Serious event or a chance to have fun??

Interesting article on bbc website ...

'Nearly 50,000 people will step across the starting line in the London Marathon this Sunday. But has it changed from a competitive event to a simple fun-run? And if so, is that such a bad thing?'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4443975.stm

I would ask what is their defination of a competitive event? ok so like i say I am no Paula Radcliffe but that does not stop me having my own goals, my own targets, I can be just as competitive as someone that runs a 2 hours something marathon> I'm sure on sunday I will feel the same if not more pain...

So are they saying if you enjoy this event you really should not be running it...???

I am sure their are some races that Paula enjoys...should she then not be competiting...??? Interesting one.