The other day I was talking to a kid I work with and he fully admitted to banditing races when he was younger (he's 22). I was disgusted. I guess that's why he went to Panera Bread at mile 11 of a local HM a few years ago and "didn't finish" the race. Douchebag.

I would have passed them, while cursing and mumbling.  The finger might be involved.  If you are doing that, make sure you're not interrupting others' races.

One local race director listed a bandit's 11 k time in the results, but printed in bold type beside his name - BANDIT. 

 

In a marathon last week, about 1/2 mile into the race, we were transitioning from a wide road onto a path that was wide enough for about 3 or 4 people, when one of the runners was joined by two friends.

 

They jumped right in front of a pack of about 10 of us and affected our transition and pace, taking up the entire path as they said their hello's, giggled, adjusted earbuds, headbands, etc. as we all tried to pick our way around them without having to step into the rain soaked grass.

 

I don't know if they were running the entire distance but I kind of doubt it.  It was an open course so they had a right to be there I guess, but man, I wish they had shown a little respect for those of us who trained and paid to run the race.

 

And then there's the guy following his wife on a bike for the entire distance.  But not with her.  He's way behind, then way ahead, then back, then the other way, then taking her jacket, and so on and so on...........

 

Ok biker guy, I understand you've run a marathon before, and you think that gives you the right to weave in and out of our race today.......

 

This one guy must have passed me going each direction about 15 times last week.  That can be very annoying.

One local race director listed a bandit's 11 k time in the results, but printed in bold type beside his name - BANDIT.

If I was the race director, I would have added 2 hours to the bandit's finishing time before posting the results.

I've always thought that even among bandits actually crossing the finish line was considered bad form.

^ This.

Then there was the bandit at Boston that ran beside me from Ashland to Framingham. Most people might not have recognized him for a bandit because he did have a number that was very similar in design to what was used at Boston that year. How did I quickly realize he was a bandit? His number was the same as mine!

wasn't that a twilight zone episode?

 

wasn't that a twilight zone episode?

It was surreal. I also think that was the race I set my all-time PB for the marathon. Had to be sure I finished ahead of him.