I think multiple family members should be allowed to cross the finish line at the same time. That is, if they all completed the previous 140.59 miles. Otherwise the finish line of such a grueling race is no place for anyone but competitors and the volunteers there to catch anyone who can't stand afterwards (that would be me!).

I would tend to agree. Having done IMC and having to deal with many family members clogging up the finish, and 1/2 mile or so leading up to it. I don't want someone elses family in my finish pic.
I know that sounds harsh sorry.

Interesting. They said at IMFL last year that families wouldn't be allowed, but then they had a special staging area just for families and to my great surprise my hubby and kids were waiting to cross the line with me. I can't even describe how happy that made me. After all, for those with families, the families sacrifice *way* more than just 140.6 miles worth.

I can understand about not clogging up the finisher's chute (I guess when I crossed, that wasn't really an issue as it wasn't very crowded at that moment), but I would think that could be solved with a wider chute and multiple photographers or some other creative solution. At IMFL, with the family staging area just off to the side, they came out right at the right moment and ran across with me and then were shuffled right off to the side again, so they weren't in anyone's way for long. I think they had it very well organized there, and my hubby appreciated that because it made it easy to be there at the right time to cross with me. It was really a wonderful moment for our whole family.

I think a great solution would be 2 finish lines, side by side. A fence/barrier separating them for the last 100 yds or so. One side for those that want finishes with bonuses (kids, flags, rolling, etc) and the other side for those who want to run it in and have that last "me" moment of the race.

Personally, I cross alone. I love that Mike is in my picture from after crossing the line, but in the chute it's just me (I don't have kids though). But every person on an IM course is out for a different reason and wants a different experience -- seems like 2 lines and knowing one could mean an extra minute to your time, then the athlete can pick which is more important to them.

I'm with you, Britt.

It's a solo race - you start it by yourself, you should finish it by yourself.

PoC

I am torn on this one. I would like to have my kids cross with me but I don't think I have the 'right' to interfere with anybody else's race. I would't mind getting a big hug from my kids after the finish either.

Kyliee had an good idea about the 2 finish chutes.

Or would it be okay if I went across the finishe line doing the double piggy back method??

I was always fine with family members finishing with their Ironman until I volunteered as a catcher at IMWI this year. The finish chute is very small and congested. And sometimes it is hard for the catchers to make their way around the various family members to get to a finisher who needs some help staying upright after finishing. Kyillee's second chute idea is great.

BTW, I think every one who does an IM should be required to volunteer at one. Volunteering at an IM is a long exhausting day. I will be going back next year as an athlete with a newfound respect and admiration for every volunteer.

If 2 chutes were side by side it could be the same announcer... it would be the same volume of finishers, just spread through 2 lines. Volunteers, etc would be more of an issue.

Or you could do something like what my first marathon offered: if it was your first, for an additional (I think like $20 or $25) I was able to designate who would be placing the medal around my neck. So as I finished, my best friend was standing there, with my medal, after the line... I got to run to her, and get the metal and a hug. And then she also got a tshirt to commemorate her being a part of it with me.

On the bike... do they count as a faring?? ;)

Yeah, as if it wasn't already enough of a circus!

Oh, btw, Mr. Race Director, I'm doing a reality show-pilot of my life training for Ironman, and my race, for CBS. Can I have my own film crew and stage family accompany me across the line. We'll need parking for the film director's studio bus, oh, and I thought it would be good if I faked a dramatic collapse on the finish line. There will be actors dressed as para-medics and it should only take ten minutes or so, unless the director needs a second take.."

PoC