Good, bad or neither? Racing without number or registration.

El Yuca Descalzo

Barefooters
Apr 3, 2014
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Hello I don’t know if this topic belongs here, feel free to move it accordingly.

What are your thoughts about the fact that you can race a “popular” street race without number or registration? and obviously without paying the fees.

In a ultra-trail race I wouldn’t even think about it, the personnel helps you, they feed you, they assist you any time they can, they sometimes work more than 12 hours, etc etc…

In a popular race on the city from 3Km to 42 Km things are different, at least here in Mexico City, sometimes the hydration is not enough, I’ve heard of people who reaches last in the race and doesn’t receive medal because they didn't have enought. I must be clear that this doesn’t happen on every race, the city HM and marathon have very good organization as also other races. On this days it seems that the popular races are just ways to sale you a t-shirt in the way of a race.

To be honest, the only time I’ve run for free was last Sunday, I carried my own water and I wasn’t interested about a medal or anything, and I’m not planning to do this every weekend, actually I don’t like much this popular races, only a few for the route or personal value and for those I’m willing to pay.

So the question is, if I carry my own hydration, I don’t want the t-shirt, medal or anything reserved for the runners, is it ok? If so, is there a limit? What happens if I’m only accompanying someone for support? Or what if the race route is where I run every weekend morning?

Thanks for the comments, just want to see what other people thinks.

Regards….
 
Running is a human right not a privilege.
You can't have a healthy race if people from the community are being excluded because of the fees.
I understand these events cost money to organize but I also feel concessions should be made for people who are less well off or for those who just want to run with others for fun and socialize with like minded people.
 
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Running without signing up is quite acceptable around here. Like you say, it is not "official" so no shirt or prize, but I've never seen anyone bothered by it. Especially if it is public roads. The only thing I can see it really depending on is if the "powers that be" decide it is a crowd control or organizing issue.
 
Looks like it's not exactly a welcomed activity.

"Fleet of Foot and Blissfully Bold, Freeloaders at the Marathon Wear Fake Bibs—but Win No Prizes
In the Running World, They're Called 'Bandits' and Race Officials Don't Like to Discuss Them; the Cockroach Analogy"
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970203716204577015830896749236

"I, Bandit: The confession of a (mostly) repentant race-crasher By Peter Sagal"
http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/i-bandit?page=single

If you can't afford to pay, would it be possible to ask the race director for a fee waiver?
If a waiver is not granted, perhaps see if some BRS members would take up a collection for you? Barefooters are already discriminated against, so why give people another reason to dislike us, by not paying?
 
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I don't know. If I bring my own flour, water and oil can I bake a cake in your kitchen? There's more than water and t shirts that go in to races. Why do you "need" to run the event on its course during the scheduled time? Go run 5-25 k on your own; otherwise you are taking from the fee-paying racers in the form of traffic control, course marking, emergency services (which is the big one. Race registrations and bibs can contain important information in the event you keel over whilst freeloading the race course...).
 
I don't know. If I bring my own flour, water and oil can I bake a cake in your kitchen? There's more than water and t shirts that go in to races. Why do you "need" to run the event on its course during the scheduled time? Go run 5-25 k on your own; otherwise you are taking from the fee-paying racers in the form of traffic control, course marking, emergency services (which is the big one. Race registrations and bibs can contain important information in the event you keel over whilst freeloading the race course...).

To me, and i'm not trying to sound militant here, this just sums up everything that is wrong about society.
Look at the Tarahumara and how they support each other and grow together as runners.
If somebody just wants to tag along, what's the harm in that? There are numerous reasons why someone would want to do that.
Labeling people as freeloaders and bandits because of it serves no purpose other than to hurt someone.
 
I'm really curious if certain conditions would affect people's opinions? (I'm not interested in arguing with or judging someone, or using their answer to attack them.)

How about a race that is conducted entirely a for-profit?
A race that is organized for charity? Would the charity matter? For cancer? For kids?
A race organized by a municipality, such as your local town or city?
A race organized by the Armed Services, such as the Marine Corps?
A race where qualifying times are required?
A competitive race where elite runners are participating? World cup? Olympics? Special Olympics? Paraolympics?
Does the length of the race matter? 100m? 5k, 10k, marathon, ultra?
A gender specific race? www.runnersworld.com/rt-columns/why-do-men-run-womens-races?page=single
For political reasons or as a form of protest, such as women's fight to be allowed to run in the Olympics? www.marathonguide.com/history/olympicmarathons/chapter25.cfm
To protest a race where barefooters are not allowed?
When might it not be okay?
Would any of our more experienced racers care to comment?
 
To have a healthy debate every point has to be put forward which can sometimes jangle nerves, I make no apologies for my convictions.

To me I see a system that has a blind side, i have personally stood on the sidelines of a race and felt left out because I couldn't afford the fees.
I don't own a credit card so even paying the fees is a problem. That's just me, I'm sure there are many other stories.

I truly believe that if people can't run together because of red tape, rules and money, then what's the point.
Surely people are more important than a tshirt and a medal.
 
