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Read other letters about this article
I agree with Edward McLelland's article on one point, and one point only: Bingham's contempt for successful runners is a case of sour grapes. On the other hand, I at least understand where he is coming from. Although Bingham's attitude is unattractive, it's a human reaction.
I can't fathom Edward McLelland. Surely, if he can easily crack 20 minutes for a 5K run he doesn't need to feel superior to me, huffing and puffing at 26 minutes? My presence in a race need not ruin it; if you're better than me, you'll be ahead of me. Nor does my existence undermine the competitive spirit of racing: a truly competitive runner simply has to choose someone other than me as a benchmark.
The presence of Mr. McLelland in a race, however, loudly voicing his contempt for those slower than him, can ruin a race. Who would try their first race if they knew Mr. McLelland were waiting at the finish line to tell them how inadequate they were? And if no one tries that first race, how will they ever reach Mr. McLelland's exacting standards?
