situation, the event does not have to allow the toddler in the event, because the child does not meet the age requirements for the event.

For example from a real world scenario: An athlete requests to be pushed by an able-bodied athlete in a half marathon. The athlete requesting to be pushed is over 25 years old. In this case, the event needs to make every effort to try to include this team of athletes.

http://www.rrca.org/event-directors/guidelines-for-safe-events/challenged-athletes/

romyhorse

I can see both points of view. I think I would be annoyed if my child was running and got beaten by someone being pushed. But on the other hand if it was my child in the wheelchair I would want them to experience the joy of taking part in a race and getting a medal and I wouldn't want them to be discriminated against because they are unable to push themselves.

btsinmd

Yeah, I guess my opinion is that I would like them to get a finishers medal, if there is one, but am not so happy about them getting a placement medal, as I don't feel that they are the one that placed. Which really doesn't make sense, as I do see them as being someone who finished. So, it's illogical, but it's my opinion.

likitisplit

Yeah, I guess my opinion is that I would like them to get a finishers medal, if there is one, but am not so happy about them getting a placement medal, as I don't feel that they are the one that placed. Which really doesn't make sense, as I do see them as being someone who finished. So, it's illogical, but it's my opinion.

I agree that it make more sense to identify the "team" that placed than an individual in an age group. It would be interesting to talk to a race director about the considerations that go into the decision.