Declaring Your Distance

I got this from the RD of Headlands Hundred, an event I’m running on Saturday:

You risk a DNF if you change distances after the race start. For example, if you are registered for the 100 Mile distance and stop after 50 miles, you do not get an official time for 50 miles but rather a DNF for the 100 mile run.

One of my favorite aspects of this sport is the perseverance and mental toughness it takes to complete the events, whether it be from a runner new to the distance or a grizzled veteran. I respect RDs and events that make entrants stick to their original distance and think it benefits the entire community when they do.

There are many races that allow runners to opt out of the event they signed up for, but still receive credit for running the shorter distance. This is disappointing on a few levels.

First, it puts a tremendous amount of doubt and hesitation in the runner’s head that if they’re going through a bad spot in their hundred, they can always quit and take credit for a fifty. It’s hard enough running past a turnaround for a shorter distance, without compounding it by giving the runners an excuse to bail. “Well, if I can’t do the hundred, I’ll just do the fifty” is not a good attitude to have going into a long race.

Further, allowing runners to enter one race, but finish another, screws up the competitive nature of each. Fine, many people don’t run to compete with others, but some of us do–even if we’re mid packers.

Say you’re running a fifty and your goal is to finish in the top ten. You work your butt off, hit your hydration and nutrition goals, count runners coming back on the out and back or ask aid station volunteers where you are in the standing. You’ve chased down the guy in front of you and fought hard to hold him off from behind. You’ve got this. Sure, you want to finish, but you really want to hit top ten. Elated and sore, you cross the finish line a few minutes behind #9 only to find out that a 100mile runner “wasn’t having his day” so dropped after half way and displaced your standing. Bummer, huh?

It comes down to completing what you said you were going to complete. Getting (not earning) a finish for a fifty when you actually quit a hundred doesn’t make a bit of sense and devalues the efforts of those who pushed through the shorter distance to get to the finish line.

If you’re unsure of how far you want to go or have hesitation if you’ll be able to make the distance, there are some awesome timed events out there and I’d urge you to check them out.

Am I off base?

Disagree with me?

Make the case!

30 Responses to "Declaring Your Distance"

Jeff says:

September 10, 2013 at 8:40 am

I’m with you – I don’t like the option to change distances mid-race. Finger Lakes Fifties allow you to opt up or down between the 50K and 50 miler. Even though registration between the two races is about the same, there are always 2 or 3 times as many 50K finishers because runners don’t respect the distance.
On the other side of the coin is the Oil Creek 100 whose rule is “strike oil or bust.” There are three distances, but you are only counted as a finisher for the race you signed up for – and this is crucial because the 50K and 100K races fill up fast (like, in minutes) and the 100 Mile race usually takes a few weeks. How much would it suck if you didn’t get to run a hundo because thirty people said, “the 100K is full, but I’ll just sign up for the 100 Mile and just do two laps”?

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HeatherW says:

September 10, 2013 at 8:50 am

What about for a qualifier? If someone DNFs a hundred at the 50 mile mark, should that count as a qualifier for an event that requires a previous 50 mile finish?

While I agree with you about the competitiveness aspect, I think there’s enough room in our sport for both types of events. I know many of my friends only had the guts to even attempt a 100 because the TARC 100 offered credit for the 50 if they didn’t make it. Subsequently, some of them DID finish the 100.

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1. eric schranz says:
  
  September 10, 2013 at 8:56 am
  
  To your first question…no. If you DNF an event, it shouldn’t count towards anything except a DNF. I understand the runner still ran a 50 in whatever time, but it shouldn’t be counted towards anything. Of course, that’s up to the RD’s prerogative.
  
  And to your second point, sure there’s enough room for all. I’m not advocating for a legal dispute over the issue, just pointing out the negative aspects that DNFs bring forth. I would never run an event that allowed runners to do that.
  
  ANd good for your friends for finishing TARC, especially if they had trepidation at the start. Nice work!
  
