Why do slow runner's bother to enter races?

Question

What motivates slow runners to continually enter races, even though they know they will be one of the last ones to finish the race? Why bother? What's the point?

By slow runner, I mean those who will run a 30-40 minute 5k, a 1:15-1:30 10k, or a 6+ hour marathon.

And I'm not talking about older people. I'm talking about slow runners in their prime, 20s, 30s, or 40s. They know they are going to place last or close to last in their age group before they enter any races. So why bother? They aren't competitive and will never win a race, or even come close. They will never win an award and may never even run a sub 10 minute mile. What's the point of spending money, entering an event, when you know you won't get any awards or anything? Knowing you will be just lucky if you finish the race before they close it down? I just don't get it. Could someone please explain what motivates these people to enter races anyway?

Answer 1

i guess it would have to challenge/accomplishment/enjoyment, and I'm assuming your meaning ordinary people who sigh up for the Boston marathon or something like that. Even though they don't get a prize because they don't beat someone else they are numerous others things that might be motivating them, maybe the accomplishment of completing a marathon (not many people are able to) or maybe they are trying to beat a previous time they set last year or maybe they enjoy running. Remember people are very diverse and what you hold important isn't a de facto reason to why people participate in sports.

Answer 2

Because its fun for them.  Did you know most people couldnt even finish a 5k.  Why are you degrading people that work their butts off?

Answer 3

because life isnt just for people too big for their boots but i suppose we enter just so people like you feel better about them selves

Answer 4

hey, at least they made an effort to run in a marathon. also, sometimes they do it for a good cause (e.g. relay for life, diabetes, etc.)

Answer 5

It's not for the recognition from other people...plenty of people who have started running want to see how much they can do, and have the personal satisfaction of saying they completed something. You don't have to win to enjoy the race.

Answer 6

There's a personal reward.  These runners are doing something out of their comfort zone.  They are trying to get a personal best.  I ran cross country in high school and I was never going to be an asset for my team, but I was able to learn hard work and discipline.

Answer 7

Sometimes just completing a race (task/job/chore) is reason enough. These people have progressed past the stage of relying totally on other people's approval to being self motivated. These people are actually happier people.

BTW- Why do anything then if you can be the best/richest/prettiest? Might as well give up and sit in your room all the time. Only 1/1000 th  (probably less) of the population would have a reason for doing anything by that logic!

Answer 8

its not the fact of winning the race or even being competitive in it some people join races just for the feeling of accomplishment. maybe they were fat as a kid and are just amazed they can run that far or maybe they are just there to have FUN.  You have to remember that not all people do things to win and its not like they are hurting anyone by running.

Answer 9

As time goes on you will learn to appretiate people for trying.

I can not help but respect someone for doing something to improve themselves.  I cannot count the ammount of times I have seen people in the gym who for sure do not know what they are doing or look like they belong there.  But I respect that person for trying to better themself.  You should never take for granted that some people are not gifted with the same athletic ability as others and therefore have to try even harder to accomplish something athletically.

Answer 10

Think about the winners each race, there are only 3 in each age category, so most people that enter won't win.  Most people who continually run races run because it makes them feel like the are are a part of something, also, a race will keep people exercising and training to do their best.  If you have a marathon coming up , you have a real reason to go out and do that 20 miler.  Seriously, how many people will run 20 miles just for fun???

And yes, they are competitive, most people are running against themselves, their last time or their own personal record, you know how good that feels to beat your own personal record??

Answer 11

Once in a while someone comes along with a question that shows how totally ignorant and naive some people are about running, and about most things in life.

Would  you tell most kids not to go to school because there's only one valedictorian??

Don't enter a contest because there's only 1 winner??

You must be blond or very very young......

Answer 12

Have you heard of the famous quote "Winning isn't everything"? =)

obviously, they run races to have a fun time. how can anyone get better if they don't keep trying? they can improve every time. i comletely agree with a previous answer where it said "running your own race" medals are only medals, they're not going to last a lifetime. The main goal is the self-satisfaction of finishing a race. they dont have to be a fastest person, cause most likely, there will almost always be a person faster than you. then what do you do to beat them? keep running & experience more races. the main goal's to finish the race, and hopefully, do better each day.

you'll be surprised if a slow person ever beats you because they never gave up.

i was one of the slowest runner freshman year in high school. and grew to the one of the top varsity runners as a sophmore. what would have happened if i gave up running races? i would have still been almost last if i did. but i didn't. i was determined to prove those people wrong. those who laughed at me that i was slow. and in the end, i did. =)

Answer 13

for exercise.  i dont get first place and i dont get last, but i run cause a. its fun and b. excersise.   i dont have the greatest cordination, so running/jogging is a good fit for me :)

why people enter races? it also might be that they want to donate for the cause of the race? maybe? hope this helps :)

Answer 14

Does it really matter that there are slower runners out there?  You should feel proud as you pass them!  Besides, they are the ones paying for it... they obviously find it worth it.  I don't think anyone is in it to win or anything.  Races are a unique environment in which one can run without worrying about cars, etc.  If you are really bothered by slow runners, try finding races that have time limits.

Answer 15

What a way to be NEGATIVE!!!!!!!

Did you ever think that maybe people are trying to get in shape, or just run for fun. What does it matter to you???

I have one phrase for you "RUN YOUR OWN RACE!!!"

That's my Cross Country teams motto!

Answer 16

because its fun and a good way to keep in shape

SORRY THAT WE CANT BE AS "FAST" AS YOU.  is that what you want to hear? no dont even answer, thats true....it doesnt matter if you finish first...in fct its a gret accomplishment if you even finish at all

stop putting people ddown.