Over 200 members of the community ran quite literally out of luck after record registration numbers forced organizers to cut over half of those interested in taking part in the President's Marathon Challenge (PMC).
This year, 421 people signed up for the 200 spots that Tufts receives for the Boston Marathon, which will take place on April 20. Normally, the interest level is in the mid-300s. Organizers have prioritized seniors, meaning that all freshmen, most sophomores and a number of graduate students didn't make this year's cut.
Some of the cut students had already practiced with the team and expressed frustration that they would not be able to run with fellow Jumbos on the big day.
"I wish the program had been more transparent and straightforward with Tufts undergraduates," sophomore Rameen Aryanpur said.
But Megerle said that Tufts community members have, for the most part, been receptive to the cutting process. "It's worked out well," he said. "It's a fair system." He also noted that students who did not make this year's team will be guaranteed a spot next year.
"If those who were cut want to be involved next year, regardless of seniority, they will be able to be involved," Megerle said. "We are guaranteeing them a number next year because of the incredible over-subscription to the program this year. We want them to be a part of this."
This year, those excluded from the Tufts group can still participate in the marathon if they independently qualify. They can also continue to practice with the team leading up to the event and many have chosen to do so.
"The kids have been great," PMC Director Don Megerle said. "A lot of freshmen and sophomores still come to the runs."
University President Lawrence Bacow, the creator of the challenge, also was impressed by the students' response to the news. "The PMC has become very popular," he told the Daily in an e-mail. "What I find encouraging is that even those who did not receive numbers have continued to train with the team. In that sense, people have not been ‘cut.'"
Originally, the final group did not include any freshmen or sophomores, but after three participants dropped out, organizers invited two second-year students and a graduate student to join the team.
"I actually just found out that I'm back on the team," said Evan Steinberg, a sophomore who snagged one of the spots that opened up. "It's fantastic. I'm really excited about it."
