Elite Runners and Their Shoe Brand Schooled By A Teacher

Elitism sucks. It doesn’t matter where it’s found, it sucks.
Arien O’Connell, a fifth grade school teacher from New York, found it on Sunday when she finished this year’s Nike Women’s Marathon, with a time 11 minutes faster than any other runner. Yet, she was not declared the winner because she was not registered as an “elite runner.”

Public relations professional, Brian Solis, shares some great advice and also posts Nike’s written response when the Beavertonians belatedly chose to recognize O’Connell’s achievement. It’s an interesting story, Solis’s commentary and suggestions are on point and Nike eventually comes around to do the right thing.
San Francisco Chronicle points out:

The folks at Nike clearly did not anticipate a surprise winner. And they deserve kudos for hosting an event that raised more than $18 million for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – not the bad publicity they are getting.