Race Gets Software to Track Runners’ Pasts : Athletics: L.A. Marathon updates system in effort to keep pace with participants’ prior disqualifications.

The Los Angeles Marathon, criticized recently for having an inadequate screening process, is acquiring new computer software that will enable race officials to “red-flag” runners charged with past misconduct, marathon President Bill Burke said.

Burke said the technology will be in place this summer, in time for the 11th annual Los Angeles Marathon in 1996. The software is being donated by Electronic Data Systems, a Texas-based company that developed the computer system used at the 1994 World Cup held in the United States.

The marathon’s announcement follows a recent Times article that revealed that a runner who had been disqualified from two previous L.A. marathons was granted entry into the March 5 race. Richard Roodberg, 67, of Van Nuys, was declared the winner in his age group despite protests from second-place finisher Patrick Devine, who claims Roodberg is a fraud.

Roodberg, who says he trains for marathons by jogging in place, was disqualified from the L.A. Marathon in 1988 and 1990 after officials said evidence showed he did not run the entire races. He was disqualified from the 1990 Boston Marathon for the same reason.

Prompted by a formal letter of complaint from Devine, race officials reviewed videotape of the 1995 L.A. Marathon. But rain during the marathon affected the quality of the tape, making the investigation inconclusive, race director Lisa Rosenfield said.

Burke said he planned to contact USA Track & Field officials before a decision is made on whether the L.A. Marathon would adopt a rule banning runners who have been previously disqualified.

Devine, 66, of Rancho Palos Verdes, was unimpressed with the marathon’s announcement that it is updating its computer system.

“I think it’s a big public relations cover-up,” Devine said. “They don’t have to write a special [computer] program to catch four or five notorious cheaters. It’s just as easy to write down their names on a piece of paper and give it to the computer operator. It’s just ridiculous.

“There’s a million different things you can do to screen these people.”

Curtis Williams, a vice president for Electronic Data Systems, said his company has been in discussions with marathon officials for nine months. He said the new computer system will make it easier for marathon personnel to access and update information.

Burke acknowledged that the marathon’s computer system has failed to keep pace with the steady growth of the race. More than 19,000 people entered this year’s marathon.

“The need for information has overwhelmed our capacity,” he said.

In an effort to end the controversy that developed in the 65-69 age group this year, Burke said Roodberg and Devine will be offered complimentary entry and placement at the front of the 1996 L.A. Marathon.

Devine, who has completed all 10 L.A. marathons and has won his age group six times, said he would welcome any opportunity to run against Roodberg.

Roodberg could not be reached for comment.