Possible Bandit?? Good Tempo for Tomorrow

Officials force a bandit off the course - Google shared imagesThere are likely five major reasons why runners choose to 'bandit' a race. Whether or not it justifies running without registering, remains up for debate.



There are likely five major reasons why runners choose to 'bandit' a race, running without an offical 'bib' or race number. Whether or not it justifies running without paying the entry fee, remains up for debate.

The Latecomer Bandit
Many races are now capped with a set number of participants allowed to compete. That means many events are selling out in a hurry. For runners with coming off injury, or those with unpredictable schedules, it can be difficult to make the call so far in advance. Running as a bandit provides the flexibility of a game-time decision.

The Cheapskate Bandit
The days of the Boston Marathon charging $1 entry fees are long gone. Most 5K and 10K road races cost around $40, and it's common for marathons to charge more than $100.


Almost every entry fee includes a t-shirt now, whether you like it or not. Also, the increased costs of policing, insurance, timing and fuel, have all contributed to rising fees. Those who choose not to pay, and still feel that they’re entitled to play can try their luck as a bandit.

The Workout Bandit
Doing a half marathon or 10K as part of a long run can be a great way to get the mileage in without too much effort. There are people all around, and the kilometres and miles are clearly marked. In some cases, bandits could even help some of the mid-packers with pacing. Since it’s just a training session, forking over 50 bucks for a bib isn't exactly worth it. However, as race directors warn, bandits could also get in the way – and don’t even think about stealing an orange slice or glass of water at the fuel station.
The Slow Bandit
In races such as the Boston Marathon, where there are qualifying standards, not everyone is allowed to buy a 'bib' number. There are many Bostonians who feel that nobody should be discriminated against on the basis of time, and kept from participating in their hometown race. Another variation to this is when runners try to sneak into different starting corrals, usually to get with a faster group.

The Supportive Bandit
Supporting a loved one from the side of the course is often a futile endeavour. Instead of watching from the sidelines, some runners will choose to run beside their friend or family member for most of the race – without going through the trouble of registering.

If you decide to be a bandit runner, here are a few tips:

•Be respectful and don't get in the way
•Pin an old race number on your singlet, it'll help you fit in
•Don't take food or water from the fuel stations
•Don't push your body to the point where you might require medical attention
•Try to avoid crossing the finish line, if possible