Marathon races aren't what they used to be. Technology has taken over many aspects of the races, and there is now little chance that human error will mess things up for runners.
For example, stop watches are no longer used by race officials to measure runners' results. Racers are now timed by individual computer chips attached to their shoe laces. The chips make it possible to post runners' times to a hundredth of a second, thanks to high-tech timing pads at the beginning and end of the race course. Technology makes it possible to record each racer's name, age, hometown and race time for publication in the next day's Duluth News Tribune.
Every year, as racers arrive very early Saturday morning for the full 26-mile run that starts in Two Harbors, one of the first things they spot is a large table with a sign above it announcing in oversized letters: "Chip Questions." In recent years, my wife and I have staffed the so-called "chip table" with help from our nephew and local artist William Gooder. One year my sister, Barb Juntune, also pitched in. In other words, the chip table has become a family affair.
Last Saturday we arrived near the starting line at 5:30 a.m., and when the first runners appeared at 6 o'clock for the 7:30 event, we began to get questions -- lots of them. (The very first inquiry five years ago: "Do you sell chocolate chips or potato chips here?" How can anyone have a sense of humor so early in the morning?)
Here are a few of the questions we got from last week's race participants -- and our answers:
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I forgot my bib number. Can I still run the marathon? No, because that's the only way officials on the course can know that you paid your entry fee.
I left my computer chip in my motel room. Can I still run the marathon? Yes, but you won't get an official time and your name will not be in Sunday's newspaper.
Can you cut off the chip and help me reposition it on my shoe? Happy to help.
Are pads located on the course to check times? Three timing pads are located along the route.
Do you have a safety pin, a magic marker, a spare chip tie-on, Kleenex, tape, etc.? Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes.
Do I have to return my computer chip at the end of the race? For the first time in Grandma's Marathon history, you can keep the chip as a souvenir.
Can you check to see that my computer chip is laced correctly? Can I use my computer chip in future Grandma's events? No. At the end of the race, it will be rendered useless. Technology.
Have there been any reports in past years of computer chips not registering at the end of the race? No.
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Are water and other liquids available to drink during the race? Yes, there are 15 or more stations along the course.
Can I change my shoes during the race? Yes, but don't forget to transfer your computer chip to your new shoes.
I've decided not to run in the race. Can I get a ride back to my hotel or the finish line? No problem. See the list of pick-up locations and times.
There were many more questions, and although we did not sell chocolate or potato chips at the chip table, we had something better: Answers. And fun.
We'll be back next year.
