Mayor says Ann Arbor Marathon 'far too disruptive' and needs changes to continue
Hundreds of runners make their way down Main Street Sunday morning during the Ann Arbor Marathon.
Jeffrey Smith | AnnArbor.com
Mayor John Hieftje said the disruption to local traffic was far too great and changes will need to be made for the event to continue in the future.
“I thought it was far too disruptive and it needs to be better, and I’m speaking solely to traffic and how people getting in and out of neighborhoods were affected,” Hieftje said.
Hieftje pointed out that event organizers followed all the protocol in terms of notifying residents, churches and businesses affected by traffic closures, but it was clear to him on Sunday that it wasn’t enough. He said on race day he saw far too many residents and business owners adversely affected and unaware of what was going on.
“There were just locations that people couldn’t reach and there needs to be a way for people to get where they go,” Hieftje said. “It’s the first time, so we expect everything would get better - and it needs to be better.
“They worked with the city and we have experienced people (dealing with big events), so we’d expect everything will get better.”
Denise Murray, marketing director at Briarwood Mall, said she thought the traffic brought in by race participants outweighed any negative effects traffic delays may have caused.“When you can attract people from 44 different states to Ann Arbor, a little inconvenience can go a long way,” Murray said. “We anticipated that there would be delays coming to work, and worked vigorously with retailers and employees to prepare and tried to get the word out there in social media to let customers know.”
Champions for Charity put on the event that saw roughly 3,300 people from 44 states and six different countries participate in the various races. For every participant, $6 was donated to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Education Foundation, and much more money was raised for other education-based non-profits.
Champions for Charity executive director Andrea Highfield said the feedback she’s received has been mostly positive, but admits there’s room for improvement.
“We’re trying to react to every (complaint) to improve,” Highfield said.
Highfield said she hopes the event continues into the future and that training course marshals on instructing people about traffic alternatives will be a priority.
Felix Landrum, owner of Cafe Felix on Main Street, said many people didn’t arrive for their Father’s Day brunch reservations and that many others showed up late. Landrum said he warned people about the event when they made their reservations, but thinks people didn’t realize it would be as tough as it was to get downtown.
“I guess I’d be willing to give it another shot. There have been races downtown before, but this one was extreme,” Landrum said. “I think they should do it on a different weekend. I think it definitely had an effect (on the Father's Day brunch crowd).”
According to people at Weber’s Inn, the brunch crowd wasn’t affected by the race. A manager said numbers were comparable to last year and that no customer complaints about traffic were overheard. A representative of downtown’s United Methodist Church said attendance was down at Sunday’s services.
Highfield said her personal preference would be to not hold the event on Father’s Day, but that the positive feedback she received from race participants was overwhelming.
“It meant so much to a lot of fathers running, people running in memory of their fathers and people who told me they were running for a cause because of their dad. There were so many (fathers) who told me they were running with their kids who loved it,” Highfield said. “My preference would be not to do it on Father’s Day, but in some ways it turned out to be very sweet and compelling.”
Marco Capelli, who won Sunday’s race, was among those who thought the race was well-run.
"This was a very organized, well designed run," Capelli said on Sunday. "I was amazed by that, because normally the first time you host a race like this, there's always something that goes wrong.
"But this was great."
Contact Pete Cunningham at petercunningham@annarbor.com or by phone at 734-623-2561. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.
Comments
Reponator
Fri, Jan 25, 2013 : 1 p.m.
I was considering this event. Maybe I should take my money to a city that considers me less of an "inconvenience".
Cathy
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 12:45 a.m.
Heaven forbid any motorist be inconvenienced.
Ann23
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
nixle.com sends email and text notifications for bank robberies, tornados, indecent exposures, car accidents, and road closures. Why wasn't this included?
Lets Get Real
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 12:06 a.m.
You gotta love it - on AnnArbor.com 3 at 3 the first article is about the Mayor's displeasure with the disruptive closure of streets for the marathon; the third article is about Liverty St. being closed for Mitch Ryder's Sonic Thursday. Disruptive, Mr. Mayor?.
Brad
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 6:32 p.m.
Feel free to get real at any time.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
Every football Saturday, Ann Arbor residents adjust their schedules and destinations accordingly. This event will be held once a year. I see NO reason to complain. You might want to consider getting off your couch, and start training for the next one.
PatD
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 4:41 p.m.
As someone who needed to arrive in the center of the run at 8:00, it was very difficult to find a route that would lead to where I needed to go. I was aware before Sunday that the run was going to happen, by word of mouth, but when I searched the maps and documents to find a route that would lead into the center it was next to impossible to find a clear access route. In the future, I would like to see a map or document that indicates what streets would be open, along with the times they would be open, so that it would be possible to plan accordingly and arrive where one needs to be on time. I talked with many who arrived on time who just ignored the barriers, drove around them, not knowing why they were there. Dealing with marathons, fairs and stadium disruptions are just part of the Ann Arbor charm.
Steve
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
It wasn't the traffic, that wasn't bad. it was being quarantined in your neighborhood with no way in or out. I had plans Sunday morning and early afternoon, as a lot of people had Sunday, all of which I had to cancel at the last minute because I couldn't go anywhere. Also, if this was advertised, they need to find someone else to advertise it because I didn't know anything about it until I tried to get out Sunday morning. If I never see another road race in Ann Arbor it will be too soon.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 5:48 p.m.
"it was being quarantined in your neighborhood with no way in or out. " But couldn't you have simply walked one block over to the next street? I'd hardly call that being trapped. It sounds like they need to do a better job of notifying folks. However, some people will never read the notices - they don't want to be bothered.
hepcat
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
I am a Marathoner. Ann Arbor 26 mile run is a great idea, but not in the summer heat and not on that undesirable course. I knew of this event,so my daughter and I had our Father's Day breakfast West of A2 rather than our tradition at Zola's downtown.
zanzerbar
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 4:17 p.m.
I was cycling thru town Sunday about 9 am and saw cones blocking lanes at Liberty and Fifth and Maynard and Liberty. No runners in site, cars were confused and getting into oncoming lanes to go around them,...so I stacked them on the curb. Continued on to State and Williams, saw a Police officer ( still no runners in sight )and asked him if the race was over. He said not even close. ( Whoops my bad)
SEC Fan
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
The solution is really quite simple...run the "Tosh.O Marathon"...put everyone on treadmills :-)
Carolyn
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
We had to drive across town to go to a different church on Father's Day - with my 92 yr old Dad in tow. Not so fun.
Bababooey
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
All the way across town???
tired_runner
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
So, I travelled across 3 states, spent 3 days in Ann Arbor spending my money at various places, managed to run the marathon despite heat and hills, and my only news souvenir (in a town that apparently can't produce a paper newspaper) is an online article about the mayor and locals complaining about the event. Very nice Ann Arbor. Guess who's not coming back.
A2newbie
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
Congratulations on running the marathon!! Part of me would want to come back just to stick it to them. But, part of me would also not come back, I do not blame you at all.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
I don't blame you.
a2citizen
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
Thank-you.
LAEL
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
Our local newspaper was bought by an out of state news conglomerate years ago, and then they ditched the paper format for the online format a few years back. Ann Arbor is not alone. This is happening to many community papers. Complaints are the usual fare of our comments section, and shouldn't necessarily be taken as representative of everyone who lives here. I, for one, am hoping to walk in it next year.
Brad
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
Coming back to what?
Belisa
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
not a marathoner but into exercise, yesterday was the first I heard about the marathon. Think it's a great idea for Ann Arbor ... was there media covering it, at least regional or statewide? I found the map and yes, I can see how it could be very disruptive ... esp on Father's Day. Agree with Felix Landrum .. put it on "it's own weekend", and it can become a great event to showcase the city. I'm pretty wiped out by Sunday noon but I wish I had know, I would have come downtown for brunch, even if it was disruptive. Hope they work out the snags and do it again next year, I would love to participate.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
Oh the humanity and outrage! The inconvenience! Nothing must impede the mighty car! We must not even briefly inconvenience a few entitled car drivers. This may not be Dearborn or Detroit, but the car is still king! And if other car drivers merely even hear about it, they'll swarm like incensed hornets. Not even for a parade. And certainly not for people who are obviously a bit too healthy for their own good.