This would really be less of an issue if there weren't so many "public" services and property being used by the race event. It makes it hard to know where to draw the line.

For another variation, I personally have accidentally ended up in the midst of both running and bike races a few times, and that's here in relatively low density population. And I recall just a couple days ago when the schools were having planned and approved field trips on my regular running spot and my regular time. I'm supposed to know ahead of time and stay out their way just because they are there?
 
I truly believe that if people can't run together because of red tape, rules and money, then what's the point.
Can you help me understand the significance of running in an orgnaized race?

I generally prefer to run alone, early in the morning, when no one else is around, with the dog. I could choose to run with others, such as the local running club, for free, and am thinking about doing so at some point. I might also try to organize some barefoot meetups locally. If I had more time than money and wanted to run a race, I could foresee myself organizing one, possibly for charity (in which I would run for free!)
 
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I'm pretty much in the camp not to bandit a race when its possible to pay to get in the race...but I have bandit'd part of races a few times.

If you are considering to run in a race outside of the offical rules take it in context of the situation...if you can pay to race do so...butt consider the situation...some races allow you to start after all the regualr competitors. If you just want to run with your friends I don't see anything wrong with running a small part of the race course with your friends for encouragement etc if you don't partake in the aid stations, t-shirts etc. when the race is on public roads/trails and not on a private course like some trail races.
 
Can you help me understand the significance of running in an orgnaized race?

I generally prefer to run alone, early in the morning, when no one else is around, with the dog. I could choose to run with others, such as the local running club, for free, and am thinking about doing so at some point. I might also try to organize some barefoot meetups locally. If I had more time than money and wanted to run a race, I could foresee myself organizing one, possibly for charity (in which I would run for free!)

If you are running a certain course and there happens to be a race no biggie just run your regular route race or no race...this has happened to me a few times when there were mountain bike races going on...i just give some verbal encouragement to the racers and stay out of their way.
 
Can you help me understand the significance of running in an orgnaized race?

I generally prefer to run alone, early in the morning, when no one else is around, with the dog. I could choose to run with others, such as the local running club, for free, and am thinking about doing so at some point. I might also try to organize some barefoot meetups locally. If I had more time than money and wanted to run a race, I could foresee myself organizing one, possibly for charity (in which I would run for free!)

We are social creatures that evolved to survive and hunt in packs. Exclude someone from the group and they will eventually starve.
It's not about the race, it's about socializing and forming bonds with each other. The race is just a vehicle to do that.
 
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I have the opposite problem; I don't want to race anyone, but I want a ribbon after every run, cuz I feel like such a winner every time I'm out, so I have to pay for it:
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If you want to run the race, pay the fee.

If you want to run the race and use your own hydration, fuel, don't like the shirt or metal, you still pay the fee.

If you think the race is too expensive, over commercialized, and the RD's are taking a vacation off of the fees, then don't run the race.

If you want to run the race and don't have the cash, talk to the RD beforehand and offer your services. Many offer discounts or free entries depending on how hard you work. Many running clubs and charities offer discounted entries. Look for free giveaways on the race's social media sites.

Get into Ultras because there are more opportunities to get out on the course (pacing, course marking, course sweeper, etc.) for free.

Just my thoughts in general, not directed personally to anyone.
 
I have the opposite problem; I don't want to race anyone, but I want a ribbon after every run, cuz I feel like such a winner every time I'm out, so I have to pay for it
Lee, you are so badass (your winter running and in general), you deserve this button.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/200794056113?lpid=82
uploadfromtaptalk1399756179725.jpg
Actually, it would probably make a nice tattoo, too.

Apparently, it also has historical significance.
liu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:527151/FULLTEXT01.pdf
 
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Personally, I dont think its right. I have run/ridden races, I've paid the fees, and taken home many shirts that I dont wear because they're ugly. I'm not fast enough anymore, to win any of the prizes, and several of the races are on the roads and trails I regularly run or ride. but I still don't think that entitles me to anything. I've seen a lot of recent articles about bandits at Boston, and the following arguments. I noticed there are many runners and non-runners who think anybody should be allowed to run the Boston marathon without paying or without a qualifying time. It is a personal decision. I guess, as long as there are public events no matter what it is, someone will feel entitled. I suppose thats why there are so many illegal aliens in the US, and why prisons are at capacity. Im sure if you ask them about it, they felt entitled.
 
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Running is a right, to be sure. However, the taking of goods and/or services being offered for sale without payment, just because you think it should be your 'right' does not make it right. Would you continue to go to work, and do your job if the opportunity to be paid for what you do was diminished? Races are a business/charity/organized event that someone has spent money to organize, put together and create an environment in which you can run, unmolested by traffic or other distractions. You want to participate and benefit from that organization in any way (material items are far from the only thing you receive from an organized race. If you were honest with yourself, you'd admit that at the very least), you pay the entry fee or ask for a waiver from the organizer.

If you merely want to run socially, with other people, then make friends and schedule a run together.
 

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