Once again, marathon winner Jerry Johncock is relieved

Once again, runner Jerry Johncock was relieved -- this time by a favorable decision

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: October 8, 2009 - 11:40 PM

Borrowing and using a catheter during a race should not cause even a wee bit of trouble, meaning that the 81-year-old age-division winner in Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon avoids disqualification, officials said Thursday.

After a one-day review, race organizers said that Jerry Johncock did not break the rules against in-race assistance when he left the course and borrowed a spectator's catheter. He had it inserted into his bladder by official medical personnel near Mile 21 on East River Road in St. Paul, allowing him to urinate and be on his way.

Johncock, of Gun Lake in southwestern Minnesota, said he had a blood clot that prevented him from urinating and caused him discomfort.

"Jerry Johncock's unofficial results stand after it was brought to the attention of race officials that he stepped off the course to insert a catheter," marathon officials said in a news release.

Johncock was the first of two finishers in the men's 80-84 age group. His time was 5 hours, 22 minutes and 11 seconds. Once the results are declared official, Johncock will receive $225.

Last year at the Twin Cities Marathon, he became the first American marathoner over 80 to finish in under 4 hours.

The race director called Johncock on Thursday and explained that he wouldn't be disqualified "as long as I didn't leave the course and get back in a different location," said the finisher of more than 100 marathons.

Johncock added, "I am real happy. They made the right decision."

No hard feelings?

"If the Lord's willing and my old bones hold up, I plan to come back next year," he said.

But next time, Johncock said, "I'll strap a catheter around my waist."