Brad
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 4 p.m.
Wow, who saw that coming? You managed to work in every one of your one talking points again.
oldguy
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.
There was an A2 marathon ?? Who knew ?
Lets Get Real
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:16 p.m.
Mr. Mayor - Sonic Lunch is not disruptive, Green Fair is not disruptive, Classic Car shows is not disruptive, Ethnic Festivals are not disruptive? Clearly, only you know better than anyone what is and is not disruptive. Perhaps you should have been engaged in the event to know the impact/opportunity provided for the several thousand of runners, families, friends, etc. who did participate. That's right, complain to the press about how disruptive it was - not what it brought to the city. Sounds like petty dislike for the organizers who are attempting to help put Ann Arbor on the running map. Sour grapes that it wasn't YOUR idea? I be the two couples who got engaged at the finish line would disagree with the event being so bad.
Pete Cunningham
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.
At least $19,800 was raised for the Ann Arbor Public Schools Education Foundation through the event.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
The Mayor (and I) both think this event must be modified to minimize the disruption (via route change and limiting the race time). There's no reason to give public facilities over to any special interest group to begin with. Given that runners are a tiny minority and interest in the sport is minimal: what benefit this event "brought" to Ann Arbor is unclear - in reality. The other events you mention mostly involve actual and potential money transactions, but runners and marathon spectators are not spending money in significant amounts at race locations. Marathons are a "hey look at that" kind of event, nowhere are they recognized as economic engines. And of course, given Sunday's spectacle of hopelessly unprepared or unable people trying to run over 20 miles, it seems to many of us that it's runners needing to "get real" about what's due them. Maturity brings the realization that personal significance does not necessarily equal significance to anyone else and getting engaged can be done almost anywhere, any time, with less impact on the general welfare.
hermhawk
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:50 p.m.
We already have the Dexter-Ann Arbor run, which was two weeks prior to this one. One such event is enough. People were not given enough prior notice and traffic jams were the result. People had places to go, including church and work. Just put this event in moth balls and focus on the one race the city has already, the first fore mentioned one.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:41 p.m.
That was not a marathon in Dexter.
craigjjs
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! The 2013 NHL Winter Classic will be held at Michigan Stadium on January 1, 2013. More than 100,000 people will be finding their way to the Big House from many destinations, notably Canada. We can expect Ann Arbor, if not Washtenaw County, to be a giant, frozen parking lot. As a public service, St. Bernards will be stationed at major intersections with tankards of brandy (and perhaps a few moose with beer). I do not plan to drive that day, but will spend time at the major intersections.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:45 p.m.
Excellent post, craig! Thanks for the laugh!
Bababooey
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
Whoa, whoa, whoa....stop the clock! I was planning on heading downtown to run some errands that day. PLEASE, everyone join me in calling your local NHL, UofM and political representative. We can't let this happen. I have a family sized bag of cheetos calling my name that day and if this event actually comes to fruition, I may be blocked from my cheesy little friends!!!
redwingshero
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 3:23 p.m.
Traditional football traffic may move smoother than a marathon with only 2.7% of the football attendance. But there is a huge X factor. The booze. I gurantee, things will not be as "smooth" with traffic and flow of people on game day in January. Hope cops are ready for all the DUI's.
Brad
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:40 p.m.
Yes, this is hilarious. Let's compare a professional sporting event with an attendance of over 100K people with a marathon. As we know, watching marathons is as American as soccer. And about as exciting.
RunrDad
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
This is the best comment on this entire article.
Lets Get Real
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
I think that is adequate notice. Be forwarned Ann Arbor. There is a big event coming. (very funny - I love this comment)
Lets Get Real
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:04 p.m.
I'm shocked at the comments. Do people not have enough to do in their lives that they must complain? This was a first time event;it went extremely well for a first time event. It was a challelnging, hilly course - a compromise route (considering major arteries are under construction and unable to be used) negotiated with the "experts" at the city who "know how to" run big events. (HA!) Every event - even those that have been conducted for years (UM football, Art Fair, graduation, move in/out, etc) are improved each year by learning from minor missed or overlooked circumstances. This one too, will debreif and work out the glitches. If you didn't know about this event, you were not looking. Post cards, posters, AnnArbor.com articles all heralded the event ahead of time. Some churches altered their service schedules to accommodate their parishioners with Saturday night services or eliminating one of their services (i.e., Bethlehem UCC, First Presbyterian). If people couldn't figure out an alternate route, it would seem evidence that critical thinking & problem solving are missing skill sets in the Ann Arbor narcissists who are too important to be delayed. Especially, by these out-of-towners who imposed inconvenience on them & had the nerve to come here & contribute to education in our town with their entry fee, stay in our lodging facilities, buy food in our restaurants, & shop while they were here. Were you at the finish to see people run across the finish line, with their kids running the last few yards with them? Did you see the runners who honored their Fathers with an arm band, or wearing their Dad's Green Beret? Did you see the army of volunteers who fed, watered, treated, greeted, encouraged, cheered, set-up, cleaned-up? Did you know all the left over food went to food gatherers to feed the poor and homeless? What else didn't you know? Could you have volunteered to help and made the event better? How about next year
Lets Get Real
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.
If "football game traffic management is completely organized" where were those "experts" the city employs who know how to manage large events when the planning and route negotiation were conducted. If they know so much, how come this was the best they could do? Define "expert" Mr. Mayor. Clearly, many of your citizens are unhappy.
operabethie
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
Get Real you are missing the point. I don't think people have a huge problem with the event in itself. I knew about the marathon, but the road closures should have been front page news, it was not AT ALL clear what thoroughfares would be closed and no clear "exit" for people who were not involved in the marathon was established. Every football game traffic management is completely organized, and everyone knows what they need to do to avoid the crush. Completely different situation.
Lets Get Real
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
Sooooooo many problems? A few people, who didn't pay attention, got delayed - by most accounts - as much as 30 minutes. Unbearable! We massage football fans, hockey fans, fund raising walks, cyclists, ethnic fesitvals, car enthusiasts, green environmentalists - what is it about runners you dispise so? People who are shooting for a goal? Achieving a goal? Exceeding a personal best? Admire people who embrace life and thank Ann Arbor for welcoming them to contribute to our economy.
craigjjs
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:40 p.m.
Sorry, the world does not exist to massage the ego of runners. If the organizers had done such a tremendous job, there would not have been so many problems.
glimmertwin
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:03 p.m.
Just don't have it on Father's Day. It seems odd that a city that can handle UM sporting events all year long can't figure out how to handle a marathon.
Carole
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:54 a.m.
Frankly, I think this is a great event. What might be needed is more publicity about the event because I didn't know anything about it until a couple days before hand. As a vendor at The Sunday Artisan Market, I appreciated all of the runners that ultimately made their way down to the Kerrytown area. Understand the concern for Cafe owner -- but if folks had been aware of the race before hand, they could adjust time table. You go runners - thought it was great.
Lets Get Real
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
The cafe owner said he knew about the event and told people when they made their reservation. Perhaps good customer service might have included a return phone call to remind them and encourage them to allow extra time and suggest alternate routes of travel and alternate parking possibilites. Just more people complalining - taking no responsibility as to how they could have been accountable to their own customers - just complaining. What do they do when other events happen? Sit back and complain? How many days in advance does someone need to plan a different driving route, anyway? Yikes!
Barb McParlan
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:44 a.m.
Those of us working @ UM medical center were not informed and it was a nightmare for much of the staff trying to get to work and those leaving in the morning
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
How is it that NOone at U of M hospitals knew of this event. I'd be willing to wager that there a lot of docs, nurses and U of M employees running in that race. I don't understand how people can complain to be "unaware" of activities and big events in their community. I don't get it. I was at the U of M for an appointment a month ago, and saw a posted sign, and a pile of pamphlets. Not enough employees in the hospital that day? There are NEVER enough employees in that hospital. If you have ever been to the ER, you know what I am talking about. If you want to blame someone for your lack of knowledge of this event, and how it would affect you that day, blame your Administrators. Blame the hospital's communications staff. (or do they even have one.) I am sorry you were so ill-informed...but. Look in the mirror.