  Reply
  1. Sam Robson says:
    
    September 12, 2013 at 12:58 am
    
    Centurion Running 100 mile events (www.centurionrunning.com) in the UK have in the past taken your 100K split time as a qualifying time for anybody looking at doing the Spartathlon – but only if you finished the race. I got the required sub 10.5 hr qualifying time but got injured and never finished the 100 miler, so it didn’t count. I was a bit gutted at the time, but a DNF is a DNF. I just ran another race to get my qualifier.
    
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joe says:

September 10, 2013 at 8:57 am

I’ve had a guy downgrade from a 100 mile to a 100k which bumped me from a 1st to 2nd place. I have no problem with that. Heck he was pacing for a 100 mile race and still beat me so he deserved it.

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1. Marcel says:
  
  September 16, 2013 at 7:36 pm
  
  But doesn’t that impact your racing strategy? You were under the impression of being in 1st place. Had you known there is another runner ahead of you, had you gone faster? Thinking he goes that fast for 100 miles, you may not consider sticking with him as you think you are in 1st place for your distance.
  
  Reply
Keith says:

September 10, 2013 at 9:18 am

I think it is great to have timed events as an option. My wife and I did the Across the Years with Arrivapa Running in AZ. We did the 24 hour event to challenge ourselves. In the end we did 44 miles before our bodies and cold failed us. We learned a lot and often think about it.

Here in Washington they have a Fat Glass 50K with a mandatory beer at each 5 mile loop. Maybe next year.

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Stephen says:

September 10, 2013 at 9:27 am

Tejas Trails races strikes a nice compromise. They allow the drop down option with finisher’s medal, but those who do not finish the distance they signed up for are not eligible for an age group award and are listed as finishers only after the people who signed up and finished a particular distance.

Personally, I’m with you and if I don’t finish what I started, it’s a DNF to me.

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1. Alex Bridgeforth says:
  
  September 10, 2013 at 10:08 am
  
  I like the way they do it, but I would still look at that finishers medal and know I DNF’d the longer race.
  
  Reply
Jon says:

September 10, 2013 at 9:33 am

This is the fundamental issue that I have with a race like Umstead 100. It’s a fantastic race that sells out in minutes. The problem that I have is they give you a 50 mile finisher option. You don’t have to declare before the race. You get people that sign up for it KNOWING they only plan to run 50 miles, taking a spot away from someone who wants to do the 100. You get people that get 62.5 miles in (5 loops) and decide they aren’t feeling well, so they quit, but they still get a 50 mile finish. I don’t agree with this. If you do this, you’re a 100 Mile DNF. I don’t know what the answer is other than to actually hold 2 different races (50 and 100) and you can’t go up or down depending on how you’re feeling that day.

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1. Joe says:
  
  September 11, 2013 at 8:08 am
  
  I was thinking of Umstead while reading this post too, Jon. A LOT of people drop out after 4 or 5 loops since it gives them a 50-mile or 100k “finish” (although the 100k-ers are only counted in the 50-mile category). I wonder how this would change if people who signed up for 100 miles either had to finish the 100 or else take a DNF. Also, I notice that most of the top 50-mile finishers are 100-milers who dropped out of the race, which doesn’t seem right.
  
  Reply
Jamie says:

September 10, 2013 at 9:35 am

I don’t know … If you have the motivation and drive to run a 100, then is it really going to move you that you can get credit for a 50 if you quit in the second half? If that is a sufficient incentive to quit, then you probably aren’t mentally ready to run 100. And if you are running the 50 and you get beat by a person who DNFs the 100, more power to that person. He or she beat you. Most likely she beat you because she’s a better 50 mile runner. But if you slowed down and let her cross the 50 mile line ahead of you because you thought she wasn’t in “your” race, then that’s your fault for not reading the rules and for not pushing to the end. Tough cookies.

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olgav100 says:

September 10, 2013 at 9:49 am

Finish what you signed up for. No exceptions. Be proud if you got only half way because 99% of people wouldn’t dream even to begin thinking about it, but don’t get “official” credit for that. It’s a DNF in my book.

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1. Alex Bridgeforth says:
  
  September 10, 2013 at 10:17 am
  
  Couldn’t agree more, Coach! 100mi or bust
  
  Reply
John says:

September 10, 2013 at 9:51 am

Totally agree with you! See you at Headlands!

