Posted by Alma Ramos on October 19, 2004 at 16:57:50:
In Reply to: Re: Official Time/Chip Time posted by ernie beach on October 18, 2004 at 23:53:28:
I consider myself to be a "faster" runner and not a recreational one, yet I agree with Nancy that the Chip Time should be allowed to be used in races that are more crowded, as it does adequately show the actual time run by that individual.
Time spent standing in place (like in the NYC marathon) is not indicative of the time I run a marathon. When I last ran NY in '85, it took me over 30 min. just to reach the start. This was before the chip, but I know that my marathon (or any other race) doesn't begin until I reach the start. That's why it's called The Start.
When I ran Boston this past April, it took me 15 min. to reach the start. That's when my marathon began. Boston Marathon organizers recognize the Chip times, and allow you to use it in your application when you submit your qualifying time.