Good Sports

by Budd Glassberg

Reprinted with permission from the Zionsville Times Sentinel on December 22, 2004

The Anti-Mini Returns With a Vengeance

The Zionsville Times Sentinel sat down with Budd Glassberg, director of the Zionsville Anti-Mini Marathon run for an interview about his upcoming event.

ZTS: With the recent press concerning the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon (IMM) filling it’s field in record time, we have learned that your email box has been deluged with runners wishing to participate in the Zionsville Anti-Mini Marathon (ZAMM). Are you planning to hold the event again this year?

BG: Before answering your question, I had better review the two races for your readers who are unaware of the feuding events. Two years ago when the IMM closed its entries at 25,000 in early February, I was locked out of the race. Several of my running buddies were also too late so I decided to hold a run in Zionsville and open it free to any runners who wanted to run. I called the run the Anti-Mini due to its contrast with the IMM. The ZAMM had 49 runners in 2003 and over 200 in 2004. While the IMM cost $40 and you had to sign up for it months in advance hoping you don’t get injured, the ZAMM was free and you could just come on race day. The IMM required you to finish 13.1 miles or you have to drop out. The ZAMM allows you to run 3.1, 6.2, 9.3, 12.4 or 13.1 miles. The IMM was completely on hard surfaces with almost no shade. The ZAMM was entirely on soft surfaces and shaded by Nancy Burton and Starkey Parks’ serene settings. The IMM had computerized chip-timing system; the ZAMM had a big clock. The IMM had hundreds of volunteers, medical aid, several aid stations along the way and hundreds of port-a-potties. The ZAMM had nothing but a picnic table to put your own aid on and some bushes for privacy. The IMM had medals awarded to each finisher. The ZAMM had nothing. The IMM had long-sleeved tee shirts “given” to all who registered. The ZAMM had none. For the IMM, you had to drive downtown, find parking and fight the crowds. The ZAMM was close with free parking and no crowds. The ZAMM participants liked the experience so much that they were adamant about it returning each year. Therefore I am officially announcing the third running of the Zionsville Anti-Mini Marathon that will take place this year again on the same day as the IMM.

ZTS: The IMM has changed its starting time from 8:00 AM to 7:30 AM in hopes of finishing before the sun gets too hot on the course. Will your run also start at 7:30?

BG: Absolutely not. We will be starting at 7:25 AM this year to allow our participants to finish ahead of those running in the IMM.

ZTS: Last year, the ZAMM gave away cash to all participants finishing the 13.1 full Anti-Mini run. Will you do that again this year?

BG: Yes, but those runners wishing to keep their amateur status may decline the generous cash awards. We are able to provide cash awards without having an entry fee due to a bighearted unanimous donor.

ZTS: Don’t you mean anonymous donor?

BG: No, everyone is for him.

ZTS: Will the run have tee-shirts?

BG: The ZAMM once again will not be selling tee shirts, however, due to the creative designs of prior years’ participants (see www.runz.com for pictures of tee shirts), we will be requesting (not requiring) that runners show up with an old Mini tee decorated to show the Anti-Mini spirit. If you don’t have an old Mini tee you want to desecrate, you can always desecrate some other tee.

ZTS: Is it OK to walk the Anti?

BG: Yes, or you can skip. Dogs are also welcome if they are on a leash.

ZTS: How do I sign up?

BG: You don’t. Just show up at the picnic table at the entrance to Nancy Burton Memorial Park on Saturday, May 7, 2005 before 7:25 AM and put your name on the list. You may park behind the town hall (across from the McDonalds) and walk south ½ mile on the rail-trail to the start. Bring what you will need for refreshment or aid and leave it on the picnic table.

ZTS: How will I find out how I did in the Anti-Mini?

BG: Results will be posted that evening at www.runz.com. Participants will write their distance and times on the sign-up sheet at the picnic table and I will post those results.

ZTS: Any last words of advice?

BG: Go to the restroom before coming to the park (we have no facilities). Get there early because we start on time (last year several people missed the start). If it’s wet, prepare for mud. Join the growing countercultures who say no to crowds.

Budd Glassberg is a resident of Zionsville who is active in the local running community. He has been race director of several events and was the Zionsville Middle School and High School Cross-Country coach. You can reach him by email at budd@runz.com or visit his website at www.runz.com.