Should strollers be allowed in races?
Running events wishing to be viewed as family-friendly are often afraid to ban baby strollers, despite the dangers they present to runners. Still, the Chicago Area Runners Association prohibits strollers in its Circuit events because of the potential injury that can be inflicted when strollers clip the heels or calves of other runners.
Some events, like the Western Springs Tower Trot, ask strollers to line up at the rear of the starting field, and to remain behind runners the entire length of the course. Women usually oblige, but men frequently dash forward, determined to finish with a quality racing time.
Other race organizers, like Fleet Feet Sports, invite strollers, hoping to attract runners who may otherwise not participate in events. Aware of the dangers on the course, they do ask stroller users and runners to exercise caution during the race.
Races that ban strollers, like the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival, face the wrath of angry parents (usually dads) who feel entitled to charge through a field of runners with a wheeled vehicle whose occupant is not covered by event insurance.
Parents know (or should know) they'll make a lot of sacrifices when their children are young, giving up activities that don't fit in with their parenting responsibilities. Missing races is one of those sacrifices.