And One to Grow On

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jun 3, 2005 4:53PM

Last weekend, 529 runners finished Chicago's Lakeshore Marathon in spite of an extra mile accidentally added to the course.

The race course ended up at 27.2 miles by accident, adding to the furor over a poorly planned event that saw unmanned aid stations and missing mile markers. Maybe if those had been in place, they would have noticed the extra mile!

There were also problems with the half marathon, including course marshalls sending Bridget Sullivan, the women's leader at the time, off course and into Lincoln Park Zoo!

After the numerous gaffs and racer complaints, race founder and organizer Mark Cihlar issued an apology and plans to hand over planning to experienced coordinators. He claims that the event will get better in 2006 with the addition of sponsors to help cover the costs of putting on the race. "We've been undercapitalized and under-resourced, but it looks like we're rounding the bend. Sponsors are taking a legitimate interest for 2006. There are lots of things we can improve on, but we're starting to make some headway."

Chicagoist recommends a name change to begin with and maybe even Cihlar stepping away from the race entirely. This year's race likely forever ruined the race's reputation, which will keep runners and sponsers away. It's Chicago's only spring marathon, so it'd be a shame to see it die off.

Image via LakeshoreEvents.com