Running With It

Great event yesterday, but although I finished, I'm listed in the DNF category. My clock time was just over 3:28.
- Dave Getz (#387)

I had the same exact problem. I finished in approx. 3:41. I spoke to someone at RunVermont this morning and they assured me that they are working through these issues (by looking at race photos and working with the timing people) and they told me I should hopefully have an official finish time in a week or so. I don't quite understand why they introduced a new timing system that has strips attached to the back of the bib…kind of weird if you ask me because bibs tend to get pretty “roughed up” during a marathon. I noticed that there were a ton of people with a “DNF”, and I am sure the ones that know they qualified for Boston are pretty anxious to get official results!

I received an encouraging email from joe@runvermont.org & he asked what color shirt, etc. I was wearing. I sent him a photo of me after the race. He told me not to worry. They have my time at 20 miles, but not the finish.

Good to know. I too sent an e-mail to Joe earlier today, but haven't heard back yet. I have a picture I can send him as well. Just like you, they have my time at the half-way point and at mile 20, just not the finish. Good luck :)

Just taking a minute to check in before I go back to my detective work...For what it's worth, the number of B-Tags that did not record properly is higher than the amount of ChampionChips that did not record last year. However the number of B-tags that did not record properly this year appears to be less than the number of issues we had with ChampionChip the year we went to that system, 2002. You can expect issues any time you change your timing system, which decrease as the years go by. Still looking for that perfect system if anyone knows of one :-)

Our average number of DNF's the past 5 years is a little over 150. At this point we have 181 listed as DNF. I expect we'll end up finding finish results on our backup system for 35-45 runners, which will produce official results that are in line with what we normally see for DNF's. And that is in spite of this being a record year for finishers at KBVCM - over 2720 marathoners at this point, previous high 2511!

Joe

Thanks Joe for all your detective work and quick response to my e-mail!

I understand that there can be issues with introducing a new timing system, but I have done 13 marathons and 20 half marathons and this is the first time I have had this issue. I like the ChronoTrack timing system with the orange strip that attaches to your shoe laces, I have used that for a few of my more recent races. However, I don't like the strips on the back of the bib at all! I just don't see how that can produce reliable results, because the bibs go through so much wear and tear during a marathon...from the sweat, the body movements, etc. I believe that the timing devices that attach to the shoe laces are still the best ones around. That's just my humble opinion, though :)

Joe, I just wanted to say "thank you" for getting me my official results. I went online this morning and was delighted to find out that I am now an official Vermont City Marathon finisher and Boston qualifier. You rock!!!

Joe-
Thank you!