Seriously! Today at the Rock N Rollman half in Macon Ga. put on by Setup Events. A guy in a gorilla suit ran next to me for maybe 20 seconds as I came out of T2. Totally a goof, some dude in a full gorilla suit trying to get me pumped up for a 13 mile run. The officials gave me a 4 min penalty for this! Called it "unauthorized assistance"...
I was 5th overall into T2 and ran my way into 2nd place. Only to find out that this silly penalty was assessed. Totally ruined my race day high! My first penalty in over 5 years of racing Triathlons (5 IM's including Kona last year). I've always observed race rules, would never knowingly break a rule. This is a hobby, I understand that... trust me I do....
I've posted pictures on my Twitter @TexasTarabay if anyone wants to see my race "foul"
Not sure if it matters but I'll write USAT a letter on Monday. Letting them know about their officials call on race day. This Official and people like him take the fun out of our sport. The race director even told him the penalty was silly and lacked merit.
Is there anything else I can do? Does it even matter? I got the official's name and email address. Would it be OK to post that on this forum?
I was 5th overall into T2 and ran my way into 2nd place. Only to find out that this silly penalty was assessed. Totally ruined my race day high! My first penalty in over 5 years of racing Triathlons (5 IM's including Kona last year). I've always observed race rules, would never knowingly break a rule. This is a hobby, I understand that... trust me I do....
I've posted pictures on my Twitter @TexasTarabay if anyone wants to see my race "foul"
Not sure if it matters but I'll write USAT a letter on Monday. Letting them know about their officials call on race day. This Official and people like him take the fun out of our sport. The race director even told him the penalty was silly and lacked merit.
Is there anything else I can do? Does it even matter? I got the official's name and email address. Would it be OK to post that on this forum?
