I agree with Mikey that it's mostly just weird. And I can't imagine that it really improved her time much anyway. Someone physically pushing my back near the end of a race would probably slow me down...and pull back a bloody stump.

It definitely makes a difference. My husband and I do this to each other when one of us is having a hard time during a run. I would consider it inappropriate and cheating to do during a race.

That would definitely piss me off, regardless of the size of the race or what place it was for.

TK421, why aren't you at your post?

Hey TK421 ---- Im not much of a tatoo guy, but I have to admit that I like yours...thats original...... JohnA

Thanks!

I once saw a guy at a small-ish local race being pulled by a very large dog. He had a bungee leash around his waist and was definitely getting assistance, as the dog was straining at it. Don't know what distance it was for (it was a 5/10/HM/M all-in-one). Everybody thought it was funny, more than anything else. I always wondered whether it mattered to the officials or other people in his class (unless he was voluntarily removing himself from ranking, or something) since it was a certified race. I think physical assistance like that would matter to/piss off someone trying to to gauge themselves by percentile within age group, even if they are not at the "competitive" and of the class..

I'm more surprised that someone would let someone else push them, although things can get pretty foggy near the end of a race. It would piss me off to have it done to me, since my finish time is now questionable.

It would annoy me if it happened in my points series races...which are small and unsanctioned, but I want my AG points!!! Plus the next one has a really really cool medal for top 3 in AG...I want one. Overall though, it strikes me as really pathetic.

Yea this is an interesting question. I typically run with my kids in a jogging stroller(It weighs about 110 lbs now) and for some reason everyone feels the need to run up behind me and push my back as they pass me going uphill. I never ask them to do it and it is extremely dangerous. In fact I always ask them to stop doing that because it is dangerous. Not to mention that “technically” it now disqualifies me from the race. I guess technically the stroller disqualifies me also, doesn’t it? Anyway, I personally believe getting aid from another person is grounds for disqualification but I don’t think I would say anything about it if I saw someone getting help. I usually just go out there to compete against myself. If I push myself to my limit then I feel like I have accomplished something. Heck, if I was that concerned about winning I wouldn’t ever run with the stroller. However, my PR is still with the stroller because that is what motivates me. Bottom line: If the girl’s cheating pisses you off then use that as motivation to beat her! Then you will know that you are stronger than her even if she cheats.