Upload a Photo Upload a Video Add a News article Write a Blog Add a Comment
Blog Feed News Feed Video Feed All Feeds
Like USATF on Facebook Subscribe to the USARC RSS feed go to USATF.org

Media

Photos (5)
View
Videos (8)
View
News (1)
View
Blogs (0)
View
 

Folders

 

 

Pro Marathoner Craig Leon Speaks Out on CGI Decision

Published by
Scott Bush   Sep 13th 2013, 7:44pm
Comments

A few weeks ago, the Competitor Group (CGI) announced that it would be, with immediate effect, eliminating any and all elite fields in North American events.  What does this mean exactly?  In a nutshell, CGI, which is responsible for putting on all of the Rock n’ Roll races across the country, will no longer be investing its money into the professional side of road racing.  The decision stunned many in the running community, especially those who view this as a profession.  I’ll share some of my thoughts on CGI’s decision, and what it all means, later in this post, but the more immediate concern for me was deciding whether or not to run this Sunday’s previously scheduled Rock n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon.

When I committed to running the Chicago Marathon, it was my intention from day 1 of this training cycle to run in Philly.  It’s one of the most competitive half marathons in the US and it comes exactly one month before Chicago; perfect timing for one last hard tune-up.  Because of what has transpired over the past few weeks, I have chosen to pull the plug on racing at Philly this weekend and will consequently take a financial hit in the process.  However, I believe that it is more important for me to stand alongside many of my fellow competitors and boycott any CGI events going forward.

When you are six weeks out from a marathon, I can tell you the last thing you want to worry about is reconfiguring your already-thought-out-and-well-planned training schedule.  But alas, that’s what I have been doing.  I’ve spent too much time (because in my mind, even spending one minute is too much) over the last week figuring out how to change my plane ticket, finding a substitute tune-up race, and working with coach Ian to re-write my training schedule.  If you know me, then you might be able to imagine how frustrating this process has been, as I hate amending schedules and plans.



Read the full article at: craigleonrunning.com
History for USATFRunningCircuit.com - USATF Running Circuit Official Site
YearVideosNewsPhotosBlogs
2024 23 15    
2023 54 62    
2022 71 72    
Show 20 more