In the runners defense, there was also this bit at the end:
"Columbus Police spokesman Sgt Matt Harris said thankfully, no one was injured and the train was moved out of the way. The southbound train was not supposed to be on the tracks there, he added."
Of course, just because the runners had the RIGHT to be there doesn't help if they end up dead, but in this case it was the same as someone driving on a street that had been closed for a race.