Chasing a Unicorn: My thoughts on the virtual Boston marathon

The Boston marathon will be celebrating its 125th year this year. It’s also the first year where both a virtual and an in-person race option has been offered simultaneously.

While I personally believe this is a positive opportunity to celebrate a momentous occasion, the internet can be an echo chamber amplifying the negativity, anger, and hate around people’s thoughts and feelings.

And the discussion of a virtual Boston is not spared this fate.

What’s more is that, the virtual comments followed conversations into real life where I heard many of the same sentiments. Among them, opinions and beliefs that the virtual Boston Marathon is in some way lesser in value than the traditional route. That because there is no qualifier or time limit, the efforts of those who run the virtual are somehow diminished. That those running are unworthy of the unicorn merch and medal (or saying they’ve run a Boston race). Or the incensed feeling that this race would be “cheapened” by having people run a virtual event. 

To the criticisms I say the following:

1. 26.2 miles is 26.2 miles whether you run it fast or slow, with walking breaks, lunch breaks or without breaks. A distance like this is not one that people sign up for without some pre-meditation and reflection on their journeys. There is often thorough thought before signing up (and also planning as you need to create your own route if you’re running virtually). It is a distance that takes training, commitment, and mental strength not to mention passion and a standing reverence to all those who have already accomplished this distance. So whether you are running virtual in your own town or in Boston, the achievements is a phenomenal one and you have every right to the title of marathoner. It is not just a “fun run” as some might allude to; it takes perseverance and unbelievable effort both physically and mentally. 
   
2. If 2020 has taught the running community anything it should be that a virtual race has no lesser value or merit than an in-person race. While they are different in feel and organization, the fact is that all races will push people to test what they are capable of. A virtual race doesn’t lessen the prestige or experience of an in-person race, especially one that has a legacy like Boston. This is a good reminder to everyone that the virtual marathon is an official Boston Athletic Association race just like their 5K, 10K and half marathon. While the experience will be different and the routes may not have the history that the Hopkinton to Boyston St path has, everyone has the right to say they have earned their medals, that they have run a BAA race, and that they have run a marathon.
   
3. No one running the virtual believes they are running the same experience as the in-person race. Running a virtual does not cheapen any experience; they can exist concurrently in the same universe. I’d argue that by including more people and giving them the opportunity, it in fact increases the value and prestige of the original Boston marathon as there is more exposure, more individuals interested in qualifying, and more feeling of community.  
   
4. 98% of individual running Boston aren’t there to try to win the marathon. Most are there to experience the course, the atmosphere, push themselves, and lay claim to the unicorn jacket and title of a Boston finisher. There are many that qualified but didn’t or couldn’t run for a plethora reasons and the virtual is away to share that experience. To take on a view that those who did not run shouldn’t be given another opportunity is not the running community I want to be part (and quite frankly an archaic and elitist view).

Ultimately, at the end of the day, why not share a little bit of Boston unicorn magic? 

While I might seem a bit salty, I should note that I’ve also encountered great things that fill my heart. The fact that so many people wanted to sign up for it, to support the struggling sector of running events so that there is a future for in-person races speaks volumes. I’ve seen and heard so many people cheering each other (and me on) and creating new bonds together. And these positive vibes are from veteran Boston runners and novices alike.

I will acknowledge that the virtual while it does allow for greater inclusivity of runners of all paces and skill, doesn’t mean it’s completely inclusive. The price tag is still steep both for a virtual run but also for anyone trying to access races with reputations like Boston (in fact, even their 5K is quite expensive). Some may point out that there is a charity component connected to it but it doesn’t negate the cost to those who do not have the privilege of disposable income. That still creates a layer of socio-economic disparity for those who participate (and don’t). 

I believe in an inclusive and diverse running community. One where runners across skill, pace, and ability (among other things) are embraced. One where the voices of exclusion do not scare away those who are trying to find their place and footing within running. And one where the achievements of others are not diminished because of arbitrary rules of value and merit assigned to races and paces. 

There has always been an end goal to my running “n”deavour: to run a marathon. The marathon has always been my unicorn, the distance I’ve always wanted to run successfully but never have been able to achieve. The missed opportunity, reclaimed. 

And so I’ve decided to sign up for the virtual Boston marathon. It’ll be an amazing experience in it’s own right. It’ll be my way of chasing a unicorn.