So, I have a whole post about Rock n Roll Las Vegas that I need to share. But first, before I do, I want to get some answers about something. I'm hoping those of you out there who read this can either answer this for me or can get someone who knows to answer this for me.
During road races (marathons, half marathons, 10ks, 5ks, all other distances not mentioned) how common is it to use water from fire hydrants for aid stations? I am not judging this practice, I just want to know.
MANY people are claiming that they got sick running Rock n Roll Las Vegas this past weekend, and a lot of those people are claiming it is due to the water quality.
Competitor Group says that they use hydrant water in all of their races around the country, and that most major and even some smaller races do as well.
From this article from CEO of Competitor Group:
"San Diego-based Competitor Group, which owns all the Rock 'n' Roll events around the country, said the water distribution process is not unusual. CEO Peter Englehart said that is not only standard operating procedure for his company's events around the country, but for almost all major running events. "That's the plan, and we have it in every city. We've done it in Las Vegas the past two years, and we've been assured by the water district that it's potable," Englehart said. "It's the process we've followed in 25 other cities around the country. Every big event in the country does that, and even some smaller events.""
I found on the Chevron Houston Marathon website that they "Utilize filtered hydrant water at all course water stations. (Not a race I've run, just did a quick google search of road races and hydrant water, and besides the article about Vegas this was the first thing that came up.)
From this article: "Lee Haney, a spokeswoman for the Competitor Group Inc., which organized the race, said filling lined trash cans with fire hydrant water is standard in marathon races. (Instructions for water stations at the Carmel, Calif., marathon state: “Fill one trash can with water from the hose attached to the fire hydrant or nearby building/house.”)"
The reason I ask about the hydrant water is not because I'm upset about races using it, the reason I ask is because if EVERY race does this, or even most, or even most major races, then the question of getting sick from the fire hydrants in Vegas becomes a moot point, as it is common practice. But, if RnR is exaggerating about the usage of hydrant water they should be called out on it. And, runners who pay for races have a right to know where their water comes from.
So, I know that lots of races have water sponsors (Vegas had Arrowhead water as a sponsor), but do those sponsors provide the water at the aid stations, or do most races use hydrant water as RnR claims???
Who can answer this for me?
ADDENDUM:
If a race uses hydrant water that does not mean that I will choose not to run the race, I will just make sure to carry my own water.
AND, races out there, if you are afraid to share your water source, maybe you should reconsider what that source is. Just saying.
This is such a good question!! All I know is that water was soooo gross tasting - and that was before I saw a volunteer sticking her bare hands into it to fill cups.
ReplyDeleteI was at Vegas RnR also but had to pull out of the race because I had the flu...blessing in disguise after hearing all the horrific stories on Facebook. So now onto your question. I have heard that many races use the hydrant water as a emergency back up, but do not use it. I know the races I've ran I have always seen bottles of water being poured into cups. I always carry my own water anyway because some volunteers don't wear gloves when passing it out. Thats my thoughts =)
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