TheLos Angeles Marathonhas two finish lines this year — and people aren’t happy about it.
With temperatures expected to climb higher than 80 degrees, organizers said runners can finish their race early at the 18th mile andstill receive their medalif they are “having a tough day.”
“If you’re having a tough day and want to end your race before [mile] 26.2, you can choose to take the turn at Mile 18 and head into the finish line early,” The McCourt Foundation, which is hosting the event, announced on its website Friday.
“You do not need to notify anyone of your decision and can opt to take this route at any time.”
The neurological disease charity foundation announced this rule change just two days ahead of the 26.2-mile race, adding this option was available only this year and that “there is no shame in making a smart decision for your body.”
“You will still receive your finisher medal and any challenge medal you’ve earned, and your official race results will be updated at a later date to reflect your time and mileage,” the foundation added.
But people on social media disagreed.
“People who don’t finish the marathon can identify as people who do finish the marathon,” Lisa Cusack, a district chair for the GOP,wrote on X.
“Next thing you know, they’re going to talk about how brave the people that stop at 18 miles are compared to those who finish, because it takes a big person to quit and embrace that emotional and mental strain of recognizing when you need to quit,” another person added.
The move is a first for the marathon, which has been a major event for the city since being inspired by the1984 Summer Olympics.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