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Patrick Krott says:

September 10, 2013 at 9:53 am

I agree. I don’t think you should be able to change distances once you’ve already started a race. In fact, I never really thought about it until now, and after reading this article, I don’t think I’ll support any race that allows such a thing.

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anthonyt says:

September 10, 2013 at 10:51 am

First, ill say that I love the podcast and other URP endeavors.

That being said….

While I don’t really disagree with what you are saying in principle, I think this is another one of those agruements that makes no sense. Reminds me of the “Pacers aren’t fair!! (stomps foot)” argument.

There is nothing an RD loves more than working his butt off to provide a great weekend for runners, and having to then deal with whiney stuff like this.

Read the race rules. If you don’t like em, pick a different race that suits your beliefs.

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eric schranz says:

September 10, 2013 at 11:01 am

Anthony,

It was a long way of getting to the point, but I agree 100% If you don’t agree with the rules, let the market work and don’t enter the event. I made that point in a comment (above) rather than the post itsself, and perhaps that was my mistake.

My main point was the difficulty of going on when there’s an allowed option to quit. It doesn’t seem to jibe with the overall point of ultramarathoning.

To your other issue, there are far more issues than just “cheating” as to why I don’t think pacers should be allowed. Loss of individuality, trail degradation, etc, but I suppose that’s fodder for a different discussion.

Thanks for your kind words and for listening to us blabber on about running in the dirt and drinking beer.

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1. anthonyt says:
  
  September 10, 2013 at 11:29 am
  
  Eric,
  I’m actually more with you (in principle) than my response might have suggested. Someone mentioned the Finger Lakes 50 earlier. I ran that race. I wanted 50 miles, but “settled” for 50k, mostly because I was given an “out”.
  
  While I don’t have as much pride in that performance as I would have if 50k was my goal, I certainly don’t blame the race rules for my coming up short. These are the kinds of learning experiences that will help me persevere the next time.
  
  Anyway, I just think that broad over regulation is the last thing this beautifully simple sport needs.
  
  Now I’m gonna go out and run.. 🙂
  
  Reply
2. HeatherW says:
  
  September 11, 2013 at 9:59 am
  
  Is it possible that you feel so strongly about this one because you are particularly sensitive to wanting to drop down if the option is available? Clearly some people are able to finish Umstead.
  
  I’m telling you this with all honesty – if I was going to stop halfway through, “credit” is very unlikely to influence me one way or the other. I don’t really care about credit for a race unless I suppose I was going to use it as a qualifier.
  
  What will influence me is beer. If race directors want people to finish the longer event, they need to make sure beer is available for those of us on the course the longest. I actually regret NOT DNFing one race because by the time I finished, the people from the shorter race had guzzled it. I found out that there was no more beer when I had 8 miles to go and I was so mad those whole 8 miles. Beer for everyone. I feel very strongly about this, and I think THIS might be the overall point of ultrarunning.
  
  Reply
  1. Rosie says:
    
    September 12, 2013 at 5:30 am
    
    True, Heather!
    
    Reply
Jeremy Bradford says:

