Marathon delayed nearly an hour
The start of the Montreal Marathon was delayed nearly an hour because of some holdup in securing the route – La Presse says not enough people showed up to do the work, so police had to be called to sort it out. The organizer admits the delay was his fault.
Streets were expected to reopen around 3 p.m. but this too may be somewhat delayed by the late start.
At 11 a.m. the marathon winners have already been declared, with two Kenyan runners taking the race at 2:15 and 2:40 (♂ and ♀).
Update: A participant in the demi-marathon collapsed and was given CPR then brought to hospital. This report suggests it was a person in their twenties.
Further update: the young man who collapsed has died. I suspect from the tone of some things I’m reading that the disarray of the marathon this year will be blamed for not having first aid people at hand immediately.
Brett 15:13 on 2019-09-22 Permalink
We say half marathon ☻
Spi 19:06 on 2019-09-22 Permalink
They failed to recruit enough volunteers to man the intersections and gates along the course. It’s much graver than people not showing up to do the work.
Kate 13:05 on 2019-09-23 Permalink
Maybe that suggests they need more paid staff?
CR 19:03 on 2019-09-23 Permalink
I’ve never understood why people volunteer at for-profit events unless they’re going to get free admission or something. I can understand working a day at a music festival to get a free ticket for the next day but what are you getting out of volunteering at a marathon where you won’t be competing and watching it is free?
Mr.Chinaski 09:50 on 2019-09-24 Permalink
Sometimes you volunteer because of the law, community-work hours and small sentences.
Kate 10:09 on 2019-09-24 Permalink
But the Montreal marathon is part of a profit-making venture, Mr. Chinaski. Can that be considered community work?
Dan 10:49 on 2019-09-24 Permalink
Volunteers at running events tend to be of a different sort, often athletes themselves who’ve participated in the event in the past and know the value of helpful, cheering folk along the route. Having done it myself it’s usually quite a rewarding experience.