[Citrus Dad]

Originally Posted by IKE

How is it hurting the sport? From what I can tell, the sport has had tremedous growth and appeal:
http://www.runningusa.org/statistics

The recreational participant level has increased, but that has NO tie to the competitive interest in the sport. The two strands have diverged. The participation rate has been growing continuously since the 1970s. On the other hand, obesity has been rising so even marathon participation hasn't created a lasting cultural change.