Keep the marathon running

It is with great disappointment that I read of the great Deseret News marathon being discontinued after this year.

I have run this marathon every year since 1997 (my very first marathon), and the Deseret News' upcoming marathon will be my 26th overall. This marathon is my favorite course, and it holds many fond memories.

It is the course where I ran my marathon personal record time, and it is a traditional favorite of LocoMotion Running Club members and families.

Over the past years our club members have increased in numbers, and the number of club members running the marathon has also increased. Our club members and families have consistently hosted what I understand is the best water station of the run (across from the zoo).

I have noticed that over the past couple of years the overall management and operation (and "feeling") of this marathon has not matched the quality of those in the past. After some contemplation, I believe this can be attributed to the following:

• Parade route. The marathon is perceived to be less than a main event by bypassing the parade route. The only marathoners allowed to run the parade route are those who can reach a cutoff point within a certain time limit. This time limit has been set so one must run the complete course within 3:45. I found that when a runner finishes with a time of 4:15, he or she will still get to the finish line prior to the parade (by quite a time difference). With the current rule, less than half the runners have a chance to be a part of the main-event parade.

  This perception of a less important event and being forced to bypass the parade route has been a negative to many runners.

  The cheers and support of the people of Salt Lake, as well as the feeling of participating in a great historical tradition (Pioneer Day) both help to boost interest in the marathon event.

• Spectator support along the parade route. The limitation that forces runners to bypass the parade route diminishes spectators' appreciation of those running the marathon. Successful marathons held elsewhere in Utah use spectator participation to enhance the draw for potential runners. The anticipation of spectator support along the route is a factor that will inspire potential participants to set their goals and train for the event.