Let’s open a can of worms, shall we? Lance Armstrong is going to be racing here in my town this coming Sunday in the Half Full triathlon. For those of you who don’t know, the Half Full is a Rev3 event in the neighborhood of a 70.3 distance (more on that in a minute) that supports the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.
Now, we all know that Lance has been banned from any event governed by the USADA (U.S. Anti-Doping Agency). As a result of this, he was recently refused entry into the Chicago Marathon, among other events. The Half Full was formerly a USAT (U.S.A. Triathlon) sanctioned event, an organization that the USADA oversees. But in order to have Lance participate in Half Full, the Ulman Fund dropped the USAT sanctioning and partnered with another agency for race insurance.
As you can imagine, both the move to bring Lance to the event, and to “break up” with USAT for the event had a few athletes’ noses out of joint. But here’s the thing: the mission of the Half Full triathlon has and always will be to raise funds for young adults with cancer. Period. That’s the reason behind the 70-mile distance, not a 70.3–70 stands for the 70,000 young adults affected by cancer each year. Yes, Ulman puts on a spectacular race event for those seeking it. But if the organization wanted to find a way to up the fundraising quotient, it found it in Lance Armstrong. The day after announcing he would participate, registration took a 200-person jump. A couple of athletes pulled out, but at the end of the day, the Ulman Fund, and those it serves, win.
Team Fight, which raises money for the Ulman Fund through racing, is a big presence here
As someone who lives in the midst of the Ulman Fund community–its presence is huge here–I applaud the move to bring Lance to town. Cancer sucks, maybe even more so when it affects someone in the prime of his/her life, who may or may not have insurance, and who might not have a good support system. The Ulman Fund fills in those gaps, and if having Lance race here helps that many more young adults, then by all means, let him participate.
What are your thoughts? Should Lance have a place in a race when it benefits an organization like Ulman Fund?
Regardless of what he’s done – and heaven only knows what that is – Lance has done an amazing job raising funds and awareness for cancer research. I have no problems with him participating.
Char recently posted..The Photo Album In My Head
ahhhh no comment
I LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE LANCE LOVERS
Miz recently posted..Brita kids water bottles: Tornado guest post.
My thoughts are that if his name brings in major $$ for cancer funding, let him race whatever he wants to.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Smuttynose Half Marathon Recap
It’s too bad, Angela, that someone can buy your forgiveness with raising money toward self-promotion under the label of “cancer awareness.” I hope you all who are personally connected to cancer understand, the Lance Armstrong Foundation raises zero dollars for cancer research.
I agree with the other posters. No matter what allegations there are, people LOVE Lance. He has such a huge following of faithful fans so if he wants to raise awareness and funds for charity than I support it.
Kris @ http://www.kris-lawrence.com recently posted..Coming in (to taper) Hot
I love all things Ulman, and Team Fight, so you know how I feel.. I am so excited to be a part of the race next week.. Keep that money flowing to UCF!!
I think they absolutely did the right thing. It’s all about raising money for cancer patients. Awesome that it upped their numbers so much and so fast!!
Please come by and check out today’s MMM guest, she’s a friend of mine. xo, Jessica
sweatismysanity.com
Jessica@sweatismysanity recently posted..Weight Loss & Running {MMM & 31 Days of Motivation – Day 1 Ruthanne’s Story}
In a country that is suppose to be innocent to proven guilty, let Lance race, there has been no evidence that has proven his guilt, everything has been hearsay
Scott recently posted..2012 Race Bling
Love him or hate him, Lance Armstrong is doing good things in the world beyond just being an athlete. Did he use PED’s only he truly knows and he has to live with that legacy. However, his legacy outside of sports continues to grow as a force for doing good things, especially for cancer victims.
I have my own opinions of what he has done and why the USADA and others continue to attempt to tarnish his accomplishments and prohibit him from remaining in the public eye as a professional athlete, but it seems that at times they are hurting the sports and charities that could be helped by a “big name” presence by not allowing him to simply participate in events they can control.
Oh well they have made their choices and I have a feeling that more events are going to go the unsanctioned route to allow Lance Armstrong to participate irregardless of the USADA sanctions.
Harold recently posted..September 2012 Reviewed
People aren’t perfect and we all make mistakes. If he can help raise money for this organization, then they are probably making the right decision to have him there.
Coco recently posted..Reach Your 2012 Goals In 90 Days!
