Marathon Sunday is always one of my favorite days in New York City. Stay tuned for a blog on the Marathon to be posted later tonight or on Monday morning. As previously noted in teh blog, we have a dear family member running in the race today, as Buddy is running his first marathon and it is coming only four days into the life of his youngest child, Katherine.
A few quick observations from the marathon. The start, which was televised in NYC by WNBC-NY 4 with commentary from Bruce Beck and Al Trautwig, was not well orchestrated. The organizers chose to play the national anthem of the USA (good), have Bruce Beck do sports-arena style introductions of the top runners (fine) and then, when everyone was 'ready' for the start, they turned it over to race director Mary Wittenberg for a moment of silence to honor USA marathoner Ryan Shay who collapsed and died at yesterday's US Olympic trials (terrible).
The moment of silence should have been staged as the first item on the agenda, immediately before the national anthem. While not an issue of utmost importance, I admit, it does reflect the NY Road Runners Club's lack of thought and proper staging. Very simple stuff.
I noticed it at the finish line as well. The finish line should have the year and other NY icons to capture the moment and the 'photo.'
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