Ann23
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 1:55 a.m.
Ops, I think I neglected the fact that, without adequate hospital staff, there is no helping the patients.
Ann23
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 1:47 a.m.
Julieswhimsies,If it was a nightmare for staff, it was a nightmare for those needing the hospital for assistance and their loved ones. I've been there many times. Parking for those who need it is a non-issue and irrelevant. Access in a situation like this is another story. Many, many did not read this ahead of time and you can't plan for the unforeseen.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:49 p.m.
You mean it's not NORMALLY a nightmare for employees to park at the UofM?! Was the entire hospital quarantined...with no news coming in or out?! I read about this event on signs...on a2.com, and other publications.
jimmymac
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:41 a.m.
One thing that would've help the Ann Arbor citizens on Sunday would have been a full explanation of race and route in the Ann Arbor News. There was nothing. Unfortunately, that is par for the course for our local paper at present.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
Yeah. Let's blame it all on A2.com. That's rational.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 6:04 a.m.
Just clearing up evident confusion: there is no "right" to tie up the public roads for hours at a time - for any reason. If elected officials know which side of the class action suit their interests lie, then it's on them to establish maximum times for this kind of event. Anyone who can't run a marathon in less than 3-1/2 hours shouldn't be running in such strenuous events: they place an unjustifiable burden on emergency services in addition to taking over public roads which don't belong to them and were never intended for such dedicated frivolities.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
I ran a marathon in Indiana when I was in my 40s. It took me almost 5 hours. I came in with a few other stragglers. The course ended on the Indpls. Speedway track. I had a baby and two kids at home, AND I felt strong, and healthy...It made me feel like I could accomplish anything...Oh. It was in 90 degree heat.
twizz1
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
seriously 3-1/2 hours? lots of other cities and marathons keep the course open for 6 hours or more including Detroit, and there is a significant portion that is in a residential area. completing a marathon is an accomplishment even if it takes more than 3-1\2 hours and everyone who does it should be proud. this event is experiencing growing pains and the kinks will get worked out. i ran it and it was a great event. next one i will be doing will be NYC in november
ArthGuinness
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 6:21 p.m.
Also just clearing up evident confusion: there is also no "right" for you to be on any public road at any time you want. I actually don't know what you're talking about - public officials have all kinds of rights to shut down public roads and direct traffic for construction or events or weather or pretty much any other reason. I do partly agree with you on one point: 6 hours is a bit much for a marathon. But for shorter distances like 5Ks, I think it's good to have lots of participants, even if many are walking at a slow pace. It's a healthy community activity (although I know some grumps are against such shenanigans).
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
MRunner73: Grades 7 through 12, I was on our school track teams. We'd do 7mile runs as warmups and on our own time would run as far a we could just to see how far that was. But many people do not have the body type for long distance running, which is why long distance running events are part of track meets and not the whole show. I have seen local races which "feature" contestants who are just exercising their bad judgement: they are not distance runners! Yet they persist (for selfish reasons or to allay self doubt) in mucking up such events for the general public - when there are other legitimate priorities to be met. I just as soon see some people using the Ann Arbor Marathon as pre-Olympic preparation and have them actually set some official records for the Marathon. That would be interest-worthy and news-worthy. I'm not personally interested in seeing wannabe marathoners taking up an extra 1 to 4 hours showing us what they can't do.
Lets Get Real
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.
I agree Tru2Blu76 - How dare all these football fans tie up Main Street after a game? How dare it be a hassle to get downtown after a Big House football or hockey game? How dare we have events on Main Street that put up tents and close it to traffic. It is call a festival, a celebration, life! Ann Arbor is not a dull, nowhereville. It is vibrant. Engage in it. Just curious - how fast do you do a marathon? In less than 3-1/2 hours right?
OldHuron
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:17 p.m.
Maybe the slow runners should just be lined up and publicly humiliated. Hell, make them clean up after the race is over....their punishment for being too slow.
MRunner73
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 9:26 a.m.
@Tru2Blue76: Thank you for the 3 1/2 hour time limit. OK, 4 hours or less. It used to be, a very long time ago when anything near 4 hours was a joke. There is this acceptence and encouragement for any to run at almost any pace. Yes, there was a time limit for this event but there were a few hundred stragglers who reamin out on the course just to finish. When folks are doing 5K (run) in 45 minutes then it isn't really a serious exercise...the slower times at the Big House runs makes me cringe. Race officials should be forced to have more stringent time limits on all events unless held in closed area such as a park or high school track. The Crim 10 mile race in Flint puts a stanglehold on traffic restrictions across most of the city. Heck, I can run the race in 65 minutes, cool down, change clothes but am unable to get out and go home because of the folks still out there some two hours later. I am open to criticism on this but that's my story and I am sticking with it.
Dave
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 4:47 a.m.
I didn't know there was a marathon....I just thought the roads were all closed for weekend paving. Then I woke up Monday morning to find the same pavement on the road. With all of the other barricades and cones it was hard to tell what was construction and what was for the run.
Lets Get Real
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
You got it Dave, much more likely all of Ann Arbor would be under construction! Oh, that's right, it is! No complaints from all these posters about the daily inconvenience we are incurring or how the construction compounded the problem for this race. Many of the routes which could have been used, are CLOSED! The "expert" city folks who dictated the route seemed to ignore/forget that.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:55 a.m.
Can't forget how Huron River Drive between Dexter and Ann Arbor was shut down for hours while sheriffs deputies blocked not only motor vehicles but even cyclists from "passing" lone runners who were "walking" the Dexter-Ann Arbor race HOURS after the race was supposed to end. Roads aren't turned over to cyclists while blocking motor vehicles, so why do runners get this special treatment? The last runner in Sunday's marathon finished hours after the race began and hours longer than any record. Why aren't runners pre-qualified to ensure they won't be holding up "after race" traffic when THE WHOLE WORLD needs to get things done??!! When runners can pay all the costs of having public thoroughfares all to themselves, then and only then can they claim exclusive use of OUR roads. Let's have the Michigan legislature create a foot race control law, let them bring all these privileged oddballs under control.
Lets Get Real
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
Let's prequalify you for being a welcoming, hospitable citizen of Ann Arbor. Oops! Rejected! If you are so Tru2Blue, perhaps you should be out there helping. Spend as much time volunteering as you do complaining and maybe you won't compalin so much or have so much time to do so.
Mike
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.
You knew before if you looked to annarbor.com on Saturday. http://www.annarbor.com/news/road-closures-to-take-place-for-inaugural-race-sunday/
rm1
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 4:07 a.m.
>> You knew before if you looked to annarbor.com on Saturday. << I did, and I did, but Saturday was a lot later than it should have been. If word is effectively out some days or a week earlier, people can plan better to avoid disruption. I could and did plan, and was in Briarwood Mall at 10:30, taking a different route than usual. (Whoever suggested that Briarwood was closed down by the run was misinformed. Many stores don't open Sundays until 11:00, but those open earlier, like the Apple store, were affected very little. Entry to the mall by my alternate route was unimpeded.) I think the AA Marathon is a great idea, but better planning, especially route planning, sorely needed. And it would be nice if we still had a real paper, or at least a more competent web paper, so that earlier notice could have happened.
cibachrome
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:22 a.m.
Why do they actually have to show up and run a 'race' ? Can't they just submit a form or e-mail that says that they ran 26 miles in the last few days and list their time. They can use PayPal for their entry fee. Just sort by best time and select the winners. Mail them a shirt and a thank you. No mess, no fuss. This is ann arbor, right? A fool's paradise....
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:01 p.m.
Not a big believer in competitive sports, eh? I bet you're planted on your sofa when the NFL or other major sports teams are playing. Running is great! ANYONE can do it. Put that bag of Cheetos down! *joke font*
Mike
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:25 a.m.
I take it you have never competed in anything? You ought to try it. Can't be done online.
ArthGuinness
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:07 a.m.
