Slowest runner at the race

Stiang

So I have completed my 3rd 5K in three months and this was the best/worst one....best, because I ran a lot of it (1 mile, followed by two 5 min walk/run interval, then finished the last K running - 42 minutes!), worse because they had no one at the finish line waiting to cheer anyone. People were leaving and everyone else were just standing around talking - no one was watching for runners/walkers that were finishing. I don't know why, but that REALLY bothered me today. Instead of getting a water, I went straight to my car and came home.
What is the best response for this event? Is this typical? My first 5K, which I walked with a friend, had people at the finish line cheering whoever and whenever they crossed the finish line (yes, they were ringing those cow bells, which is better than silence.) The second was a free-for-all, with tug of war and egg toss going on while the runners/walkers were finishing - but they had people cheering (throwing colors) near the end. Was it just the amateur nature of this 5K or should I expect this from now on?

MeanderingMammal

Can't comment on this myself, but you might be interested in this discussion in the Lond Distance Runners group.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1318611-back-of-packers?page=1#posts-20391719

rduhlir

Each 5K is different. Some will have people who will stick around and some will have people who finish and go straight to the festivities afterwards. Usually the smaller races don't have many cheerleaders. And by smaller I mean <300 runners. You just have to take each with a grain of salt. Congrats on doing such a great job, but you shouldn't let the lack of outward motivation trample the inward. In the end the biggest cheerleader is yourself.

CarlaMomOf4

That sounds like a terrible race event. I'm sorry you felt that way and that the other people treated the race with such disregard. I feel as though people including the organizers of the event should be present and motivating to each and every runner regardless of whether they are in first or last place. I have done 6 races so far and have had great response at each one and I'm usually near the end of the runners. Stay positive, I think you will be happier at the next race you run. Maybe an email complaint to the organizers of that race would help make you feel better too. I certainly would say something. Best of luck in your running success!