Wow. Photo finish at the LA marathon

[jon-nyc]

[Mik]

That man is the apex predator of marathons. Can you imagine having the physical and mental/emotional fortitude to put that on at the end?

Feel kind of bad for the Kenyan guy who was sure enough that he had it to turn around and look. Had he not done that he probably would have won.

[Rich]

Not only that, but some video has come out…Looks like a fan jumped out in the road near the end, causing some confusion as to which way he should go.

Second weekend in a row a major race had a screw up near the end. (Women’s race leaders led off course by the lead vehicle in Atlanta)

Still—pretty wild finish

[89th]

Yeah a minute or two before this the lead runner was following the motorcycle who started to depart the course and the runner followed it for 5 seconds before turning around.

[89th]

I'd imagine soon there will be a sign on the lead vehicle that says "DO NOT FOLLOW" they can display, this is happening far too often!

[89th]

https://www.reddit.com/r/sports/comments/1rp550i/la_marathon_american_nathan_martin_was_able_to/

[Rich]

Motorcade always pulls off early. The finishing area (especially on big races) is too crowded already, vehicles can damage the timing mat, etc. This was a combo of stupid fan/leader had a bit of 'runner brain', and insufficiently clear course marshal.

While there are a lot of people working these events....many people, (like hundreds) are there as volunteers. Getting volunteers in general has been getting increasingly difficult the last several years...so while frustrating..not hugely surprising.