Shouldn't the poll include an option "No, it didn't inconvenience me because I was running"???
AlliGirl
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:52 a.m.
While I think a marathon is great, as a resident of A2, I was not notified at all. It took me an hour to get from washtenaw and stadium to go home. My street was blocked off and was essentially blocked out of my home since the finish line was down the street. It was a huge inconvenience that had I known in advance, I would have planned accordingly and just stayed in.
racerx
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:51 a.m.
I agree Mayor. This is the same way i feel about your "Green Fair" and how disruptive it is trying to get around Ann Arbor after a long work week and trying to get out of dodge on Friday night, but have to find too many alternate routes since Main St. is blocked for three city blocks. I'm not bother at the least on Sunday when traffic is so light in the city that early in the morning. This from the same guy who purports all things green.
Honest Abe
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:41 a.m.
Ann arbor is proof you CAN put lipstick on a pig. This town would be another 'Flint' if it the University was not here.
Honest Abe
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 1:19 a.m.
Hey, do not get mad at me because I call it as I see it. It is not my fault that Ann Arbor's government is defective.
A2newbie
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:35 p.m.
Glad it's not just me thinking that, Honest Abe
ArthGuinness
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
Good comeback?
Honest Abe
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 3:08 a.m.
Maybe if you read it a few more times, YOU would believe it.
ArthGuinness
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:38 a.m.
Maybe if you write this a few more times you'll believe it yourself.
Mike Musil
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.
I registered for this event months ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Somehow the notice got out a long time ago. I registered, competed, and spent my money in Ann Arbor. Anyone like me who knows the town, could have easily gone around the route to get where they needed to go. I actually helped someone get to Whole Foods after I ran 13.1 miles. Take that, complainers!!
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:04 p.m.
Great comment, Mike. Congratulations on your run!
Mike Musil
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:17 a.m.
I do care. I just don't think it was that big of a deal, and the benefit far outweighed someone having to go a few blocks out of their way. I ran 13.1 miles to help benefit charities, and I am sorry if I come across as callous to a few closed roads to drivers.
Lisa
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:45 a.m.
Do you really just not care what other people had to go through?
BGSU_FALCON
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.
Hopefully next year will turn out better for all parties involved. In addition, maybe there will be better marketing of the event because I only learned about it last week -- too late to compete.
Jaime
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:52 a.m.
Anyone who did not know their way around Ann Arbor could easily get lost. They should open the streets once they are sure the runners have all gone past.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 5:39 a.m.
The only trouble with waiting until all the runners have "gone past" (assuming you mean past main traffic routes) is that they kept roads closed or partly closed until those last runners went through - about six $%&$&* hours after the race began and at least two $%&$&* hours after the main body of runners finished the race. Simple answer: pre-qualify runners so that no one with more than 3-1/2 hour marathon time can even enter. 2-1/2 is about the world record, if a runner can't come within one hour of that, they should be practicing, not running in actual marathon races. They don't let unqualified drivers enter NASCAR or Indy or any other professional races: so the same must apply to these amateurs whose ambition far outstrips their ability.
a2citizen
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:32 a.m.
Actually, opening the streets before the runners past would have solved most of the problems.
Dennis
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:44 a.m.
So wait.......there was a marathon in Ann Arbor this weekend?
townie54
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
you think this surprises them wait until they narrow huron to one lane and the traffic is backed up from maple to main street at rush hour.I have talked to three business's around vets park and they are dumbfounded.Have you been in the area at 5 oclock now? l
A2K
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
It took me 35 extra minutes to get to UM hospital for an important, scheduled medical procedure - the lack of markings on road closures was ridiculous, and possibly dangerous for both drivers and runners.
Ann English
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:25 p.m.
The last thing I expected of a race run for the first time was that people from 44 states AND some other countries would run in it. The HIghfields (I remember MIchael organizing previous races near the stadium) must have a lot of connections to inform so many people from so far away to run these races at the right times and places. I did see the map of roads closed for the race before learning the name of the event itself.
Hmm
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
It's called Facebook
SlackMFr
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
This is IMO a far better event than the A2 Art Fair & that clogs up the city too! How about just changing the route around? I'll tell you what. Go ahead & cancel it. I do all my runs outside of Ann Arbor anyway. Running is like therapy for me, and being away from the whiny city where I have to work makes it much more relaxing. I'd rather support events that support their runners!!!!!!!!!
Josh Skodack
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:41 p.m.
Amen to that.
PersonX
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:21 p.m.
I think that the Mayor is disruptive to the proper functioning of Ann Arbor ....
Madeleine Borthwick
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
personX, absolutely!!!!!!!!
Urban Sombrero
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:12 p.m.
This didn't affect me at all. But, then again, I'm not a church goer and I spent Father's day with my parents in Saline. So, not at all affected by the marathon. How about next year the planners think it out a little better? NOT on a Sunday, where they'll interfere with people heading to church, and NOT on Father's day, where they'll interfere with people taking their Dads out? Overall, I love the idea of a marathon in our city. Especially since it brought in people from all over. However, city residents are as important (if not more) than our guests, so they should be accomodated, too. How about we plan this better? Oh, and a little more notice (and, perhaps, repeated notices) wouldn't be a bad thing, either. Otherwise, bring it on! And, congrats to all the participants!
Carole
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:58 a.m.
I agree whole heartedly -- this is a great event - just not enough notice to citizens.
CPLtownie
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
Why not route the next marathon on the perimeter of the city and call it the 26.1 Border of Reality Run.
A2newbie
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:32 p.m.
This is, by far, the best comment ever! Love it!
Townie
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
Still touting the 3,300 number? 1,818 on the finishers list - where did the other 1,482 run? - didn't finish, didn't start? Sounds like some hyped numbers to me.
ArthGuinness
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:35 a.m.
I believe that partially due to the heat and humidity, a significant percentage of the full marathoners failed to finish under the 6-hour limit. There were 800+ people signed up for the full marathon (according to the list with race bib numbers published on the website the day before the race), and as Summer2012 points out, only 588 of those finished.
Summer2012
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:30 p.m.
According the website, there were 2,498 finishers. Don't forget there were 3 races; the full marathon with 588 finishers, the half marathon with 1,303 finishers, and the 5k with 607 finishers. :)
twizz1
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
a lot of comments are mentioning the other events in the city and how well known they are, well when they started i'm sure they were not well known and probably caused some disruptions. this is no different the first time with any big event carries some growing pains. I can't attest to the notification that was given, maybe it could have been better or maybe some could have paid better attention, i can't say. but this was a great event (yes i did run it), you should embrace it. to those that say the city is not big enough i disagree, maybe the course could have been a little more resident friendly but kalamazoo isn't any bigger and they pull it off enthusiastically, some of the best cheering i've had the pleasure to experience at a race.
Aaron Mercer
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
Since this is the first year, there were some obvious kinks - I was one of the runners tearing up the course in the early A.M. The worst part of planning the course, in my opinion, was having the end of the marathon route back through downtown a second time after the start (although much later in the morning). If the course had been cleaned up prior to say, 9 am, there probably wouldn't have been much of a disruption. That being said, I also would have appreciated more scenic running along the B2B, Barton Hills Trail, Gallup Park, etc. than the atrocious loop around Briarwood Mall. This would also be less disruptive to traffic. I would vote to have this race in April, or earlier than mid-June. 75F temps for a full marathon is a bit too warm for my taste. Better luck next year!
a2trader
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
We live along the Dexter Ann Arbor Run and get locked in our neighborhood each year. Long ago we realized we could gripe, or we could embrace it. We can't easily get to church so instead we go to our neighborhood entrance and cheer on the runners (and they really appreciate it). If the A2marathon gets to continue, people will begin to remember year after year and won't get caught off guard. So don't change the weekend. Maybe consider taking the Washtenaw Border-to-Border Trail. Isn't that pretty long - from Ypsi through Dexter? Prettier than city streets, too. Would be nice to see how much of the entry fees really go to actual charities and not to Champions for Charity's pockets.