I Love Lance for what he has done for the cancer world. And that’s something no one can take away from him. I wonder if he will race in speedo like he did this weekend!
Kristy (@KristyH5) recently posted..Weekly Recap – Be Like A Ball & Roll
I think they did the right thing – Lance has done amazing things for cancer research/fundraising. He has a huge fan base and if that can be put to use for a good cause, it’s a win! I have a huge problem with his being banned, but don’t get me started on that rant !
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted..September Rewind
Wow- I commend the race for taking those actions to allow lance to participate. And I think what he does for every sport is phenomenal- just look at the attention he brought ironman events when he participated.
Plus, he’s an amazing figurehead for fighting cancer and strength throughout.
. It’ll be interesting to see the drama that comes from this!
Abby @ Change of Pace recently posted..Snippets from my week
It is for sure the right thing, and I think more organizers will start to do this as well. As someone with a mom who is a two-time survivor, and also having lost my mother-in-law to cancer, I say anything and everything an event can do to raise money for the fight against cancer is key. USADA and USAT can just keep their noses out of it…
Steve recently posted..Good times in Aspen/Snowmass!
I think the bans from events other than cycling are unjustified (won’t get into the whole cycling thing). Glad he’s able to participate in your event. I believe he is a huge face in cancer and can do so much for the cause. He’s a cancer survivor first (and stage 4 cancer to boot), that’s always going to be inspiring to so many.
Robin recently posted..Run for the Toad
This controversy drives me insane! I personally feel people are looking too deep into it. A guy that wants to bring awareness to fighting cancer and a race that will allow him to do so. It just so happens to be Lance Armstrong.
Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb recently posted..Don’t Call Me Selfish
Yes, Lance should be able to race especially for this great cause. Honestly I think it was dumb that they banned him from Chicago- it wasn’t like he was going to win the race or anything. If he is raising money then I think he should be allowed to compete. I hope that you get to meet him!
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Friday Favorites
Interestingly enough, most surveys show that the majority of people think Lance’s work with cancer awareness far outweighs whether he cheated or not. I think anything he does going forward to keep the cause moving is okay by me.
Kovas – Midwest Multisport Life recently posted..1000 Mile Goals: 14 Weeks Left
Sounds like a great cause, and if it helps bring in more money, bring on the Lance!
Yo Momma Runs recently posted..A long run, an ultra, and a pantsless Roman
Agree Agree Agree. Regardless of what he’s done (which has yet to be proven anyway), he has done SO much for raising awareness and money for cancer. I applaud the race organization for the change they made to allow him to race.
I agree so much. The fact that he’s banned from events when he’s never failed a drug test makes me insane. It just doesn’t seem right.
At my last job we did a lot of work with LiveStrong and Doug Ulman is really one of the most genuinely nice people ever. I’m so glad they found a way to let Lance into the race to raise money!
Carly D. @ CarlyBananas recently posted..Weekly Workout Roundup and Plan for the Week
I was actually shocked he was banned from Chicago. IMO if it benefits the greater good, and in this case it sure does, more power to him. I’m not entirely sure what all he is truly guilty of so far be it from me to judge him personally.
Teamarcia recently posted..2 Steps Forward…
I am all for anything that brings in funds to find a cure. People are focusing on the wrong things if they are upset by this.
Hikermom recently posted..On the Road
I think it’s awesome that they changed things up so that Lance could participate. It’s an amazing cause and I’m excited that he’s coming to town! The people that are getting their panties in a bunch over it need to calm down. This is most definitely a good thing and a fantastic way to help The Ulman Cancer Fund raise money.
Kristen recently posted..Test run postponed
By all means, Lance should be allowed to race. So far as I’m aware he never failed a drugs test, in or out of competition. And even if he had his good points would far outweigh the bad. Like most of us!
Gordon recently posted..A duck out of water
With the exception of almost everyone but Tygart, I complete agree this was not only a smart move by Rev3, but the right move. For those that decided to drop out because of this, its truly a shame that they’ve lost sight of the bigger picture.
Hopefully the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults ends up being the biggest winner in the event and this ongoing debate.
IowaTriBob recently posted..Race Review – Walk to Defeat ALS 2012
All for it. If it helps just one person, it is worth all the “crap” that people are saying about Rev 3. ITS ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE…a little more important than triathlon!
