"It looks like you are responding to my post, so I am complelled to clarify a few things:

1) The sole purpose of my post was to give advice to the OP, based on my experience from the night before: you CAN go to the park the night of the CC, just go LATER, when the race is over. Don't go around 7pm because there are 15,000 participants and spectators, so it's pretty much a a mad house. That's all.

2) I have ZERO problem with community events in the park, such as CC. If you read my post carefully, you will see that I actually PARTICIPATED in the race (and not even the first time)--so I was one of those 15,000 people ""crowding"" the park and contributing to the ""mad house"" state of things.

3) About racing etiquette. I admit, it is one of my pet peeves, and in my book, lining up way ahead of your estimated race pace falls along the same lines as picking your nose at the dinner table (sorry for the gross image this early in the morning). It has nothing to do with not knowing the rules--there are BIG signs specifically telling you where to go depending on how fast you are. If you are a beginner and/or a walker, you should stand in the back (there was a big sign saying ""NON-COMPETITIVE START"", it was impossible to miss). Participants were also given handouts explaining the rules--which I actually read, just to be clear, although I run races on a regular basis.

When walkers (or very slow runners)line up upfront, it creates unnecessary danger for them AND those trying to actually run fast. I've seen enough people trip and fall, and one actually took a nose dive right into the curb (I really hope he is ok)--because of walkers lining up at the 5 min/mile marker (which was technically reserved for ""elite"" runners) and getting in the way. Also, it's not fair (and dissappointing) for someone to not get a PR because of a messy start. It's not a lack of knowledge, it's just a lack of respect, and complete disregard for the rules of the race. It's great to be supportive of beginners (and I am all for it), however, the beginners should be willing to ""blend in"" and follow the rules... and ask questions if they don't know what to do. I am a horrible swimmer, and when I go to the pool, I woudn't even THINK of jimping into a fast lane.

If I seem to harsh here, like I said, it is my pet peeve, and those who know me personally (and have had a running-related conversation with me) have probably heard me complain about this anyway.

4) Lastly, I am primarily a runner myself, who just got into cycling less than a year ago (primarily for triathlons, but now I pretty much got addicted to cycling the same way I am addicted to running). So I am probably even more of a newbie than you are (at least when it comes to cycling). I don't know what you are gathering from this board, but I've had very positive experience with this club since I joined... nothing like the outright disdain you speak of. I've definitely come a long way in my cycling thanks to the SIG program, along with the advice and encouragement of many club members.

Well, that would be it. I really hate to get into agruments like that... but if you want to discuss further don't hesitate to email me (the email address listed is my real one... I've got nothing to hide...). Thanks."

Your point is well taken except, as the original poster suggested, to which I agree, such a *large* event is not conducive to learning about running or racing. I equate it to learning how to drive with your first experience being that on the BQE. Sure you don't risk death or life threatening injury to yourself or others, but it does spoil the fun for others, as the original poster suggested.

Having participated in such event for several years, it's my opinion as well there's too many people crammed into a small space. Not that it will happen $$$, but the race should ideally be cut down in size. That said, I never really treat it as a race when it took several minutes to cross the starting line as I learned my 1st year.