THREAD - An important trust exists between top athletes and road race organizers. High level road racing is built on this. 1/8

Athletes trust that the organizer has taken every reasonable step to insure that his or her event is conducted at a high technical level. This includes course measurement and certification, and the maintenance of that certification as required by their NGB. 2/8

It also includes having an NGB sanction, enough qualified officials, medical/DT personnel, course protection, municipal permits for road closures, proper insurance, and a solid financial base so that all athletes will be paid no matter what happens on the field of play. 3/8

In return, the race organizer trusts that the athletes prepared thoroughly for the event, incorporated it properly into their annual program so they would be fit, gave their absolute best effort on race day, and did not take banned substances to aid in preparation. 4/8

Within this system of trust there is room for errors and forgiveness. An organizer may make an honest mistake, like misplacing a cone or barrier. An athlete might get injured at the last minute and have to pull out of the race. In real life things sometimes go wrong. 5/8

When something goes wrong, the organizer & the athlete take responsibility for their actions. They express regret to the other party & hope for forgiveness. When there is trust, the athlete & the organizer can get past the mishap and continue their relationship in good faith. 6/8

Blaming others and not accepting responsibility is a breach of this trust. Some of the world's best organizers have made mistakes. It was painful and embarrassing, but they owned up to them and worked to improve. Athletes forgave them, and they all moved forward. 7/8

When I worked as a race organizer I made some mistakes. Right before @runmeb won the NYC Marathon I had an argument with him over something trivial. I was fatigued, but that was no excuse. After the race I apologized & he graciously forgave me. For that I am forever grateful. 8/8