There’s a little controversy surrounding Katie Holmes’ entry in the New York City Marathon. Apparently there’s an uproar because she was admitted to the race as a VIP and wasn’t selected in the lottery system used by most other entrants. Nor did she run in one of the 26 Marathon-sponsored charities - and, in fact, Katie didn’t even have a competitive running time. The minimum qualifying running time is 3 hours and 20 minutes and Katie completed the Marathon in 5 hours, 29 minutes and 58 seconds, which in Marathon speak is 5 and a half hours.
“Access” spoke with Sarah Hunninghake, manager of media relations with the New York Road Runners Club, which promotes the New York City Marathon. Sarah told us that “Katie’s team” approached the New York Road Runners Club months after the deadline for the race, asking to allow Holmes to run in the marathon.
Hunninghake continued to explain that the marathon gives VIP spots to individuals with compelling stories, who are not admitted in the traditional way. The VIP spots provide the runners with “a different level of security,” she added.
“Celebrities and people with name recognition are important to every sport, it adds glitz and glamour,” Richard Finn, director of media relations for the New York Road Runners Club told “Access.” “Does Billy Crystal have trouble getting tickets to the Yankees World Series? No. Do celebrities have trouble getting reservations in hot restaurants? No. In fact, they probably don’t even pay for the meals much of the time.”
So there you have it. Katie wasn’t running because she’s some sort of great athlete (though we commend her for running and completing the marathon), Katie was allowed entry because she’s good publicity. Oh and Tom Cruise and Suri showing up at the event didn’t hurt either.
One Response to “Katie Holmes’ New York City Marathon Controversy”
Having just run the NYC marathon, I’m glad there was no advance notice and that she wasn’t in the database. Paparazzi would have entered the race and been in the way of everyone running. Let it go!