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04.07.2008 9:08 am

How did it Go! for you?

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Here are a couple quick observations from the Go! Fitness Weekend. We want to get the ball rolling on comments from the weekend. What you have to say is way more important than what I have to say.

Evidence of the depth of the half-marathon field: In 2005, just five runners finished in less than 1 hour, 20 minutes. The number rose to 12 in 2006. Last year, 20 competitors beat the mark. This year, 31 runners were under 1:20.

“There are so many fast guys running now,” said John Aerni, one of those fast guys. Aerni finished sixth in the half-marathon, inĀ  1:11:56, and was second in the marathon last year. “The racing is come much more competitive. The more good runners you have, the faster they want to go, and the better the race gets.”

Given the increase in the number of half-marathoners _ more than 9,400 registered for the race _ the increased congestion was noticeable behind the finish line. The marshalls did a good job of keeping the runners moving to the back, but the area started to clog with a big number of finishers between two hours and 2:30. Perhaps the distribution of medals and blankets and the chip collection area could be moved a half-block further east? There’s some room to back up a bit and give more room for runners to collect their goodies.

Or maybe, by keeping it small, more finishers are quicker to move out of the straight and into the food area? Something to mull.

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5 comments

Comments are closed.

I thought the way the finishing area was set up was just fine. I had no problems at all. I’m a mid-packer and didn’t have wait for my finishers medal, time chip to be removed, food, beer. Everything was smooth and relaxed for me. Great job Go!

One thing: the Expo was VERY cramped and crowded. I left as soon as I picked up my t-shirt because I could barely get through the crowd. Maybe a bigger venue next year?

— Sarah
2:16 pm April 8th, 2008

Congrats on your accomplishment.

I didn’t get over to the expo this year, so I can’t offer much insight. Last year, the vendors seemed close but comfortable. Maybe the expo had more vendors this year? Or, maybe you picked up your packet at a popular time.

The Go! folks seem to have a good handle on all facets of the operation, so if space was a problem and there’s a way to expand the area for next year, they will get it done.

— Kathleen Nelson
2:48 pm April 8th, 2008

I’d have to agree w/everything Sarah said. No problems, no waiting, great experience. I went to the Expo Saturday around 3:30-4:00pm and it was packed. I was in a hurry and couldn’t stay anyway, but it was hard to get through the crowd just to get out of there. Not sure if I would’ve stayed even if I had the time. It was cramped.

— Nina
4:37 pm April 8th, 2008

I’d love to hear from someone who was at the Expo at another time to see if it was just as crowded all the time.

— Kathleen Nelson
5:09 pm April 8th, 2008

I was at the expo on my lunch hour on Friday. I had plenty of elbow room to maneuver– not crowded at all. I probably had my packet in hand in less than 10 minutes.

I was hoping that more representatives from other marathons were present; I like those chances to win a free entry!

— Dave
9:58 am April 9th, 2008