Run At Your Own Risk

[lioness]

My sister and I were entered into an adventure race last night. It was a 3.3 mile run on a beach, on grass, trees and through water . The race was to start at 6:45pm. We arrived at around 5:45 and noticed the dark clouds moving towards the race area. As the race time got closer, we noticed the clouds getting closer and numerous streaks of lightning. Even though we had driven 4 hours to attend the race, we decided not to risk it. If it was just rain, I would have been ok but running through trees and in water with lightning was a little scary for me.

We found out that they decide to hold the race at your own risk. There was light drizzle at the beginning of the race that turned into a solid rain storm by the mile and half mark.

I was bummed out that we couldn't run but I didn't was to risk it. What would you have done?

 

[fit_fairy]

Not a runner here, but I would have done exactly what you did. Just no sense in risking it with lightning around.

 

[amyg]

I probably would have run it but you saw the terrain and I didn't so it's easy for me to say!!! Also, lightning is very rare around where I am in the Bay Area so that would not have been a factor for me, which I'm sure changes a lot...

 

[Beavs]

When lightning is involved, I wouldn't mess around. I was recently baffled at the sight of kids baseball game that was on hold during a storm. The kids were off the field sitting on the benches behind metal fencing, always a fantastic idea in a lightning storm! Genius parents!

 

[RunninTeach]

I would NOT have run it. I'm someone who loves thunderstorms -- but from the comfort and safety of shelter.

I have had the experience of being caught out on a run when an unexpected storm blew through, and it was mighty damned scary.

Not worth the risk, IMO.

 

[fitover40]

I would not have done it either. Lightning is a scary thing. Someone here just died from a lightning strike and I think it wasn't too long ago that there was another death. You used good judgement.

 

[NancyAZ]

You did the right thing. This time of year is one of my favorites, as we're treated to the thunder and lightning that almost every day accompanies our monsoon storms. But a small boy was killed in a park last night by lightning, so taking chances like running in that race are just not worth it.

 

[EricaH]

I wouldn't have run with the threat of lightning and I'm really surprised that the race was held. I'm a runner and I won't run if there is thunder/lightning close by. It's disappointing sometimes because I hate to miss a run or cut a run short when the odds are that I'll be ok, but it's just not worth the risk.

I'm glad you played it safe!

Erica

 

[Jess_jugs]

I would have....

Well, I have done my last 2 triathlons in bad conditions! Last month the swim was cancelled due to the thunder/ lightning so I did a duathon (run/ bike/ run). No thunder/ lightning last Sat, but it was a hard rain for most of the tri!

But we've also trained in those conditions. I figure I paid for the races, so I'll do it anyway! But I'm kind of crazy that way. )

Jess

BTW, love your KB avatar!

 

[Beavs]

Believe me, if you are struck my lightning you will have paid for the marathon with your life. Even being nearly hit by lightning is not fun.

 

[lioness]

Thanks for your responses. I have no regrets but I still would have loved to run the race. I checked the results and apparently most people ran it. One of the other reasons we chose not to run is because there was no medical personnel on hand. The race was in a state park so there was no police or anything. That wouldn't bother me normally but with the conditions deteriorating, we decided to play it safe.