Compliments of Free Nature Pictures
Please have respect for other runners and the people who work so hard to put together races and don't run a race if you haven't paid the entry fee. It's rude and unacceptable in the running world and those who do it are considered "race bandits." If you run a race without paying the entry fee for it, you're technically stealing from those who have paid the entry fee that are entitled to the support and refreshments provided out on the course for their race. You have no right to be running the race and taking away from those runners that have paid to run a race.
A lot of work goes into planning and organizing a running event and though there are many people who volunteer their time, not everything is free in these events and that's why there are race entry fees.
Just this morning I read a runner's post on facebook who had the gall to admit AND THEN WRITE ABOUT his running a race this past weekend (Chicago Rock 'n Roll 1/2 Marathon) as a race bandit and then went on to KNOCK the course, what was served up at the aid stations, the t-shirts and even the entertainment out on the course. He went on to say that he was glad he didn't pay for any of it. Well, this just got my blood boiling so I thought I'd write about it today.
The race bandits take up space out on the course, and steal what everyone else has paid for and FOR WHAT? They don't get timed, they don't get a finisher's t-shirt or a finisher's certificate, nor do they get a medal when they finish. If they're out to just go for a run, why fight the crowd and get nothing in the end when they can just go run the course any other time? These thieves are looked down upon in the running world and ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Being a race bandit is breaking the biggest rule of running etiquette. If you're new to running, I hope that you look forward to entering a race legally--NOT AS A RACE BANDIT--and can feel proud to pay a fee that goes towards the many things that are given right back to you as a runner out on the course and I hope that when you cross the finish line, you'll feel proud of your accomplishment and be able to wear your finisher's t-shirt and medal (if you're doing a marathon or half marathon) proudly.
Happy running everyone :)
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