SF Marathon – New First Place, Arien O'Connell

While it is reported that Nora Colligan won the first place title in Sunday’s San Francisco Marathon with a time of 3:06:30, first place should have gone to 24 year-old Arien O’Connell who ran the race in 2:55:11!!

So, how does that happen? According to the ‘rules,’ had Arien felt she could run that fast, she should have signed up with the “elite” group of which she was started out 20 minutes behind. In fact, race producer Dan Hirsch actually stated “If you are feeling like you’re going to be a leader, you should be in the elite pack.” In other words, race officials were not sympathetic.

I get it. There have to be rules…right? However, I would have suggested that Arien’s time be acknowledged and celebrated at the awards ceremony. Nora Colligan is walking away with a title that, unfortunately, I am not sure she deserves. Read the full article from the San Francisco Chronicle here. Bad Wrap for Nike, ouch.

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