The 19th annual Big Shoulders 5K and 2.5K race will experience nearly 30% growth this year. Around 600 people finished the event last year, but race officials may cap the field at 800 swimmers for safety reasons. Register quickly if interested in guaranteeing a spot in the race.
5 comments:
All the open water races in our SoCal region have increased in size this year.
It also helps that a race is a designated National Championship as well.
The sport appears healthy wouldn't you say?
Wonderful conditions, clear sky/water... BUT controversy still reigns(weeks later) amongst MANY in the masters swimming community. A 51 year old man, in an alternate heat "presumably" won the race w/ a blistering time for a man his age. It is alleged that he either inadvertently or inadvertently skipped a bouy; winning the masters championship along the way. How can these things be avoided w/ so many swimmers in the water? ...in different heats?
No kidding. what a disaster!
Did the alleged result of one individual ruin the race experience of many? Cheating, either purposefully or inadvertently, especially around the turn buoys, can be reduced by stationing race officials at each turn buoy. However, to completely eliminate these instances, especially when there are hundreds or thousands in the water, is difficult. One solution, if the clamoring of unfairness becomes unbearable, is to have a point-to-point swim. Another solution, albiet costly and logistically difficult, is to put Garmin GPS devices on each swimmer and confirm each individual went around each turn buoy. Of course, next year, this individual can be spotted by his competitors and race officials if feelings remain strong.
Thanks for your comments/suggestions, Steve,
I think it's fair to say that the "alleged" incident put a damper on an otherwise fantastic event for a number of the participants as evident in the U.S. Master's "open water discussion page" (what a venue though!)... you're right in suggesting that it's difficult to eliminate these instances in mass participation races. I'm surprised and quite frankly delighted that we don't hear about them more. I suppose it's a testament to the integrity of the athletes and the sport.
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