Aaron Mercer
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
Sarah - not this year for DX/A2, but in a previous year. From what I heard from a few volunteers, it was pure chaos the morning of the race attempting to get things set up. I honestly think taking advantage of the trails and green space away from downtown & Briarwood could clear up many of the problems discussed in the article and in this forum.
Sarah
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:49 p.m.
Champions for Charity do not do DX/A2. That's done by the Ann Arbor Track Club
Aaron Mercer
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
I've also heard through co-workers that Champions for Charity botched the DX/A2 run pretty bad a few years back. Maybe for the next A2 Marathon, a different group should organize the event to prevent fewer snags.
jen777
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 4:38 a.m.
Reasonable suggestions
a2citizen
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:29 a.m.
How about Mother's Day?
OLDTIMER3
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.
What happened to the follow up story on the Saline lady. We want to know bif she finished at least. She deserves a big round og applause either way just for trying.
OldHuron
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
She finished. From the results page: 133 Steffanie Siefker - 3h55m Very impressive performance.
seldon
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
The other really disruptive events commenters are talking about are really well known, and residents and visitors know to work around them. Many people just stay out of town when some of these things are going on. I did know about the marathon, looked at the map, and decided to stay way away from downtown. But if I hadn't found out by chance (I knew people running in it) I could easily have been trapped. It sounds like they needed better notification, and probably a less disruptive route too.
Lisa
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
With the other disruptive evens including other runs, I've always been able to look at the map and figure out how to get to where I need to go or how to adjust my time to avoid it. With this marathon, I couldn't find my way around the closures on the map -- and I've live here for 15 years. I really think it would be cool to have an A2 marathon, I just don't want people to be on lock-down for it, or have noise blaring at 6 am. Must think of a better way.
OLDTIMER3
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
It would help to know what is going on if there were a print daily paper.
Madeleine Borthwick
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:09 p.m.
oldtimer3, I miss the Ann Arbor news. the fact that i get my news fix online doesn't change that. this is a good way to know what's going on in this town, but it's no substitute for my a.m. coffee and the paper. yeah, i'm old-fashioned. NO APOLOGIES. EVER.
Bonsai
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
old timer.
Albert Howard
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
I believe that the Ann Arbor Marathon has a lot of potential advantages for the city. We have managed football Saturdays. We will learn from this experience. Look forward to next year!
Honest Abe
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
Who cares. If it was not for UM, Ann Arbor would be another Flint most likely. Ann Arbor is a fine example that you can put lipstick on a pig.
PoliSci
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.
Disruptive? Can anybody spell 5th Ave? ArtFair? William St. South University? He must be joking. A one day event is too disruptive!
a2citizen
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:34 p.m.
"... For every participant, $6 was donated to the Ann Arbor Public Schools Education Foundation, and much more money was raised for other education-based non-profits..." So who paid for police overtime? Or were they volunteers?
Townie
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:39 p.m.
It will be interesting to see if AA.com checks on the police bill. The Dx-A2 race pays for police and it will be interesting to see what happened here. I'm wondering.
Terry Star21
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.
Why am I thinking all the negative comments are from people who despise running or racing activities - maybe even and physical activities.....? RuNnInG......does the body and mind good.
julieswhimsies
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:18 p.m.
I'm competing in a long-distance open-water swim in August in Harbor Spring. Every year, yachts in the area are docked for a few hours....Nobody complains about this race. Ever. We'll sleep in their hotels, eat in their restaurants and buy souvenirs. Win-win. I have heard that exercise is good for you!
HeimerBoodle
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1 p.m.
I don't know why you think that. Do you think that if someone doesn't want the neighbor's dog digging up their flower garden, they hate all dogs? There's a huge difference between "I hate X and everything associated with X" and "sometimes when X happens it has negative consequences or ramifications that I don't like but X itself is fine and I frequently partake of it". With a very small amount of critical and/or creative thinking, you too can come up with your own examples! Give it a try!
CPLtownie
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:25 a.m.
Enjoying your day without being- Rudely woken at 6am by blaring music that even the runners plugged their ears Blocked from leaving/returning to your house Driving a rat maze for 30 minutes for a 5 minute trip Rerouted by clueless staff directing you to *yet* another blocked *alternate* route Disrupted from your Father's Day brunch -does a body good too.
brimble
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:04 a.m.
I'm a runner -- enjoyed the Dexter-Ann Arbor this year as always. This event was an absurdity.
Josh Skodack
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:43 p.m.
Brad I could say the same thing about the people whining on this thread
Lisa
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:34 p.m.
I absolutely loved the idea of the marathon right up until I saw the route.
Brad
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
It doesn't. It was the comment that indicated that, and all the non-disingenuous people out there already know that. You know, the insinuation that because I'm opposed to my town being clogged up with a poorly planned and executed event that I'm somehow fat and lazy and anti-physical activity. Or worse (read @Terry's comment again if you aren't following). Nothing, and I mean NOTHING could be further from the truth. It has nothing to do with being runners. If golfers had been playing golf through town for half a day, I'd still be unhappy. IT ISN"T ABOUT YOU.
Josh Skodack
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.
I fail to see how being a runner makes you arrogant.
Nick Danger
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.
It was impossible to get around the city .Very poorly designed race.
chubbybunny
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.
I am just glad we are not discussing any injuries or fatalities that could have happened (and do happen) at the running events. A little inconvenience for the townies and some learning opportunities for next time is all good to me.
chubbybunny
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
No fault of anyone. Just first-time bumps in the road. Next year will be better all around.
Brad
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:03 p.m.
Yep, all we do is live here and pay the taxes. The promoters did a crummy job of course selection and notifying the community, and the city shouldn't have approved the crummy plan in fhe first place. Obviously the fault of the "townies".
HBA
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
We were not aware of the run and the subsequent disruption to traffic. It was Father's Day and we were coming downtown for brunch. We were delighted that 5th Avenue was open and we turned south on Liberty, crossed 4th, only to find barriers at Main Street. There was no signage at the 4th Avenue intersection to indicate that access to cross Main Street was unavailable. Thus, we--and many others who followed us--had to u-turn back to 4th and then head north to Huron Street. Again, no signage or indication of detours. Very poor planning.
Dog Guy
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
Run the marathon out in that greenbelt for which we pay megabucks. Out there Pheidippides would feel less ridiculous than running in a city with no one chasing him.
Robert Granville
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:21 p.m.
No noise permit should be issued to this event in the future that exempts them from the city code. What's wrong with 7am - 10pm? Every attempt should be made to avoid residential neighborhoods. Spectators screaming and ringing bells at any hour, let alone before 7am, is simply disrespectful to the residents.
Josh Skodack
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:34 a.m.
Buy some of ear muffs
brimble
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.
Josh -- allow me to introduce you to my young children. They don't wear earplugs and are quite noisy when they don't get enough sleep.
Ann English
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:40 p.m.
I had no idea what time of day the race started, but others at church did. The race didn't affect my use of the freeways and it was a good thing that the race took place before any rain fell. It didn't affect people visiting Washtenong Memorial Park or Mallett's Creek Library patrons. Someone south of the memorial park had visitors, and I could hear one neighborhood family and their visitors talking, laughing and having a good time for the entire evening.
Josh Skodack
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:12 p.m.
Buy a set of ear plugs. They are cheap.
Aaron Mercer
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:16 p.m.
When did this happen? The race started at 6:45 am. I doubt a 15 minute window was all too disruptive.
brimble
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
What ever happened to the idea of greenways -- you know, trails closed to motorized traffic -- that could accommodate exactly this sort of event and both maximize the enjoyment for runners and minimize the impact on everyone else?
RunrDad
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:09 p.m.
Brimble, I kind of like that idea... the Platt and Lohr greenways are connected by Textile... I've done training runs involving both. However, there is currently nowhere NEAR enough distance to even make do a half marathon. Additionally, traffic is deadened by any intersection that the runners cross - equally as bad as just closing down the entire street.
HeimerBoodle
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:12 p.m.
