Despite the overwhelming positive response to the Olympic Marathon Trials on February 3, the event faces headwinds going forward.
By most measures, the Olympic Marathon Trials on February 3 in Orlando, Florida, was a success. It started on time, the runners ran the correct marathon distance, and they were safe and secure. And by 12:46 p.m., the U.S. had its Olympic marathon team, the top three women and top two men, with a third male runner, Leonard Korir, who will learn by May 5 if he qualifies for the Games in Paris. Jon Hughes, the race director, was pleased with the outcome.
executives, is borne by the local organizing committee .As the realities of the financial model have become apparent, interest in hosting has dwindled. For the 2020 Trials, at least four cities expressed interest: Atlanta, Orlando, Chattanooga , and Austin , went through at least part of the bid process, with Atlanta ultimately winning. Only two cities—Orlando and Chattanooga—bid on the 2024 event.The awarding of the 2024 Trials was marred by controversy.
, was serving in an advisory role for Chattanooga’s bid, and he disclosed the conflict and recused himself from any board votes about the Trials. Nonetheless, Siegel disqualified Chattanooga’s bid and awarded Orlando the Trials. Estes subsequently sued initially declared that the start time would be noon, and the governing body told Orlando organizers—Track Shack and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission , who were jointly staging the Trials—that the noon start time was “non-negotiable.” It was announced to the runners last July, and many of the athletes were concerned about the potential for heat at that time of day. They appealed to
and cited a lack of transparency. “Without our knowledge, staff are difficult to work with, dismissive and arrogant in their dealings with LOCs. During preparation for the Orlando Trials, those tensions emerged into the open. Given the expense, the potential for lawsuits, and the bickering with
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