Hello Folks...the RD here

I was notified a few months back that there was some discussion here on the 2001 Event and that most of it was negative and perhaps I should respond.

I have been unable to find them so I thought it best I make a short comment..(found you:>))

First off I am sorry if some folks had a poor experience..and were dissapointed in me..I did my best in 2001 however it is not my best..I have been an RD for 10 years and I have always worked my butt off to put on a great event..99% have been 5 miles and under..and after 10 years of hard work in the sport,I was offered this great opportunity and I took it on..I worked hard at it just like I did for all the others the past 10 years..

Anyway, I did my best in 2001 and that is all I can ask of myself..I am prepared to learn from my mistakes and to be ready for things I had never encountered before..

Anyone who has participated in any of my past events-Hyannis excluded has experienced my passion for the sport..I respect all aspects of it from the incredibly gifted right down to the cat who has to work over-time to finish a race..I was a very active runner at one time and have started and directed over a few running clubs..I respect folks traveling to an event and reserving precious time and money for one.

I have tried to address every one who has contacted me to vent their frustrations..some folks I couldn't because of the vitriol.

There were some comments made to me about the RD and cast spending the money and not giving back to the race...and this was an issue that I was told was on this list..for the record:600 more shirts were given out in 2001 than in the past...1000 Half Marathon pins were bought, a 1st for this race, new certification costs, and more advertisement than in the past--these are real expenses born by the event and 95% more going back to the runner. The issue of post-race food and water is a real one--but these issues are more a result of many new groups working together for the 1st time than a greedy race..and issues that need to be discussed and 2001 shortcomings fixed.

I have been involved in the sport for 10 years as a race director and in those years I have poured many of my own dollars into them..anyone involved as long and as involved, know's what I speak of..the passion and love for the sport drives you to do it. After 10 years, I have decided that it would be nice if I could do what I love and be paid for it--we will see how successful I am at this.

Lastly, I would like to commend all my volunteers..the 2001 Event was a tough one to volunteer at...they did a wonderful job and I couldn't have asked for any more from them..as the RD..I take full responsibility for the shortcomings and I can promise you that the next one will be up to the standards that I expect at my races and you expect at the ones you attend.

Cheers

Paul W. Collyer Race Director Sheraton Hyannis Marathon B.A. Event Promotions

Snow, then sleet, then rain, then wind made footing/running conditions tough. Organizers were good, though no volunteers seemed to show up for the water/gatorade stops. Only 3 (4?) along the 13 mile loop. The 26 non-Sheraton sponsors seemed non-existent, given the negligible refreshments (chili & gatorade?) after the race. More stuff in the goody bag, please! Post race showers / steam rooms were available after the race, which was an excellent provision. Yeah, I'd do it again.

This race seemed to be about everything except the runners. While the new race director walked about touting the increased number of entrants, he seemed to do nothing to accommodate them. There were 4 water stops on the course, some of which were depleted before the 1/2 marathoners even finished. Gatorade appeared at the last 2 stops for the marathon. Not a single fluid to be found at the finish line. When I finished the marathon, there was not so much as a water bottle, never mind the post race refreshments promised but which ran out before the 1/2 marathoners finished. And a race hotel whose idea of a late check-out is noon, with a race starting at 10:40. And forget about posted race results. While the race director had no control over the weather, he had plenty of control over the support and amenities promised race participants.

Still poor treatment of marathon runners at this race. No food at finish.
Find another race to do

There will be a new major sponsor, and start/finish of the race..

Sheraton Hyannis Marathon, Half Marathon & Penfield's & Twin Brook Marathon Team Relay

The new start and finish will be at the Sheraton Hyannis Resort at the West End Rotary...

Pre-race pasta dinner, start and finish along with post race awards and party will all be under one great roof on the course

Cheers

Paul Collyer
B.A. Event Promotions

Howdy Folks;

I am the new race director of the Hyannis Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Team Relay in 2001..

We have some new changes for 2001..finisher medals for all in the marathon, pins for the half marathon finishers..and there will be plenty of food this year for the runners coming in later..

There may be a huge change..with the start and finish being at the Sheraton on the rotary..expect to make this major announcement on 12/4/00..

This is the last official qualifer in New England for the 2001 Boston Marathon and perhaps the whole USA..

It is a 2 loop flat fast course..

Cheers

Paul Collyer
BAEvents@aol.com