"The Biggest Loser" -- or is that "Biggest Liar"? -- fabricates account of contestant finishing marathon

FINAL UPDATE 10:35 PM ET: NBC has responded; statement below.

One of my long-longtime readers, David Kleeman, writes: "I'm a huge fan of 'The Biggest Loser.' Love the show and all that it stands for. I'm also big into the marathoning community and knew back in January that one of the members of the Black team (either Blaine or Dane) had attempted a marathon in Arizona, but did not complete it. Instead, he had been picked up by a van along the course and dropped back down somewhere prior to the finish and then he crossed the finish line and collected a medal a la Rosie Ruiz. He is not listed in the finishers results (it was the Arizone Desert Classic on 1/31).

"What I didn't know was how the producers at NBC would report it. I was so disgusted to see that at the end of the Biggest Loser last night they did the whole segment on Dane and his wife doing a marathon and then reported that Dane completed the 26 mile race in 3 hours and 53 minutes. What else is completely falsified???"

David -- whose integrity is beyond question, as far as I'm concerned -- also passed along this blog posting from someone else who ran the same marathon and wrote:

"Oh, and those cameras behind me? Those are for Dane Patterson, a contestant on The Biggest Loser. He was there with his wife, running the marathon, though J started calling him The Biggest Liar. He and his wife were several miles behind me throughout the entire race, but around mile 17 they got picked up by a van and driven to the end of the course, where they filmed the grand 'crossing the finish line' finale with all the family cheering. I'm hoping that they televise it as a half marathon, since I know he ran at least that far, which is truly a great accomplishment. It'd be a shame if he got coerced into being less than honest, poor guy, especially since he's LDS like us."

And then this appeared in the comments the night before the broadcast:

"Hi! I'm Carli Patterson wife to the biggest loser contestant Dane Patterson. I had herd about your post and wanted to give you an explanation of what happened. I am so proud of my husband and his accomplishments. This has been an amazing experience for our family and unfortunatly this marathon has been a little exaggerated. In this industry you are always on a time frame and sometimes it is out of your control. We had stopped along the way to film at a water station and to make up for lost time our producers drove us ONLY 3 miles up the road. I am sorry if this has offended you in any way, but we are still incredibly happy about the 23 miles we ran. We were not listed as completing the marathon. Dane is an honest LDS Dad and I hope that they do say he completed this marathon because had time allowed he would have!"

Unfortunately Carli is contradicted by her own husband, who says in the above video clip, "It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life to run side by side with my wife for an entire marathon."

Anyway, I have put in an inquiry with the NBC publicist on the show and hopefully we will have a response up here shortly. here is the network's official response, just issued at 10:35 tonight:

In the final segment of last night's episode of "The Biggest Loser," which updated viewers on the status of an eliminated contestant, the former contestant was shown running a marathon in his home state of Arizona. NBC today learned that the contestant did not, in fact, run the entire marathon as depicted in the segment. Because the segment as aired was contrary to NBC policy, we are working with the program producers to determine how this occurred, and to ensure that corrective action is taken.

FOLLOWUP STORY: "The Biggest Loser" producers issue an apology

Underlining is mine. Thanks to Melissa Vetricek for the original tip!

UPDATE: In the comments, Jerry Nairn, another racer, says the Pattersons did not volunteer the information that they had van-aided times. "They were reported to the race director and disqualified," he writes, "not that they were honest about it."

UPDATE 2: NBC cancelled the weekly phoner with the "Biggest Loser" eliminee -- that would be Dane -- at the last moment. And is not responding to me.

UPDATE 3: A reader sends along this link from Carli's blog showing her in full denial mode. NOTE: If any of the links or video go down, please let me know as I have backups of all of it.

VIDEO:Here is the clip from the end of "The Biggest Loser" showing that a typo credited Dane with a 3:53 marathon. Not a biggie, in my opinion.

Comments

[Sneeps]

Really? Why do LDS people feel they have a monopoly on being honost? Give it up. Whether you were filmed as finishing a marathon or not, you didn't. It is ridiculous to bring your religion into this as a redeeming facture.

[Robert]

Not only did they cheat and not really finish the marathon (members of my team were there), but on the show, they were listed with a 3:53 time. Of course, you won't find them in the results. They were caught cheating and removed.

Also, per members of my team, the camera crew ABSOLUTELY KNEW that they had cheated and the race had removed them from the results. Yet, look how it showed up in the show.

Had they actually run a 3:53, this would have scored them very high placement in the race. So not only did they (the Biggest Loser) lie about it, but they compounded the lie by making it look like they had run it better than they actually would have... if they had bothered to run the whole thing.

This is insulting to those who ran that race and all marathon runners who actually train and do races. This is insulting to marathon runners who have to pull out of races due to various factors and just accept the DNF (did-not-finish) result. And this is insulting to all viewers who are supposed to be inspired by the physical/diet pursuits of the contestants.

To add insult to injury, depending on the prizes awarded at the end, this cheater and liar might still win money and endorsements.

Shameful. Mostly by the show itself. THEY KNEW.

