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Prize money extended and future entry fee waived for runners led off course
CLEVELAND (June 8, 2007) – After consulting with USA Track & Field, the governing body for long distance running, and race directors of other prestigious major marathons, Cleveland Marathon Inc. officials announced today that runner chip-times in the 10K race will stand as the official race results.
In the 10K, Kenyan runners swept the top positions. George Misoi won the race in a photo finish with a time of 33:24, and Vincent Kipligat was second with the same 33:24 time. Philip Koech was third at 33:30. In the women’s 10K, Nancy Citriglia of Winter Park, Colo., posted a winning time of 43:13. Kathy Sarkonis, Buffalo, N.Y., was second (43:41) and Anna Gathe, Fenton, Mo., was third (43:45).
The unusually high times for the flat and fast course resulted from a lead car error. Near the two-mile mark of the 6.2 mile race, the lead car veered off course and approximately 80 of the 2,652 10K runners who completed the race followed. The winning Kenyans, who quickly realized they were off course, negotiated their way back onto the course and were still able to cross the finish line ahead of all other 10K runners. Elite female runners and many top Ohio and masters runners were not as fortunate, some running an estimated 8.4 miles to complete the race.
Because the of the lead car error, race officials sent emails or a postcard to all 10K participants asking those who went off course to identify themselves and will extend prize money to the top the finishers in that group.
“We know that the mistake made by our lead car primarily affected the outcomes of the women’s 10K race and the finishing order of the top Ohio and masters runners,” said Jack Staph, executive director of Cleveland Marathon Inc. “We deeply regret the mistake and accept full responsibility. So, in addition to awarding prize money to the winners based on actual chip times, we are going to award prize money to the top race finishers in all prize money categories from the group that identified themselves as having gone off course.”
As of June 6, the deadline for responding the marathon’s emails and postcard, 83 runners had reported running off course. A race official will contact the female, Ohio and masters winners from that group to notify them of their place and prize money, said Staph. Additionally, Cleveland Marathon Inc. will waive race fees for either the 2008 or 2009 10K race for all 83 runners who reported running off course, he said.
“Almost every email or letter we received included an explanation of why the runner ran off course, and I thank everyone for their input and understanding. The information the runners provided has been very helpful in our investigation and in determining what changes we need to make next year,” Staph said.
Likely changes include a later starting time for the 10K to relieve runner congestion with marathon and half marathon runners at key turns and intersections early in the race, stationing race officials at key points along the course, improving race signage, and providing larger course maps to runners in race packets.
Also, Staph said he has met with the security company that provides police for the race, the organization that provides drivers and navigators, and has scheduled a meeting with city officials.
“There are two things that I am certain of: This year’s mistakes will result in changes that will make our 10K a better race next year and for many years to come; and, no matter how hard we try, we’re just human and we make mistakes. Thankfully, our runners have shown understanding and compassion, and almost all said they plan to be back next year.”
The 2008 Rite Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K is scheduled for May 18. More than 9,000 runners and walkers competed in the May 20, 2007, 30th anniversary race. For more information, visit www.clevelandmarathon.com.
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