Dear Brad, How do you feel
about people that bandit races? I recently banditted a 5k and actually
won it. This is the first time I've ever done this and I don't feel like
I cheated anybody. I won by a decent amount so I wasn't in anyone's
way. I didn't take any refreshments or get any of the same things those
that registered did like a shirt or medal. The race registration was
$20.00. For me registering late it would have actually been $30.00 which
is a lot for a high school aged kid. I would have gladly registered if
they had a cheaper registration around $10.00 where you don't get a
shirt. I know many people look down on banditting which is completely
understandable if it's a crowded race, a marathon you have to qualify
for, or even a fundraiser race. This race was none of the above. Do you
think it's morally wrong the way I did it? I wanted some good training
and to test my fitness against other runners. You usually pay for goods
or services since neither were provided it makes me feel like what I did
was not dishonest. There was a point in the race where I had to hold my
own arm up to stop a car. I don't see the problem in banditting races
as long as you don't get in the way or take any of the things that are
for registered runners.
- Jacob
Now,
don't think I don't understand you at all. I do. I get it. It sucks
when day of race prices go up so high. When I was a kid race prices were
around $12 for pre. $15 day of. Then it went up to $20 pre
registration. Now, some 5K's are $40. Especially for mid pack runners,
being a bandit is tempting.
BUT...I have been a race
director. We put on a memorial run for my Dad for 11 years. A lot of
money and stress goes into races. We start preparing months in advance.
We order shirts based on projected numbers. And every extra shirt we
have we are out money. Which covers costs (And there are a lot of costs)
and we donated to rest. You need to realize 99% of the runners prefer
to race for free. I've run countless races, 75% of the shirts I have
never even put on. Should I pay less because I didn't wear mine?
It is also a pain with timing. Nothing screws things up more than an unregistered runner crossing the finish line.It throws everyone's times off and is a headache for an already stressed out race director.
Liability
is another issue. A year or so ago a man did a "Mud Run" without
registering. Well, he broke his neck and then sued the race. Reminds me
of the people robbing a home who get injured and then sue. (It's
happened. I kid you not.)
Do you sneak into Disneyland because the prices are too high? I'd hope not. People have a service or product. They set a price. If it is worth it to you, you pay the money. If not, you don't. Unless you have permission from the race director, I am against
So don't be a cheap skate. Either pay for the race or don't run.
And that's the straight dope!