[Ms Chicklet]

Unless Dane and Mrs. Dane had flamethrowers aimed at their heads, they participated in this sham of their own free will. So, yeah, that makes them liars and frauds right along with NBC.

Why didn't they just sign up for a 5K, a 10K, or half-marathon, if that's where Dane was at in terms of his fitness? It would have been just as inspirational -- considering he was 412 pounds and sedentary just a few months ago -- and at least honest.

Between stuff like this and the crazy waterloading going on, the show is losing its credibility. And considering NBC is marketing "Biggest Loser" products from books to exercise DVDs to protein powders out the wazoo, it might want to be a bit more protective of its brand's image.

[Sam]

A marathon is 26.2 miles, not 23. SHAME ON YOU!

[Jerry Nairn]

Hi,
I also ran that marathon and saw Dane and his wife on the course. I wasn't there when they finished, but I've heard about it from others since.
I've also been in contact with the Arizona Road Racers, and I'm sure that if you ask, they will tell you straight out that Dane and his wife were disqualified.
When she says, "We were not listed as completing the marathon." she means that they were reported to the race director and disqualified, not that they were honest about it.
They crossed the finish line and took their medals, with the film crew recording everything. What they did was extremely dishonest.
The 3:53 finish time is apparently just a typographical error... of 2 whole hours.
I'm disgusted by this whole thing.

[Melissa Vetricek]

Hi! David Kleeman is my fellow marathon-addict friend and he forwarded my FACEBOOK posting to you. That is not my blog as quoted in your article above. Just didn't want the person whose actual blog it is to be offended. I didn't run that marathon . . .
Thanks for bringing this to light! Shame on NBC and the producers of the Biggest Loser.

[Fixed--and thank you for the initial tip, Melissa! --AB]

[Delia]

As a distance runner, I'm glad people are stirred up about this issue. I like watching The Biggest Loser, but showing that Dane completed a marathon when he really didn't is WRONG. When I saw the finish time on the clock when they were "actually" running, I thought I saw 5+ hours too and was surprised when they summarized by saying that they finished in 3+ hours. For a lay person who doesn't even know how many miles a marathon is(for the record, it's 26.2), it probably doesn't matter much to them, but for a runner, it's a big deal. Running any distance is a laudable feat considering the nature of our society; the show didn't need to distort the intensity of a marathon to show the character's improvement.

[Angela Ferguson]

I have to say, I dont care if he rode in a van for three miles to catch up on filming, or whatever the reason was, I think it's great that he ran as far as he did and accomplished what he has in the time frame he has. While I wish they would have stated that in the show, I understand the difference in ratings, and saying he completed it makes people more inspired than saying he rode for three miles of it so I get why they did it but I think us viewers would been just as inspired with 23 miles as 26. Anyway my point it, I'll still watch the show and I think Dane is awesome and I wish him the best. I'm proud that he ran it at all and I dont think the rest matters.

[trichic]

This is a sham. As a triathlete, I know what a DNF is--you did not finish. You go ahead and admit it; you go home and train harder and you come back the next time and make sure you finish. We obsess about our training and our times at races and these two take a van and say on National tv that they finished a mary? And at such a good pace too!!! That is such an insult for anyone who trains for any type of race.

NBC couldhave said they entered a mary or are trying to compete in marys--lying about them finishing and their times is inexcusable. Used to be a fan of the show.

[Matt Hagen]

You know what would have been inspiring? Watching him finish in seven hours with no finish line and nobody cheering.

That's what it's like for some of the marathoners I run with. They start early, run for eight hours and still don't get a cheering finish -- and I respect them more than anyone finishing with me in the 3-4 hour crowd.

[Kristin]

I have family memebers that LOVE the biggest loser that run marathons .. .any chance they can get.... While they understand everyones frustration.. The point is he ran more than he has probably ran ever in his life.. I am sure there was no harm intended and for you to dismiss the fact of what he did do all because of 3 miles... He is an inspiration for the millions of obese people out there watching... I dont 100% agree with what or how they did it.. but like I said it was wasn't meant to harm anyone... only to inspire ....

[Bella]

So glad to see other people that picked up on this. I too am a runner and when I saw his time I was VERY impressed. Especially with his size. I have been training to do my 2nd half marathon and my times are not that fast without any weight issues.

I love the show, but am VERY dissappointed in the dishonesty. I would have been more impressed had he finished it with a time of 6 hours or longer. This is just very misleading and makes you wonder what else they falsify.

[Deb]

Did Dane not running the whole 26.2 miles affect anyone that caused them pain or to have to miss work or something? Is this the worst thing that has ever happened in life? Aren't there other injustices that you can put your efforts towards? My God some you are acting like he got caught with the bloody knife at a murder scene. Give the guy a break. He just spent months away from his family and achieved an amazing feat in the weight that he lost. Dis on the show all you want(as some of you did) but leave Dane and his wife alone.

[Sneeps]

RE:Matt Hagen comment

THAT is by far the best response I have read all day

[Jeff]

The only reason I decided to look into this is that after the show reported 26 miles nin 3:53 I was amazed! I ran my fiorst marathon recently --4:01 and I am an avid runner and Triathlete. I just couldnt believe it. I checked the results gor their names and could not find them...It should never have been repoted on the show the way it was. I would never have wanted that information reported if it were me. Shame really.

