Corina Canitz might find herself moving from third to first in the Lakefront Marathon, if race officials decide to disqualify a second woman who beat her to the finish line Sunday.The fastest woman in the race, Cassie Peller, was disqualified for receiving a water bottle from a friend between official aid stations, around the 19-mile mark of the race on Milwaukee's lakefront.
That's about the same point where Jennifer Goebel decided to turn on her iPod for a musical boost that could knock her out of the top spot, as well. Goebel finished second behind Peller but was elevated to first after the initial disqualification.
Goebel's use of the electronic device violates USA Track & Field rule 144.3, and the potential infraction has been referred to a USATF official, according to Lakefront Marathon race director Kristine Hinrichs.
The official, Patrick Pretty, could not be reached late Tuesday afternoon.
The USATF relaxed the rule banning headphones, iPods and MP3 players late in 2008, largely leaving the decision up to race directors. Most runners in the Lakefront Marathon are allowed to tap their favored musical motivation.
The ban still applies, though, to the top-end runners competing for USATF championships or prize money. The rule is clearly spelled out in the Lakefront Marathon runner's guide.
Goebel, 27, a massage therapist from Lombard, Ill., said Tuesday she believes she should not be disqualified and her time of 3 hours 2 minutes 50 seconds and her ranking should remain in the official results. She is willing to give up the $500.
Goebel said she turned on the iPod at a time when she believed she had fallen out of contention for a top finish, then turned if off when spectators informed her she had moved into the top three.
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