September 10, 2013 at 4:30 pm

Although I’m generally fine with whatever rules the RD declares, this is one issue I feel strongly about. I’m against allowing runners to change distances during a race. From a competitive standpoint it’s very frustrating when the field you are racing against starts dropping to shorter distances during the race. I’ve raced many 100 mile races where over 20 of us have started, but because runners were allowed to drop to shorter distances, I’ve finished among a very small group of runners. It certainly undermines the accomplishment of racing hard and winning when you end up being the first of only two finishers. I’m confident that many more runners in these races would have stuck it out for the whole race had the option to still get credit for racing a shorter distance not been available.
Related to this issue, I was not eligible to be listed in UltraRuning magazine last year among those runners who had won multiple 100 mile races in 2012, although I had won seven of the nine 100 mile races I entered. The reason for not listing this accomplishment was that many of the races I won ended up having less than 10 finishers. Although this was seldom the case when the race began, often due to inclement weather and the general unpleasantness of running 100 miles, many runners opted to call it a day and drop to the shorter distances available. I’m still proud of the accomplishments, knowing that those races were often the ones where I had to push my hardest, but disappointed that they were not considered competitive enough for me to be formally recognized for the effort.
I also experienced a less common situation related to the same issue when running the Houston 100 last year. I had gone to that race with the goal of winning the 100 mile event and I was determined to run as hard as needed to do so. At the start of the race many runners went out very fast on the two mile loop course since there were many distances (50K – 100 miles) starting together? One fellow, who was running particularly fast, told me he was in the 100K, but that if he felt good, he’d go for the 100 mile. That being allowed in this race, I had to consider him a competitor and push my pace beyond my comfort zone that early in the race. As it turned out, he ended up blowing up early and dropping from the 100K to the 50 mile instead. Luckily I hadn’t pushed too hard and was still able to complete the race in a decent time, but it did make for an awkward 8 hours of trying to figure out which race this guy was going to do.

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Rosie says:

September 11, 2013 at 5:16 am

I’m with you, Eric. I run a 50 mile race with a marathon. The first year it was not allowed to change distances after the race began. This year it was, and it was sooo difficult to start the 2nd of 2 loops knowing I could be done with my particularly crappy day. Also, there were no DNFs in the 50 miler his year, and previously a third of the field DNFed. I really enjoy having other distances run the same races, but please don’t tempt us with your BBQ and beer consumption and an earlier finish.

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James Adams says:

September 11, 2013 at 5:59 am

You could do a race where you don’t know the distance to start off with.

Then you could never drop out “half way”.

http://www.centurionrunning.com/piece-of-string-fun-run/

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1. Sam Robson says:
  
  September 12, 2013 at 1:02 am
  
  What sort of an idiot would enter that… *cough*
  
  Reply
Ryan says:

September 11, 2013 at 6:00 am

Participation ribbons for everyone! I think the “drop down” option is along the same lines. If you set out to complete X (whatever that task is) and you don’t complete it, you didn’t finish. Ultrarunning is hard. If it were easy, it’d be called a “Color Run”. Finish what you start. And, yes, I’m a curmudgeon.

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Matt says:

September 11, 2013 at 10:22 am

I think sometimes dropping down is good for people involved in the race. I have been to races where someone is constantly bumping up against cut off times and you have to remember volunteers are out there as long as runners are. So sometimes as a courtesy to people working the race it is a good idea to drop down a distance if the race allows as opposed to making everyone wait on a couple runners pushing cutoff times, just to end up getting a dnf because they are finally pulled late in the race.

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Todd Sinclair says:

September 11, 2013 at 5:00 pm

I did the Tejas Trail Bandera 100k (2013) with the ‘drop down and get a time at the end of the 50k field’ option. Not too bad although I also have goals (top half of starters, top 25% age group, clearly not about winning) that is all messed up when they drop down. I also dropped out during a 100 miler at 50 miles last year, got the DNF and really wouldn’t even wear the hoodie until I completed the race this year. I knew I’d run 50 miles but it is still a DNF. Sign up for it, do it or don’t do it, finish it or DNF. BTW, that Bandera run was awesome.

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Al DiMicco says:

September 11, 2013 at 7:23 pm

Funny you brought this up. I just did this over the weekend…dropped in a tough 22 miler. It was a two loop course and I had plenty after one loop. Although one loop counted as a finish for the shorter race, to me it was a big, fat DNF. I wrote about it in my weekly blog: runningwithal.blogspot.com
If you don’t finish what you set out to do, you can’t change the rules halfway.

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Larry says:

September 15, 2013 at 6:04 pm

No dropdowns once you start the race! Finish what you started and, if you don’t, you didn’t “finish”. This goes on at a large number of races in my state and I don’t agree with it. Either commit to the distance and finish or don’t finish and accept the DNF and own it. Seems like the “everybody gets a trophy” mentality or a participation medal for just showing mentality is considered acceptable nowadays. It’s all excuses and dilutes the meaning of the distance.

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