I may have missed it, but I don't recall seeing anything about the race on this site until shortly before (as in the day before). I happened to know about it because I had friends participating, and I'm lucky that I didn't have anywhere I had to be when it was going on. Still, I can see how it would be pretty easy to be caught by surprise. Even if you grant that in inconvenience was "worth it" (and I can't judge since I wasn't inconvenienced), having something of this scope on Father's Day, especially for the inaugural event, seems foolish and ill-conceived. As for those comparing it to football Saturdays, Art Fair, and Student move in/move out days - those are well-publicized, planned, anticipated things. People who live here know to check the football schedule, they don't know to check for a brand new event.
Todd Askew
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
I thought the traffic disruption was extreme, but it would have been mitigated a little if there was more information about what was still open. Officers could not tell me what was still open. There were no signs that I saw. I lost half an hour trying several different directions ( including one recommended by an officer). And I was 20 minutes late for my job for the first time in a long, long time. Yes, better organization and communication please. ( I like the idea of the event.)
Robert Granville
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
Someone has their head on straight. I almost can't believe its the mayor.
hail2thevict0r
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:04 p.m.
What they didn't account for were the thousands of parents and new students that were on campus for Michigan's orientation.
hail2thevict0r
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 1:15 a.m.
Ann, UM orientation lasts pretty much from late spring until early August I believe. This means that on any given week there are a few thousand parents and students from around the country on campus who have no idea how to navigate the city as is. The marathon could be moved before or after orientation to solve the problem.
Ann English
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:44 p.m.
If you're right about new students on campus for UM orientation, that would at least partially explain people from other countries participating in the marathon.
kdadnick
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
I guess I've been under a rock in the "news" world for awhile because we didn't know this event was happening. We left home (southern A2) at 11:00 to head north and it took us 30 minutes to get out of town. We could have taken 94 E to 23 but didn't know and really got tangled in the race mess. Champions of Charity are the real winners. They have Big House Big Heart, similar events in Lansing and elsewhere, and now the A2 Marathon. Money in their pocket, but probably good for A2 businesses as well. Good luck in continuing with a better route/plan.
grye
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:48 p.m.
One day of the year and the mayor is upset. What about the football Saturdays? More of those each year.
KMHall
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
Football messes up those of us who live nearby but it brings business to the restaurants. When I get tied up in traffic I just tell myself that they'd better be spending big $$ in our town.
MRunner73
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
Wrong comparison, Michigan football has been around since 1927. The city knows how to regulate the traffic flow. This marathon course winded through many parts of of the city. The marathon event lasted longer than any football game. How can one event with only 3300 participants tie uo the city compared to 113,000? Go figure.
grye
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Oops. Forgot about when the President comes into town and we all go down into a lockdown mode.
TAG
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
I'm generally aware of what is going on around town but I was totally unaware of this event. It did not affect me but it easily could have. Needs better communication.
Rici
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 5:29 p.m.
I agree with the need for better communication in this town. Perhaps someone could tell the Booth Newspapers this idea?
Tag
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
Seriously, how do we end up with 2 people with such similar user names? Not cool .
MRunner73
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:39 p.m.
It is not crucial to stage the entire maratnon within Ann Arbor city limits. The course was not practicle, for the most part. The start/finish should be at an area where there is ample parking and facilities so the Ann Arbor Pioneer, Stadium and Main area is a good choice. The couse could go west then north and only ties up one main avenue. One other issue was the entry fee, which was very high. Seems like only 10% of the entry fee went AA Public Schools Education Foundation. I realize there are other costs to operate such an event. I would bet that a decent profit was made by the organizers and am not against that. For once, the Mayor has a correct view on this. The date should be moved away from the peak of the summer heat. There are dozens of marathon events to compete with during the spring and fall. We know fall won't work in Ann Arbor. Detroit manages well in the fall to fit in Detroit Tiger and Detroit Lions schedules to stage their Free Press Marathon. Yes, back to the drawing board. Reschedule and remap the course and Good Luck!
Carolyn
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
well put
glimmertwin
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:21 p.m.
When I heard the date I just shook my head. There is a reason why most marathons are done in mid-late fall or early spring. June is crazy.
Ann English
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:51 p.m.
You mention "the peak of summer heat". Someone else mentioned Phidippides, who ran the original 26-mile marathon and died of heatstroke. Starting the race at 6:45 am was one way of averting hyperthermia or heat exhaustion, for this time of year.
Townie
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:38 p.m.
It wasn't a percentage - just a fixed $6.
Bertha Venation
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
That's a great idea about starting it at Pioneer High, Runner. I think it should start there, head out Ann Arbor-Saline Road, to Wagner, west on Pleasant Lake Rd., to Austin, past Manchester, up M-52 through Chelsea to Stockbridge, back through Pinckney and up towards Petosky. Howzzat?
Frank99
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
I ventured into AA not knowing there was a marathon--my bad. After wandering down several dead end streets I gave up on my destination and left the city. Hope I remember to say home next Father's Day.
Bonsai
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
the university of michigan is an extreme inconvenience -- especially all those students and professors
Bonsai
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 7:57 p.m.
uh, yeah SEC - people sure are taking things seriously around here - my point being that the things that make this place worth living in sometimes result in some minor inconveniences, and people should just DEAL WITH IT!
SEC Fan
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:54 p.m.
hmmm...I thought Bonsai was being sarcastic. No?
Gretchen Ridenour
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:55 p.m.
Ann Arbor is what it is because of (not in spite of) the University of Michigan. We compliment each other, not inconvenience each other.
Bertha Venation
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
Ya.. I know, but it's part of the price of the "Brightest and the Best." At least they spend some money....
Goober
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.
There is NO common sense with our mayor and any of the city leaders. Their hind sight is only eclipsed by their lack of visionary leadership. Seeing that the majority of AA voters seem to like this bunch, the only way to ease my pain is to move. Yeah, I know - don't let the door .............
Madeleine Borthwick
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 11:02 p.m.
Goober, TOO RIGHT!!!!
Bertha Venation
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:08 p.m.
If I could vote you up 1,000 times, Goob, believe me... I would!
JRW
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
"This was a very organized, well designed run," Capelli said on Sunday. "I was amazed by that, because normally the first time you host a race like this, there's always something that goes wrong." A LOT went wrong, I'm sorry to say. Maybe the top runner didn't see it, but believe me, it was very poorly organized, advertised and very disruptive to the city residents who could not get to work or church or Father's Day celebrations. VERY bad planning.
swcornell
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
"Proper notifications were made ..." Who notified those of us that live on the outskirts of Ann Arbor, but have to come into or through Ann Arbor because it's the center of Washtenaw County. I wonder at the arrogance of Ann Arbor City shutting down the city every time someone wants to hold an event. I was caught in the middle of the mess w/o any warning of clearly marked detours. The reason we have parks is so events can be held in them, keep the main streets open.
swcornell
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 : 4:58 a.m.
Not all of us work 9-5 M-F!
Rici
Wed, Jun 20, 2012 : 5:26 p.m.
I'm curious, what kind of county or city business did you have on a Sunday morning?
SEC Fan
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:28 p.m.
I wonder how "acceptable disruption" would be defined? you can't run a road marathon without closing some streets...roughly 26 miles of them (or 13 if you backtrack, which isn't a lot of fun). No one thought this would be "disruptive"?
SEC Fan
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
the shuttle idea is really good. Hope the mayor/event organizers are reading.
KMHall
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:19 p.m.
Residents can be better informed, but in order to show off so many miles of Ann Arbor too many retailers were apparently affected. Shuttles to get the restaurant crown downtown, maybe. I drove right down to Zingerman's Deli but it seemed slow there so I assume people were scared off or trapped on the other side if some leg of the run.
JRW
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.
NO more marathons in the city. Start at Vet's park on the westside, and run for 26 miles WEST to Chelsea. End of run. Most people didn't know about this race, regardless of what the mayor thinks. Exactly how much $$ did AAPS get out of this debacle? Simply combine this with the Dexter-AA run and do NOT do any races on a Sunday. VERY poorly organized. I'm still seeing litter (cups strewn about) on some of the roads from the race, on MONDAY. AA is far too small for this kind of thing. Vote OUT the mayor, and all of city council for approving this debacle.
MRunner73
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
A marathon from Ann Arbor to Chelsea is not a bad diea. I like Ann to Dexter and back via Miller ave and other streets that connect the two cities.
