Long distance runners often train for months under stressful and difficult situations in order to push and get themselves ready to achieve their goals, which is often to finish a run under a specific time.
In a video which was shared on Twitter, the crowds at the finish line of the annual Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) could be heard booing at the staff for closing off the roads with metal barriers on oncoming runners who had exceeded the cut off time.
According to their website, over 1,600 foreign runners from 47 different countries as well as close to 10,000 runners who came from other parts of Malaysia participated in the event. The event had a total of 34,000 runners.
The video which has caused a debate on the platform showed KLSCM staff shutting off the running routes with metal barriers as a number of runners came close to the finish line.
The right thing to do?
The video has gone viral and currently sits on over 275,100 views. Some netizens supported those in attendance by stating that the organisers should have just let those who are nearby pass through despite the cut off time of 7:15 hours.
“This was really heartbreaking to see! Runners have put in loads of efforts and were running since 3:45am.”
“Wish that the organiser is kinder. Post covid, there are those who have not been able to train properly and other reasons,” said another user.
However, it appeared that the majority of netizens were in support of the organisers for blocking off the roads for those who have exceeded the cut-off time as it is important to the running of a marathon.
“Respect the distance… for me, you feel like you can’t do a full marathon within the cut-off time, don’t do it. Try to do a half marathon in under 2 hours and 30 minutes.”
“Please guys, never assume that a full marathon is a ‘fun run’. You need to plan, train, fuel and perform the best you can. If you’re not ready, just don’t,” said another user.
Another user said that this reminded them of a documentary they watched on the Barkleys marathon which is considered as one of the most grueling races in the world.
“They don’t feel bad, if you don’t finish within the cut-off time then they’ll just close the gate. Lesson learnt, train harder and respect the distance,” stated the user.
Watch the video below:
Where do you stand on this? Are the staff wrong in closing the roads when the cut off time had already been exceeded?
This post first appeared on WORLD OF BUZZ.