MilesMusclesMom recently posted..CMT Awareness Month
Any way you look at it – demon or saint, Lance Armstrong and his foundation have done incredible things to raise money in the fight against cancer and to support those affected by cancer. You are absolutely right – cancer sucks and we should be focusing on how we can make it a thing of the past so that no other person, especially youth, has to endure it ever again.
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I’m totally in support of their decision not only to allow him to participate, but to recognize his marquee value in raising recognition and awareness (and, ultimately, revenue) for this event and the disease it seeks to eradicate.
Let’s keep the two issues separate; his race career and his cancer-fighting campaign. Although the fame from his career garnered him enough juice to become a high profile advocate, his ban doesn’t undo what he’s done in his crusade.
For the record, whether he did it or not, I still believe him to be the greatest cyclist of all time. Doesn’t excuse what he allegedly did, but he is still the greatest, hands down.
Jonathan Aluzas recently posted..Fitness Realities: The Myth of Motivation
I agree with you. It’s for a great cause and having a public figure in the race is only going to benefit those poor young people with cancer. Nobody’s perfect but the fact still remains that he is a great athlete and has done so much to help others. Give the man a break. :;)
Hell yeah he should be. On a purely selfish level, if you want to raise awareness/funds, why wouldn’t you invite him? This is $ in the bank for the charities.
I still don’t get the whole banning him from the marathon things….why do they even bother to do drug testing at all? It apparently means nothing if they can still ban someone from whatever the USADA wants…
Laura recently posted..September Recap
Amen. People need to get over him. He’s raising money for cancer and drawing attention to something that needs attention.
Coy recently posted..Reality. I’m not built like a Kenyan.
I am all for Lance racing because it will bring attention and money to help those with cancer and their families.
Beth @ Miles and Trials recently posted..Hot Chocolate 15k Race
ABSOLUTELY! He should definitely have a place in that race. He was just in San Diego for a triathlon (which he won) this past weekend. As soon as he registered, the number of participants skyrocketed, and I think that is awesome!
Kate @ Run with Kate recently posted..Things That Make Me Happy
I think let him race. He has done so much with his Livestrong foundation, why not?!
Christy@ My Dirt Road Anthem recently posted..Run Like a Girl 5k Adventure Run Recap
I like how they broke off from the USTA for the event so that they could accommodate him! That shows some balls and I whole-heartedly support anything that is going to raise money for cancer!
Katherine @ Neon Blonde Runner recently posted..Warrior Dash Race Recap
i think it’s incredibly brave of them to step and out make this decision. I believe lance is a phenomenal athlete and regardless of what he has or hasn’t done, he HAS helped save lives and he HAS inspired so many
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..Unprocessed October
Lance has brought a buttload of funding to cancer research. He made cycling fun and exciting for the average Joe to watch. *If* he doped, he wasn’t the first, won’t be the last.
I’m glad the event split with USAT and he’s participating.
If you get to meet him, you must take many pictures!
Tracy recently posted..Stream Ecology Class
All I know is Lance raced in (and won) the Superfrog Tri in San Diego this past weekend, and the social media hype was impressive (even from my so-fast-they-shouldn’t-care running buddies in So Cal).
So… if that brings donors out to support a good cause, I don’t see a problem with that. If you signed up for a certified race, and the certification switched after you registered… well THAT might be a problem. But I say let the man swim, bike, and run. His career has taken enough of a beating – there’s no need to drag cancer research charities down, too.
Beth (i run like a girl) recently posted..Morning motivation
He should absolutely have a place in the race and I would have signed up had I been there.
I’m amazed that they took the effort to change the race so Lance can start. I personally believe Lance should be able to start at a race as long as he is not competing as a professional. He should be able to run, just not be eligible for price money/awards. At any race anybody can race, people might use some type of “doping” while racing and nobody checks it either. I’m glad they allowed him to start! It;s for a great cause!
Christine recently posted..Wineglass Marathon: Race Day!
I am excited to see Lance That shows some balls and I whole-heartedly support anything that is going to raise money for cancer!
Erin recently posted..bad breath
Without having read the other comments, I give my own opinion. I think it’s ridiculous what they did to him. If he used or not, I don’t believe one can win 7 Tour de France only on doping. You need to work for that and he did.
He has done such good things with his Live Strong foundation and I admire him for how he survived cancer himself. For someone who has lost her Dad to this disease, I will always admire Lance.
