Describe your race day.
I left this as a Facebook message and I copied and pasted here: one event ruined the experience for me.
I had an unsettling and disturbing incident today. I was at mile 24.5 and a driver in a vehicle decided to take his ire and frustration out on me.
He yelled at me telling me that this race had better be for charity because it was making him four hours late.
I did not answer him.
But I did take out my phone to take his picture. He then said " why don't you video this" and he flipped me off
So, I told a police officer that this driver was harassing me.
Later-after the police man told me he'd take care of it,
The drive me caught up with me and started mocking me by moving his arms In an exaggerated running motion.
I chose to ignore the guy this time. I saw his car later but never looked over to him.
This was frustrating on three levels.
1. The driver of course. He chose to take his frustration on me because, I believe, I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
2. The police officer was unable to assist me in any real protection.
3. We are running exposed in the middle of the road for the last three miles. This situation could have easily become more heated. I don't like the course the last three miles and feel it's a genuine safety concern.
I was threatened. I was mocked. I was criticized because of your decision to have the course where it was the last three miles.
The experience ruined the marathon for me and I still feel disturbed seven hours later.
I should not have to defend why I run during a race to a passing motorist. I should not be subjected to yelling, mocking and flipping off during a race when I am running in the designated area.
And, I should be subjected to defending your decision of the course to frustrated motorists.