PUBLISHED 03/31/2008
Dear Miles,
Has anyone ever run a marathon backward?
—Erin C., Baltimore
More runners than you'd think. In March, Rome held a backward 26.2, which attracted 44 runners, in conjunction with the Rome Marathon. Some of the best backward marathon times are pretty impressive: The record is held by Xu Zhenjun, a Chinese runner who ran a 3:43:39 in 2004.
Dear Miles,
A friend switched timing chips with her husband so she would qualify for the Boston Marathon. Should I voice my objection or let it go?
—Staci H., Albany, Wisconsin
Part of the reason why Boston is so mythical and majestic is because runners have to earn their way there. And if she can't run a fast enough time, then she could still earn a bib number by raising money for charity. What your friend has chosen to do is no better than hopping the subway to the finish line—and I don't think you should have any hesitancy in saying so.