Matt
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.
A partial day of inconvenience for a great cause on a Sunday morning is not a big issue. Having minor disruptions for all of the great events in Ann Arbor is worth having the things that make this city great. I will say that I thought more notice could have been given as well, but I learned about the race route and road closures from the AATA's website and their postings on bus stops.
lynel
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
If only everybody had thought to look on the AATA's website there would have been no problem with the race route......
AJD
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
I've got to say, it was extremely disruptive to traffic flow - mainly because the police did not give accurate information - I was told to drive in one direction, only to be stopped by cones. They let us make a turn onto a street only for us to find that you could not get through - the planning for street cut offs was EXTREMELY poor. I spent 30 minutes trying to get from one side of AA to the other and finally gave up. It bordered on ridiculous. I'm not opposed ot having the marathon - I'm opposed to the extraordinary poor planning for cars - the idea that half-way down a street (where there were no turn offs - like going from Main on eastbound Eisenhower only to be stopped and made to go into Briarwood Mall - only to be told you can't get through then to be told you have to go back out the way you came - OMG - I thought I was going to come unhinged. At least with other events, the planning was better and the police and volunteers usually have better information.
Goober
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Don't we realize that the mayor, city leaders and most of city council have no use for cars? On this basis, cars never really entered their minds when this event got scheduled. I would believe it, if told, that they notified any registered bike riders by mail, by email and by phone of the marathon impact.
Roger
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.
Same thing happened to me. Why would 200 yards of Eisenhower Eastbound be closed, and rerouted through the Mall? I continuously came across blocked roads for no apparent reason, and not on the map. Next year, a list of closed roads, early notification to the entire city, heck, even outreach into the communities affected (like UM, Hospital, churches, businesses, and flyers to neighborhoods) would be nice.
Goober
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.
Maybe we need more police.
Jon Saalberg
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
Hmm. Le't's try again - the Mayor is apparently unaware of the multiple road projects going on about our fair city. Perhaps before holding judgment how disruptive the race was, it would be good to wait until the city is not strangled by road construction projects that already make traveling in Ann Arbor difficult. I went about my business Sunday, which included several car trips around town, and did not have any difficulty (other than construction-related tie-ups) getting around town.
81wolverine
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
I think they just need a better route that doesn't have to shut down the whole center part of Ann Arbor. And although I understand the Father's Day tie-in for participants, the organizers can and should move it to another weekend. That is an important sales day for many retailers and restaurant owners.
Char Luttrell
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:16 p.m.
It would have been nice to have had a special "paper" paper on Saturday, with a diagram showing the route and what streets would be closed, or at least to have the route and closed roads published in Sunday's paper version of annarbor.com. It took me 20 extra minutes to get to church and I know of at least one friend who gave up trying to get there. The loss of a regular, local daily newspaper means that the public is burdened with trying to figure out what news to search for, rather than having the local news brought to them.
Urban Sombrero
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.
I can't believe anyone downvoted this comment. Seriously.
applehazar
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
It was horrible. W Liberty was open and closed 5 times while I was eating breakfast at Fleetwood inside of 1 hour. You could not go stratight - turn right or left off Liberty at Main at one point. No one was in charge and no one knew what to do. The businesses really suffered. No escuses - If the race cannot be run without impacting business then cancel the race. It IS THAT EASY.
Basic Bob
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
Home football games, move out day, pedestrians on Central Campus, and Huron Parkway road construction are more disruptive. At least they avoided all those days to schedule a race.
Roger
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:20 p.m.
I respectfully disagree. I live near the stadium and it is correct that there are 100,000 people moving in and out of the area on football Saturdays, but they are much more efficient. An hour after a game, it is as if it never happened. There's occasional litter, but the flow has been managed very well. I do agree that all the other problems have a cumulative effect, but most are well managed (move in/out days, road construction, Stadium bridge, etc.). This was not managed well. The route, so circuitous, and the road closures for streets not even on the route were crazy. It took me an hour, and many redirections to take a 15 minute drive to an appointment and had a staffer tell me that it "was by design." Anger about this race is not just about this single event, but the many events that precede and follow that just add up. Having a snotty staffer push ones buttons after reaching a level of frustration is just another form of poor planning and training. I would like to see this continue, but with a LOT of notice, better course, and training for all.
xmo
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
Leave the race the same just vote for a new mayor! and city council too!
KMHall
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:12 p.m.
Please put these tiresome comments in your own names.
Bertha Venation
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8 p.m.
Well... I'm with you on the Mayor and CC part, anyway.
a2girl
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
God forbid Ann Arborites be inconvenienced. Oh wait, football Saturdays, Art Fair, Presidents coming to town....Seriously, I am actually surprised by the negativity. Although maybe I shouldn't be, because some knuckleheaded driver nearly hit my daughter while she made her loop through Briarwood during the half marathon. Not sure why they were so impatient...the mall wasn't close to being open. The race was a festive event and I hope it grows in popularity. It would have been nice to see more residents out cheering, and not just the terrific and numerous volunteers at the water stations.
Urban Sombrero
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.
I think a lot of it was just the timing. People who are serious about church were inconvenienced. To someone who's religious, it IS a big deal to miss church, or to be late. And, it was Father's day. A day when people are headed out with their dads to breakfast, brunch, lunch, etc. In other words, a day when you could expect some increased traffic. Sure, not everyone in town was inconvenienced (like me. I'm atheist. And, spent the day in Saline with my folks, instead of Ann Arbor.) But, for those who had plans in town, and who didn't see the notices (let's face it, other than on this website it wasn't really something that was advertised to the general public) it was a HUGE, MAJOR inconvenience. I say bring the marathon back. For sure! But, plan it on a better weekend. Don't interfere with people's worship. And, don't do it on Father's day weekend. And, above all, SEND OUT PROPER NOTICE. And, advertise the fact that it's happening more than just once, on a blog that not everyone in town reads/is aware of. Let people know it's happening. If you do that, you'll hear far less kvetching.
zags
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
Well, you got one thing right, Roger: annarbor.com is THE forum for negativity in this town. No good deed EVER goes unpunished here.
a2citizen
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:42 p.m.
"...It would have been nice to see more residents out cheering, and not just the terrific and numerous volunteers at the water stations..." I'll get out of bed and cheer. What are you paying? And the terrific volunteers? The least they could have done was bent over and picked up the plastic cups that the runners were discarding, rather than wait 3 or 4 hours after the race. What a pig sty.
mike gatti
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
I agree with you a2girl. Go get 'em.
mixmaster
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
Some people have more important things to do rather than cheer a bunch of joggers, like work or getting from one place to another.
Roger
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
The reason for the negativity is that this is one of the forums needed to be heard here in town. If you didn't hear our side of the story, you might think that this marathon was all roses and no one had any issues. It couldn't be further from that. It could be a really great marathon with better planning and outreach, but it's not fair to put down the people who had legitimate gripes. I'm sorry to hear about your daughter and a driver. If the rules of the road were better enforced, and the roadways better arranged, it should never have been an issue.
Brad
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:50 p.m.
That would be FURTHER inconvenienced in addition to all the MAJOR events you already mentioned. We don't need to add to it with something that could still easily be held somewhere else that doesn't cause the same level of disruption to the city.
YpsiVeteran
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:40 p.m.
""They worked with the city and we have experienced people (dealing with big events), so we'd expect everything will get better." Isn't it funny how every time they have to try to justify ridiculous department-head salaries it's always, "we have to spend that much to get the *best* people," but somehow these "best" people don't or can't figure out how to do the "best" job when called upon to do so? Once again, this isn't rocket science. Large- and medium-sized cities have these types of events all the time. I would think that the "best" ought to be able to deal with it in exemplary fashion, from the beginning. Otherwise, we can pay these department heads $50K or $60K less and get the same results.
Bertha Venation
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
"experts"
Wolf's Bane
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:40 p.m.
