15 days after the XL Marathon edition of CDMX was run, the Sports Institute of Mexico City and the Marathon Organizing Committee finally released the official number of the number of registered runners, those who collected their kit, those who arrived at the finish line , and those who completed the route, although their report leaves some doubt.
According to the official statement, “28,410 runners were registered, of which 25,517 took their kit and only 21,504 started at the finish line, of which 19,697 qualified as full route finalists.” If we do the math on these numbers, it turns out that 2,893 runners did not get their kit; 1,807 remained, crossed the finish line and received a medal without completing the route and 6,996 registered participants did not show up.
The report did not mention how many of the 1,807 runners will be disqualified. This number, which is the result of the reduction of those who started (21,504) and those who finished (19,697), also does not take into account the runners who started kilometers before the start and crossed the finish line. Organizers need to be more clear, specific and transparent in handling these numbers… well, if they can do it.
The statement also mentions that on the weekend of August 26 and 27, Mexico City experienced an economic impact of 190 million pesos, as a result of the Marathon. Does it not contribute to this spillover that in the same week, the concerts of the American singer Taylor Swift were held, which attracted thousands of fans from all over the republic, central and even South America? How do they make that calculation?
The truth is that we see a lot of trouble in managing numbers, not only in the organization, but also in social networks; which caused the image of the sporting event and the Mexican runners to be affected and questioned in our country and even abroad. Our Marathon deserves the Government to fully participate in eliminating the problem of “authenticity” in its results by making organizational changes, improving the time, and toughening the rules and penalties for those who cheat.
Running and finishing a marathon is a great achievement, and the finisher’s medal has great value to those who actually earn it. We will not devalue our medals by cheating. Crossing the finish line of a marathon is one of the most intense sensations in a runner’s life. Especially the first time. So, authorities and runners, please take care and maintain the good image of our CDMX Marathon and our athletes. Any effort is worth it.
