"Healthy Julie" on Chicago Bandits

FOA Elizabeth, who not only would never bandit a race but who actually adds a little extra to each of her race entry fees to help frazzled race directors cope with these miscreants, points out that Chicago Tribune "Health Club" blogger Julie has a message for people who are thinking about running part or all of the Chicago Marathon course without registering.

Seems like Julie presents both sides of the argument without making her own opinion clear (Congratulations, Julie, you have proven your merit to become a sports columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, but that's a whole 'nother story.). Julie's post:

Running bandits, or miscreants who enter races without paying, are the sweaty wedding crashers of the running world. They are also the scourge of race directors.

Some are planning to "bandit" the Oct. 22th LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon as a protest against the $90 U.S. entry fee. Some didn’t mail in their registration before the race filled on May 26.

Some want to get a long, supported run in before an Ironman triathlon or another marathon. And some will bandit just part of the race--miles 18 through 23, for example--because they want to help a friend get through the toughest part.

And they can all be spotted--and subsequently hauled off the course if officials can catch them--because they have no bib numbers.

It’s wrong, of course, to take something that comes with a price tag without paying for it. Renegade runners clog the course, they screw up results and they use up food and supplies that are meant for those who rightfully paid the entry fee. They also pose a liability problem if they need medical attention during the race.

But do bandit runners really spoil the race experience?

The streets are public and some bandits carry their own water and gel. Considerate bandits jump off the course before going through the finishing chute, so they don’t count in the results or take a free medal or food.

And even if they do snag a banana or bagel, it’s hardly a big deal, especially when it’s common for other runners to walk away with armloads or cardboard boxes full of food that amount to more than their fair share.

Marathon bibs are non-transferable; if you get injured and can’t race, you’re out of luck and $90. Does that mean it's OK to bandit the race the following year?

Finally, if you jump into the middle of a race to run with someone who needs moral support (which I confess I did in the 1999 Chicago Marathon) is that truly banditing? Or is that pacing, which some races allow?

Some interesting debate in the comments.