London Marathon silence

[Blue in Munich]

The organisers have apparently announced that they will have a silence before the start in memory of those who lost their lives in Boston. Absolutely no problem with the sentiment, but it will only be 30 seconds of silence. So how have they got to that conclusion? A minute is surely the norm, why not have a minute's silence here? Just somehow seems wrong to me to cut it short.

 

[Sweep]

I must admit I thought the same thing. I could only conclude that they didn't want athletes standing still for too long right before the race. Does seem strange.

 

[Aztecs27]

I must admit I thought the same thing. I could only conclude that they didn't want athletes standing still for too long right before the race. Does seem strange.

Probably this. Can't see why it would be a problem for an extra 30 seconds, but who knows. I'm sure there must be legitimate reasons.

 

[brendy]

To be honest, a moments silence is still paying respect to the victims. what does it matter how long as long as it is totally adhered to?

 

[Blue in Munich]

Brendy, in one respect I agree with you, it is still paying respect to the victims provided as you say it is adhered to, yet in another 30 seconds somehow seems inadequate and almost disrespectful when the minute is the norm; you get longer than 30 seconds to play a shot in a golf tournament before you get put on the clock.

I'm aware that other sports do things differently; boxing will give you 10 seconds and it isn't a full silence, but I find it a very moving and apt tribute, just wondered if there was a particular reason behind the shorter period for this.

 

[jpenno]

I must admit I thought the same thing. I could only conclude that they didn't want athletes standing still for too long right before the race. Does seem strange.

A minutes silence wont make any difference to the Athletes and particularly the normal people who make upthe majority of the event as they will have to be in the start pens 20 mins before the start and it can take 15 mins to cross the start line anyway!