[Tim]

In a word: FAIL

[Steve]

To Kristin 1:08 pm,

It may be inspirational, but the end (being inspirational) does not justify the means (lying).

They are liars! Dane and NBC owe the running community an apology. It's that simple.

Steve

[wygit]

Matt Hagen:
I agree completely. I'm in a running group and every year at the CIM, we hang around just to cheer in the 6hr+ people... It's REALLY inspiring to see people who just bull their way through with the sole goal of "JUST...DON'T...QUIT"
That's when you see the people in real pain, hobbling, in tears, and when they see people cheering for them... it's awesome.

[Carol]

I have been running for a year, it has been very hard, I can't say I was sedentary or even overweight, but my goal is to run a marathon, so far I have done only 10k, but either way, the Biggest Loser show inspires me to never give up on that goal.To find out this story about this contestant really disappointed me; because one thing I've learned about running is that it is extremely difficult to run a marathon at the claimed speed, with so little time training, it is a lie and an insult to those who work hard to get to that number. And an insult to those who completed that race. Even though running a any long distance is something to be proud off, getting a ride and cheating is lame. I hope this man gets the shame he deserves, a lie is a lie.

[Kelly]

I couldn't believe it when I watched the show last night. You can tell on the tape that the time clock has been doctored as they cross the finish line. If you look closely you can tell that it really says "5:35" not "3:35."

My boyfriend and I were watching it together. We just "ran" (okay, jogged and walked) our first half marathon in January in Tempe and almost died - we finished in 3:12. So I was initially FLOORED when they reported Dane's phenomenal sub-four-hour time. I couldn't believe it. Thanks to TIVO, we replayed it over and over again and you can see the difference in the clock that should be a 5 instead of a 3.

I can't believe that there would be such blatant deceit when there is enormous potential for everyone to find out the truth. I can't believe it - I know how tv and reality shows work, but this is dishonest and misleading. They (NBC, the show, and the family) should be ashamed of themselves. No one asked him to run a marathon, no one forced him - he could've done something else. Way to misrepresent yourself.

[Jared]

I started looking into this the moment the show ended. I ran AZ Road Racer races in the past so I knew the results would be posted. Gregory "Dane" Patterson wasn't listed in any of them and I knew it was a farse.

Glad he's been outed. I have run marathons int he past and I knew he wouldn't be that close to my time. I 'm proud that he would lose the weight and attempt the run, but be honest and truthful. I probably won't watch the show anymore, it just proves how fake it is.

[Ryan]

I guess I'm the only one around that thinks this is not a big deal. I think Dane's wife was pretty clear about them needing to get back to the finish line for filming purposes. I have run a couple marys myself and have to say that most normal people don't see much of a difference between 26.2, 26, or even 23 miles. Frankly, Dane was totally out of shape and unhealthy and he just turned around and nearly completed a freakin' marathon - after a couple months of working through an extremely difficult regimen. Stop bitching and just appreciate someone who was trying to be healthy for his family and was put into a tough situation due to NBC's scheduling needs.

[Matt Hagen]

We're not picking on his accomplishment - just the lie.

"The point is he ran more than he has probably ran ever in his life.. "
Sure, he ran a long distance, but it wasn't a marathon. If you run one mile, don't claim it was two.

"I am sure there was no harm intended and for you to dismiss the fact of what he did do all because of 3 miles... "
Seasoned marathoners will tell you that the race is divided into two equal halves: Miles 1-20 and miles 20-26.2. The last six miles (or three, for that matter) make a huge difference. And no, it doesn't harm me; I'm a skinny little guy who can run a 50K ultra faster, even stopping for beers halfway. But out there somewhere is a fat dude who actually finished his race without cheating. THAT guy deserves accolades.

"He is an inspiration for the millions of obese people out there watching..."
Sure, he lost some weight quickly, but he blatantly lied about his accomplishment. That's not terribly inspiring, and runs counter to the program's message that there are no shortcuts to weight loss.

[hokgardner]

For the wife to say that he would have completed the entire race had time allowed is assuming too much. All marathoners know that so much can go wrong at any point in the race. To ride in a van for three miles aided his performance, and had he not caught the ride and had time to rest, he might not have been able to finish. He'll never know whether he could have finished unaided unless he trains for and runs another. I hope he does.

Running 23 miles is nothing to sneeze at. But to cheat like that ignores the accomplishments of so many.

[Brian]

My wife ran in that marathon. She came in just before Dane did. She ran the whole Marathon. And she was not listed as finishing the race either. They were not disqualified Dane or my wife. If you do not finish in 6 hours they pack up and leave. The race is over. From what I have heard from some in Dane family is that the camera crew stop him at mile 17 to film. This was for extended amount of time. Dane would not have finish the race in the 6 hour time because of filming. So the took him to mile 20. And Dane ran the last 6.2 miles. I have no double he can finish a marathon and is planning another marathon very soon.