Fran recently posted..Monday October 1, 2012: New month
Ever since this was announced I agreed with most of your commenters here. Another aside, I read that he isn’t even taking an appearance fee for this. Just donating his time and talent to a great cause. I’m all for it and will forever be a Lance fan.
TriMOEngr (Christina) recently posted..Fake it ’til you Make It
Cancer sucks, plain and simple. We ALL know someone who has been affected by cancer is some capacity. If bringing Lance in brings more attention to the cause (and ultimately more $ for the charity that helps those with cancer) then bring him on!!!
He’s done a lot of impressive things, but I’d like to think his legacy will be that he got us motivated to ALL work to eradicate cancer!
That Pink Girl recently posted..Random Friday Facts
Sorry for my tardiness to the party.
I have followed the USADA case against Lance very closely and have read just about everything written pro and con about the guy over the years. He doped. No doubt in my mind or in the minds of anyone else who has read past the headlines claiming “Witch Hunt” or “Vendetta”.
I hate cheaters. I hate doping. Period. I do not see this issue in terms of varying shades of grey like many others. I do not care if every single rider in the 7 Tour de France’s that Lance won had doped. He cheated pure and simple. Black and White.
So far WTC (Ironman), Challenge, Chicago Marathon, NYC, and Boston have all come out and said Lance can not race because they are sanctioned by the USADA. All of these races(series) raise tons of money for charity and his presence could have been a boom to all of these races and associated charities.
These organization chose to take a stand against Lance and say that the rules matter. They decided to stand with the governing body that handed down a Lifetime Ban to Armstrong and say that they do not condone doping.
They chose solidarity over profit. You want to respect something, respect that.
I read a post from a guy named Neb a couple of weeks ago that really did a great job explaining my feeling towards Rev3 dropping USAT from the Half-Full and thus allowing Lance to race:
“Rev3 is still creating an opportunity for an athlete with a lifetime ban to repair his image. Medical charities should be the last groups to pat Armstrong on the back and pretend like nothing happened – he participated and benefited from a drug culture which asks young athletes to make an awful choice – should I take the drugs and risk my long-term health? Or should I race drug free and spend the rest of my life asking “what if”? I know this is a sad story – especially for cancer survivors who saw him as a hero – but there are plenty of inspiring people who have survived cancer – choose one of them to be your hero and hold Armstrong accountable for his actions. Associating yourself with Armstrong in any way at this point is the same as condoning his doping.”
I have a history with Rev3. Was on the AG Team last year and really enjoy their races. They have some great people who work for them that love the sport of Triathlon. But I was disappointed with the decision they made to allow Lance in to race.
The races organizations above showed me that integrity still matters when they shut Lance out. Rev3 then made me question again if it still does matter?
Just like most things in life: The end does not justify the means.
Sorry for being so wordy.
Jeff Irvin recently posted..Ironman Mont-Tremblant Nutrition and Predicted Times
I have to jump in for a second. I am excited about all the attention this has brought to Half Full. ALL of the proceeds for the race go directly to the Ulman Cancer Fund for young adults, which supports cancer navigation and other services for young adults wit cancer.
Rev3 has supported Ulman in the past two years with this race, and took a larger role this year, but this it Ulman’s race. While many see this as a “Rev3″ decision, Rev3 chose to support the decision of the Ulman staff because they believe in their cause. As Charlie Patten, Rev3 Owner, said on the day the news broke: “Take sport out of this. This is about young adults fighting cancer. The PR generated today has brought Ulman a level of exposure that is significant. If this is able to help just one more person fighting cancer, then i’m for it. Sometimes my business, Rev3 is about people and not about triathlon.”
(Disclaimer: I have been on the Rev3 Age Group team for 3 years and ran across America in support of Ulman Cancer Fund, so I definitely have strong feelings about this).
Wow, you really created quite a stir with this one! I enjoyed reading your post and all the different comments following it. Is it just me or does it seem that men dislike Lance and this situation more than women do? At least the ones that commented. OR are Men just more controversial? Willing to say how they really feel?
I wonder if what Big Sherm says is actually true. Too bad I can’t ask him since he has disabled links to his profile. Thanks for bringing up a subject with such an entertaining debate!
Travel Spot recently posted..Book Confessions
“Cheaters never prosper.”
All you who support Lance are making sure this is not true in his case. I hope you all are proud of yourselves.
Just leave the foundation out of it!
mika recently posted..Lance Armstrong Resigns To Save His Cancer Foundation -CNN Video