MESSAGE FROM KEN YOUNG
Hi Gary,
When Jennifer and I gave up the NRDC and distributed all the boxes of
race results that we had to the regional volunteers that we had found,
we must have shipped out 30 or more boxes that I wish I had now (altho I
have NO idea where I would keep them). The point is, you never really
know what someone ten or more years down the line will REALLY NEED.
I've contacted a number of race directors who told me they had "cleaned
house" and thrown out the very information that I was seeking. A lot of
this is simply not replaceable. Every effort needs to be made to
archive Ted's files.
One of the current projects of the Association of Road Racing
Statisticians (ARRS) is to document every marathon that has ever been
held in the world. Thus, the marathon certificates would certainly be
of value in our research. They would tell us of the intent to hold a
marathon and give us particulars on where and who was involved. These
are all clues to help us find more information.
The ARRS faces a similar problem with archiving data. I am working 50+
hours a week to get all significant performances into a computer
database and onto the web. However, what is considered significant
keeps expanding. We are trying to preserve the history of our sport
before it is lost. Electronic versions are, in my opinion, the best way
to go. They can be easily copied and archived in several different
locations. They don't take up that much space. They are more readily
accessible that hard copy. And, they can easily be copied to more
modern media as such becomes available and thereby avoid the
obsolescence problem.
My two cents worth, please keep me posted.
Best wishes,
Ken