There are a few marathons that like to advertise that they are "walker friendly". Are they really, or is it just good advertising?

Marathon events developed for runners. Runners typically make up 50-90% of the field and, therefore, runners are the market who are financially supporting the event. And, runners are faster than walkers so, the number of hours volunteer coverage is typically limited to the time the majority of runners will be on the course. After that, it's anybody's guess whether there will be aid, support, clear course markers or even medals and finishers' shirts.

How do you know if it's a walker friendly event? First, look at the language on the web site and in published materials. Is the word "walker" used at all? For instance, does the registration form have a check box for "Marathon"? Or, for "Marathon Run/Walk"? That would tend to indicate that the event considers the efforts of both runners and walkers to be equal, speed of completion notwithstanding. But, if the form has a check box for "Marathon" and another for "26.2 Mile Marathon Walk" I'd begin to wonder.

Could I still consider this event? Sure, but with these caveats:

1) Make sure you've done the training, no fudging, no kidding! And, research the event so that you know about any special challenges: is it going to be at high altitude? Will it be very hot or cold? Is it flat? Mountainous? On city streets? Trails?

2) Learn how to pack your own water and aid. If there's plenty for you on the course, great; if not, you'll be well prepared to take care of yourself. Besides, if you've done the training, you know how to do that, don't you?!

3) Take all the precautions you can for medical emergencies in case medical aid is either gone or poorly prepared. Carry a charged cell phone to use to call for help. Make sure you’ve programmed in your “ICE—In Case of Emergency” numbers. Wear ID either around your neck or on your wrist, not on your shoe. Make sure you have your essential medications with you and that you’ve talked to your health care provider about what to expect from your medications if you are doing endurance events in a variety of conditions.

4) Before you plunk down your hard earned cash, send a letter or e-mail to the race director asking these 4 questions. IF, you get a response that leads you to believe you could comfortably do the event, do it and have a blast! If you either get no response or one that leaves you feeling queasy about the event, take your money elsewhere. There are plenty of events out there from which to choose.

THE FOUR QUESTIONS:

One: If I am on the course longer than the specified number of open hours (it should say somewhere in the race description), will I  be allowed to finish?

This doesn't necessarily reflect on the desire of the event to be inclusive. Some municipalities limit the number of hours the race can reroute traffic. If you can't complete the course in that window, you'll be bussed off the course. Other events advertise a specified restriction, but still allow participants to finish. They may ask you to move to sidewalks so streets can be reopened to traffic, but you can continue. Knowing the restrictions will allow you to make an informed decision.

Two: If I am on the course longer than the specified window, will I receive my medal and finishers' shirt?

Three: If I am on the course longer than the specified window, will there be volunteers on the course to help me find my way? If not, how will the course be marked so that I know how to navigate on my own?

Four: Are there any other restrictions to my participation that I did not ask about here and should know about before entering your event?

Let me say here, too, that I am very fond of a quote by Viktor Frankel, author of the book Man’s Search for Meaning. Frankel was sent to a concentration camp during World War II. He lost most of his family and countless friends in the death camps and, wondered why he was spared when so many he identified as equally strong and healthy were not. What he determined was that, when every shred of human dignity is stripped away, “ . . . the last of human freedoms is the ability to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

If walkers want endurance events that are walker friendly in every way, they will have to vigorously support the few that exist and, perhaps, roll up their sleeves and be active volunteers to broaden the scope of runner events so they can become more inclusive. In the meantime, plan to take the best care you can of yourself on every event and exercise your "last of human freedoms" . . . be positive in your heart about yourself and the quality of your effort.

Take a moment each day to,

"leap to your feet . . . lift your fist to the heavens and your voice to the universe, shouting . . . 'I am an athlete!®'"

Go get 'em! e

© 2007 Ellie Hodder. All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited without written permission of the author.