This is the first time the organizers have made the timing chip compulsory for all half marathon participants. For some, this means shelling out an extra 200 bucks, do you think this is a good idea?
I have been running this event since 2005, and every year, I have worn the timing chip. However, since most of the participants were not wearing the chip, it was difficult to say how I did overall compared to the other participants, since from my guess, less that 15% of the runners were using the chip. Now that this has been made compulsory, it would be interesting to find this out! In fact, Mumbai marathon has also made the timing chip compulsory from this year for full and half marathon participants.
However, I can probably empathise with those folks who would rather avoid paying the extra bucks for the chip, and for whom the timings are not that important. Runners coming from nearby villages, students, etc. What do you think?
Good - as far as statistical real-time data collection /analysis is concerned . It will give the correct picture/results .
Bad - as far as creating a "hole in thepocket" of the "common man".The sponsors/advertisers instead of giving "goodie bag worth so much ?" can absorb thetiming chip cost and make it free for all participants.
Tanvir i think its a good Idea. whoever particiates they atleast know their finish timings, with thatthey can improvetheir timingsnext time. Thats how it makes them adicted to running . Thats what i feel
Tanveer I think this is good idea of using chip ason using this chip runner have to complete the full race. And there was one more good thing as u must have remwmbered the long queue for collecting the certificates. Runnesneed not to be there in long queue ..organizers have data with them and they will send youthe certificate on the basisof your data.
Secondlyon paying 200 bucks extra.. every one knows how much items we are getting in the goodiee bag. which casts more than 2500 bucks so if you are paying 500or 600 and you are getting 2500.. still you are5 timesprofit. So we dont expect everything from sponsers..
Extra Rs.200 is very high a price. Even Rs. 300 (if it were without chip) is also high. Most of the people logging into this discussion are well off and can afford a computer. Rs. 500 is not a big thing with them. There are many freinds of mine, who would otherwise complete half marathon, had it been free. I have seen runners comming from different states in 2nd class, who can't afford a pair of shoes, have to pay Rs. 500 for just running. Its India man! and this race is for the folks and mass; for creating general public awareness and bring in cultural change for running. Running is the onlysport which the poorest can afford. I strongly feel it should be free with or withouttiming chip at least for those who complete it.
I also feel that the contents of goody bag should not be the choice of the sponsors, it should be specially packed with sports goods etc, so that the real obejective of the race is achieved.
Ithink rakesh has bought up some realities and he is right , iwish therewas some free chips for runners who are not financially strong but have shown their talent on district or state levels, may be airtel could start with a professional runner programme, ask for a certificate for providing free tracking chips.
i can figure out that Airtel has given a lot in free goodies but its good if we could promote more raw talent, which is also an aim of such events...
Goodies are often things one can do without (toners, astringent, shaving foam, etc.), so I'd strongly support any move to reduce the freebies and include the cost of the chip within Rs. 300. I think the consensus should emerge in that direction since it's clear that recording timings for all is a good thing.
