In need of a Moral compass - Running bandit. (Read 1203 times)

Factors: -Entry fee for the Cleveland marathon is $85. -I don't plan on racing hard or being competitive but rather participating in a 26 mile training run. -It is claimed the race is for charity, but there is also a total prize purse over 10 Grand. -I live in Cleveland and pay taxes on the roads where this race takes place. Questions: -Should I feel bad about running bandit? -Should i find somebody else running and color copy their bib changing the number?

If you're asking here, you already know the answer. You will always be able to find people to help you justify doing wrong, but you still know it's wrong.

Many opinions here.

Questions: -Should I feel bad about running bandit? -Should i find somebody else running and color copy their bib changing the number?

Yes. No.

BTW I just peeked at your log - 26 is going to be tough..... I'd find a half and run that instead.

true. it would be a shame if medical attention was directed your way when a paying runner could use those resources.

Let me know what you plan on wearing as I will be running in Cleveland and not real fond of bandits, So will be glad to point you out to the several thousands of other runners who actually paid there fee If you would have not waited till last minute it would have not ben that high, last month ago I paid $45 for a "practice run" to run in the Hermes 10 miler because I signed up day before instead of the $25 I could have paid in advance. I did not look at it as a race but paid the Money.

Okay look, banditing is stealing..

This I find relatively difficult to believe. Possibly they might make a case for trespass, but I think it would be a difficult one to make, if you joined after the start and left after the end. I've seen people write that you are making use of their road closure permit, but so are the spectators who did not pay. Claiming that the spectators are stealing is silly to me. To me this risks the foolishness of saying that by entering a store to escape the rain, but not purchasing an item, you are stealing from the shopkeeper -- to me that is so implausible as to be silly. This is not that implausible, but I still find it pretty implausible to call it stealing. Feel welcome and invited to argue and critique. Or even to just scold (but I'm not sure how useful that is).

To give a real answer: if you're going to be on the course, just don't use any of the "stuff". Like Mikey said, banditing isn't a mortal sin, but it's acceptable to me if you don't take "stuff" (other than the use of a cleared course). And if a race marshall pulls you off the course for breaking the rules, keep the run going away from the action if you feel it necessary.