NYC

Title is in regards to the New York City marathon but actually stands for No Young (spring) Chicken. The nyrrc holds a lottery that I believe is actually biased (based on those actually selected & the fact that the percentage of African-Americans getting selected the first time applying is slim to none, confirmed by an ignored email I sent requesting the data) & not truly random. Their system is a big revenue maker because of the following: (1). you must pay a non-refundable lottery fee. If not picked three times in a row, then you get a guaranteed entry. This amounts to about a quick $30, in addition to the entry fee. (2). If for some reason you can't make it, you may defer to next year only the opportunity to run, not the entry fee, so in essence, you'd pay over double. They don't allow transfers to another person who could run. (3). unfair method of entry. why? the qualifying time for the nyc is much more difficult than the prestigious Boston marathon, plus the lottery is as the race director pleases because the only way to avoid the former reasons is to be a celebrity or have 'mucho dinero' (pay $2500 & up to get in through a charity). Well, needless to say, I am the victim, otherwise referred to as a sore loser (from NY) that didn't get picked, but fortunately, my dad did in the second round (more fair). Come to think of it, maybe I was not selected because I am considered a defector. I was born in New York but live in Miami. Anyway, my dad does not do marathons without me so he was considering forfeiting this year & going next year when I would've fulfilled the 3 rejection rule. I didn't want this to happen, as explained earlier. I told him that I go up there to support him, one way or another. I went to several sources, including the horse's mouth (director hung up on me while pleading my case), to try to get an official entry, but no one came through, despite explaining the circumstances. Fast forward to race day (Nov 5th). We both wanted to complete the nyc marathon & it came to pass. My dad was an official finisher & his results can be verified online. He said he couldn't have done it without me but I feel the opposite. Bottom line, we needed each other. This was his debut to the 2006-07 running season but his 5th marathon this year alone, tying a record I set for myself last year! Can we be sure he is No Young Chicken? Well, he's certainly not chicken, since it takes a bold man to do what he does, especially at his age.