Edward R. Howe's Jan. 27 article, " 'Marathon' ritual must change," criticizes the focus on wins and high rankings. Howe mentions his son's humiliating experience of being ranked, and why school marathons should not concentrate on winning. In my opinion, ranking and treating students differently just by running speed is not the right thing to do. Everyone has been pushed to focus on the importance of winning and being first in everything.
Although being at the top might be one focus, the spirit of not giving up should be the first priority of school marathons. There will be a difference in the time between someone who has a disability in running and someone who does not. The effort taken in running marathons should be the main focus. Many children think that being first and highly ranked is very important. However, a change in marathon rules can teach children how ranking is not everything in life. Children should learn to develop their skills without giving up. This is the most vital lesson in running marathons.