It’s been done before in Boston. We know that. It’s happened in the NYC marathon. And again in St. Paul. Two people got caught in the Marine Core Marathon. Even in Mexico.
People cheat at lots of stuff, so it’s no surprise that in the highly competitive world of long distance running these shenanigans occur. (Yeah, I just said “shenanigans.” And I liked it.) The motivation for most of these people seems pretty obvious – they’re trying to qualify for another race or trying to win the one (and purse) they are in.
But I was a little confused when recent allegations of Katie Holmes Cruise faking the NYC marathon surfaced. Why??? She finished in over five and a half hours. That’s not even close to being a competitive time. I’m not knocking Katie – finishing a marathon at all is a huge accomplishment – but that kind of time indicates a considerable amount of walking/slow jogging. I would think if you were going to go to the trouble of faking it, you’d at least fake a good time!
The other criticisms against her also don’t make much sense to me:
1. Her running clothes are inappropriate.
Well…yeah. I mean compare this pic of Katie with winner Paula Radcliffe
Katie’s not wearing a sports bra (and those cami-tanks are NOT a substitute), her pants are really long (the better to trip you with, my dear) & she’s finishing in a cotton jacket with very little sweat BUT I’ve seen people run races in all types of ridiculous clothing. Most runners wear wicking fabrics & a really good compression bra but just because she didn’t, doesn’t mean she didn’t run it. Although I will say she probably got some wicked nip chafing. Eeek.
2. She was photographed mere hours later in heels at hubby Tom Cruise’s premiere. Again, whatevs. Her legs were probably really sore but being a celebrity she’s probably used to wearing heels all the time and who among us hasn’t sucked it up and done something for a significant other while in some physical pain? The longest I’ve ever run is 18 miles and I was tired the rest of the day (and the next, and the next…) but I carried on with my normal routine. I mean, yeah, she ran/walked a looooong way but not everyone dies when they cross the finish line.
3. The man next to her (see pic below), had the exact same split times as she did, leading some people to speculate that he ran the race for her. Others explain that as he was her body guard and stuck to her like glue for the whole race. I’m inclined to believe the latter, given who her husband is.
4. Lastly, people are wondering why there are only pics of her at the end of the race. This is the only one that is remotely compelling to me. You’d think her every footstep would have been caught on film by the paparazzi. But, who knows? Maybe they got bored on the job. Maybe they couldn’t get through the crowds.
I think she ran it. What would she have to gain from lying about it?? But I want to know what you all think (especially Gretchen – you super marathoner, you!). Is she a faker?
Okay, I had originally thought there was some weight to these allegations – especially the no-sports-bra (holy crap I’m an A-cup and that would HURT) and the lack-of-other-pictures arguments. But I think you made some interesting counterpoints…
However, I must say that when I read the title of this post and saw the Katie Holmes relevance, I actually thought it was going to be about her recent acceptance into the Boston marathon through one of their discretionary bids even though she is far from the qualifying time. Which TICKS ME OFF. Now, I have no idea – perhaps she is running for a charity, so I guess that would induce some forgiveness – but I tend to think she is merely using her celebrity status to do something she otherwise would be unable to (b/c this is also, I think, how she got to run the NYC marathon rather than registering like everyone else). And you know what? That makes me really mad. I have run two marathons and am in the middle of my training for a third, and my short-term goal right now is to qualify for Boston (my last time was 7 minutes away!). And I want to keep running marathons until I am old and wrinkly, but right now, for my next race, that is my goal/motivation. I feel like the fact that she just seems to do these things on a whim and without the proper qualifications only serves to cheapen what they mean to other people (read: me).
End rant.
Someday I will leave a comment that is less than a page long.
I think it’s great to have “stars” engage in sporting events, as it shows people they don’t just “look good” without any work. Most stars probably have extremely tight workout regiments along with strict diet guidelines that they follow. I think this would show that exercise is an important part to looking good, and not just starving yourself.
I don’t think she faked it, although I cannot fathom running in such a skimpy top! Why would she–what could she gain?
I will be furious if she is allowed to “run” Boston though, because I’ve been trying for years to get a qualifying time and just because she is a celeb she will get to run it?
Outfit = ridiculous. (A signal that maybe she doesn’t run much?)
Your hypothesis (why fake it) = makes sense.
Bottom line = who cares.
Although, I have friends that run these long races (which I think is not great for health, but that is a whole different post!), and not qualifying or not registering through the proper channels and getting in is b*s.
Wow that’s a toughy! I have no idea – The whole lack of bra thing does raise major questions! Ouch is all I can say to that! Maybe she wants the long droopy look. Be kind to the girls (and I mean the boobs). But being her first race perhaps she didn’t know any better! I am surprised that there aren’t any photos anywhere of her training! And I would also think that with all the people that she has she would have been able to train much more effeciently enabling her to get a better time!
As for her running Boston…that just chaps my hide! Boston is the ultimate running prize and you HAVE to earn it! I’m planning on qualifying for Boston when I’m 70!! I have no problem with her running it if she had a qualifying time or even a remotely qualifying time but two hours over? I don’t think so!
I have no idea if she really ran it. If she did good for her but if she didn’t…well then she might be going to marathon hell!
I have two words: Heartbreak Hill. If you’re not qualified to run Boston, leave it to the people who are!
Sorry, I’m not a running snob. I’m not much of a runner, period! But I grew up in Boston (in the days of Joan Benoit and Bill Rogers) and I see people working their a**es off and STILL not qualifying. And, I think it would be a GOOD thing to NOT qualify her just because she’s a celeb. It would send a POSITIVE message, that fame doesn’t automatically guarantee a place in a marathon. That you have to work at it like everyone else.
Sorry if I misspelled, I’m a little over-caffeinated today,lol!
The latest buzz on the Internet says she’s not running Boston (and didn’t ask to either) but I guess we won’t know for sure until the actual race. I agree that buying your way in really stinks but if that is the case, it’s certainly been done before. The Boston Marathon is known for letting people in who make sizable charitable donations. Still though – Azusmom is right, heartbreak hill!!
Thanks for all your thoughts (and AT22 – I’m interested in hearing more of your thoughts on endurance exercise!!). I had no idea I had so many marathoners reading! You GO girls!!!
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