The actual Marathon route and starting point in general couldn't be at a worse location given the alternatives! For example, why not start Veterans Park and head down to Huron, over to Washtenaw and then to Ypsilanti, turn around and come back down Packard? This would take care of the bulk of the route and then add a maybe a few none essential roads and finish up at the Big House?
misskatiemc
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:36 p.m.
Our city is just to small to have a marathon happen in it and not inconvenience our citizens, hence why the Dexter-Ann Arbor Marathon works! I live a mile from downtown and just to get a good 5 miles in I almost lap downtown, let alone 26!
ArthGuinness
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.
I share your concern for the first-time runners who may not know their limits well. Like I mentioned before, an average June morning should be around 58, not much higher than Florida in winter (which can also be quite humid). We just got a bit unlucky that the weather was hotter and more humid than usual. I don't know if anybody noticed it, but the website for the race had a FAQ that answered why they chose this date. It was well-written although I'm sure some would quibble with the logic.
Josh Skodack
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
We are not talking about badwater here.
Josh Skodack
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:48 a.m.
Except Disney is ran on New Year's and Miami in late Jan with an average temps of 50.
Josh Skodack
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:46 a.m.
I am more concerned about the 5+ hour finishers who tend to be your first timers that do not understand their limits. The year I ran MIlwaukee was also the day of the infamous Chicago marathon that ran out of water for the slower runners (5+ hour pace runners) due to spectators drinking water at the aid stations. Proper hydration should prevent heat exhaustion and stroke. The average joe runners tends to not be well educated on proper hydration especially for distance running (I don't consider 5/10k's a long distance run, in the grand prix circuit they are middle distances).
ArthGuinness
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:45 a.m.
Apologies if you considered my second point directed towards your capabilities. But I just disagree that 70s or 80s are way too high for a marathon. You know they run marathons in Florida, too, right?
Josh Skodack
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:40 a.m.
10 years of doing ultras and college running says I know what my limits are with regards to distance running.
ArthGuinness
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:21 a.m.
I agree that 70s and 80s with high humidity is difficult, but a couple of notes: 1) An average June morning at 7am would be 58 degrees, so we were unlucky. 2) Regardless, marathoners should be able to deal with a normal swing in the weather. If you need it to be 45 degrees and low humidity in order to make the 6-hour limit, maybe you should consider doing the half instead. I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but if you don't really know what your limits are, it seems rather dangerous to be doing full marathons.
Josh Skodack
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
I would think it would be great to add a marathon distance to the Dx-A2 race. However, the conditions yesterday was terrible for competitive runners. Temperatures in the 70-80's are way too high to hold a marathon. There is a reason the majority of major marathons are held in the early spring or in the Fall. I ran the Milwaukee marathon in 2008 when the temps climbed up to the 80's by the time I finished around 3:30.00. Luckily the volunteers and the local residents brought in extra water and gatorade for the runners.
Townie
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:35 p.m.
The Dx-A2 race (since the 1970s) is, and always has been, a more sensible Half Marathon (13.1 miles). Don't confuse a good local, non-profit race with a profit making 'event'.
Irwin Daniels
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
We live on Geddes Ave near the arb. We were NOT notified by any means. I asked around and none of our neighbors were notified either.
a2citizen
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.
"Ever try looking at a newspaper"? Where does one buy a newspaper in Ann Arbor?
Ann English
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 12:02 a.m.
The race didn't stop people living on Awixa (off Geddes Avenue) from coming to our church that morning. I read about the race and knew which day, but not the time of day it would be run. It was held entirely away from any places I go on Sunday, but in places I go through on other days of the week.
Bertha Venation
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 7:55 p.m.
though not surprising. :(
Wolf's Bane
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:41 p.m.
That is a shame.
a2phiggy
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:25 p.m.
Now if only the mayor and city council could start looking their their proverbial windshield instead of their rear view mirrors...foresight, people, foresight.
a2phiggy
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:26 p.m.
pardon my typo - through their...
dfossil
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
Biggest complaint I heard from the runners was the very poor distribution of the toilets! All massed at the beginning and very few enroute. Marathoners hydrate for days ahead of time and need toilets in significant numbers throughout the race.
Madeleine Borthwick
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
Dfossil, too right. when you gotta go you gotta go.
Goober
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:36 p.m.
You mean that all of these professional runners were not wearing their adult diapers? I am a runner and know that if I am going long distance, I need ny 'assistant' - my diaper. What's the problem here?
Guinea Pig in a Tophat
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:21 p.m.
I believe that the date should be moved if it was hurting businesses due to them missing the Father's Day crowd. Plus it's pretty close to the Dexter-Ann Arbor half, so a little more leeway would be nice between those two big races. That said, Champions for Charity had a six hour limit for the marathon (surprising considering the tough course) and they were prompt at getting the cones out of the way on Main St., which was very near the finish. I was tootling back to my car and saw runners still out on the course that were not going to make the cut-off. They were asked to run on the sidewalks. Also, there was a police officer on Main/Stadium that was super friendly and a runner to boot. I run a lot of races and sometimes the police are so grumpy. This guy rocked. Good showing Ann Arbor!!
Goober
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:30 p.m.
Amy....... They need to hire more police, you know! Similar response to the time our house was struck by a bullet, or when someone stopped on a main road that we live on and stole our wood pile.
Amy Lesemann
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.
I, however, got stuck behind a cop with a Napoleon complex on Huron Pkway. He was inching along, picking up orange cones. Pretty soon, he had a long line of cars inching along behind him. I said, "Any chance you could stop for a minute and let a few of us by? We've got quite a back up here." His response: "I could just walk the rest of the way, you know!" Then he shouted a few things at all of us through his bullhorn. I have no idea what, but I'm guessing it was not friendly, Guinea Pig. Guess he just didn't want to be picking up cones that morning, and he took it out on the drivers. Not very professional, more like a big old baby in a snit. Go sit on the bottom step, Mr. Police Man. You're in a time out.
ChrisW
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.
Perhaps they should just run in circles around the new parking deck?
jcj
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:10 p.m.
Denise Murray, marketing director at Briarwood Mall, said she thought the traffic brought in by race participants outweighed any negative effects traffic delays may have caused. Anyone know WHERE Denise Murray lives?
Goober
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:27 p.m.
I have my rolls of toilet paper ready!
jcj
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:06 p.m.
For any that might have missed my point. It is easy to say the disruptions are worth it IF you live somewhere away from the disruptions and you stand to gain from the disruptions!
Robert Granville
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:32 p.m.
She couldn't possibly have sales figures from the businesses in the mall to back that up one day later.
mike gatti
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
Why? You want to send her flower?
Homeland Conspiracy
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.
Let the runner run through the mall
eyesofjustice
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.
Wow, the Mayor has spoken lets just say the marathon was some form of art, pay all the runners out of the tax revenue and we can just call the event a public art event......or just Stephen Postema claim the event a Public Nucenseh
Goober
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:25 p.m.
HeHeHe
Bertha Venation
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
HHHHAAA!!! Good one, Eyes! You've got me ROTFLMAO!
eyesofjustice
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.
Sorry Public Nuisance
DJBudSonic
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.
Just curious, if around 19K was raised for the AAPSEF, what is the "much more" raised for other education based non-profits? Who are the others, and how did they benefit from this? It is good to know that there was some public benefit to counterbalance the complaints about traffic and the like.
Pete Cunningham
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
Champions for Charity uses events such as this as a platform for charities and non-profits to raise funds. For this particular event, an educational theme was encouraged. In addition to a portion of everyone's registration fee going toward AAPSEF, there was information for how to use the event as a fundraiser for education-based programs. Here is a link to more information on how that was done. The link has been added to the article in the words "non-profits" as well. http://theannarbormarathon.com/charities The reason the article doesn't list which organizations were involved, or how much they raised, is because that information is still being compiled by race organizers. Hope that explanations helps.
ranger007
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
They couldn't figure this out BEFORE ...I took one look at the route and knew this
ranger007
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 : 2:05 a.m.
The only reason I knew was I herd someone mention about it so I looked it up online to see what it was about.
Goober
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 10:24 p.m.
Pardon me? How was I supposed to know about this?
a2citizen
Mon, Jun 18, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
Ditto. The course resembled a Rorschach Test.