Marathon bandits

Boston2Bermuda · April 2012

A friend is running the marathon on Monday and asked me to pace her for the final 5 miles. I am torn. I want to support her but I don't want to take anything away from those who have run the whole thing. Any advice?

herestothehalcyon · April 2012

Peter Sagal of NPR had a good essay in this month's Runner's World on the subject of race bandits. He may come off as a bit flippant to those who feel strongly about the issue, but I enjoyed his perspective. Also of note here (and of particular interest to you) is the fact that Boston tends to turn a blind eye to bandits.

Here's the article: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7120,s6-243-297--14300-0,00.html

I don't really feel strongly one way or the other. I get that it's bad, and why people shouldn't do it--I personally wouldn't because I'm kind of a goodie two shoes when it comes to these things and afraid of getting in trouble--but if you're jumping in, not drinking their water and not trying to claim a medal at the end...meh. Don't kick any puppies along the way and you probably won't be headed for eternal damnation.

gumiberg · April 2012

it really sucks when you are nearing the end of the race, feeling exhausted, and someone drops in to help the person next to you. it sucks the most if its when you are competing for age groups (it has happened to me) but it sucks even when you know you are not getting an award...because it just seems unfair at the time. its like, where is my friend to help me??

that is just my light opinion - its not an issue that i feel strongly about. i actually have ran parts of marathon courses to help my friends. its fun. but never at the end - just a few miles in the middle when they are still happy, lol.

Brie2010 · April 2012

I am anti-banditing, period. Especially for a race like Boston.

Has she thought this through? I'm pretty sure I'd want to punch someone with fresh legs at mile 21 of a marathon.

Joenali · April 2012

A bandit's results won't count anyway. So I don't think it's that big of a deal.

herestothehalcyon · April 2012

Brie2010:
I'm pretty sure I'd want to punch someone with fresh legs at mile 21 of a marathon.

Lol. Truer words have never been spoken.

gumiberg · April 2012

Joenali:
A bandit's results won't count anyway. So I don't think it's that big of a deal.

its not that their results count, its that when a friend jumps into pace you, it helps you run faster. that is why its unfair if you have potential for an age group award.

i think in general, its ok to pace people in a race like Boston because most of us wont be winning awards like that. but still, it is discouraging at the end of a marathon when someone jumps in and helps someone else, especially if you are struggling.

Joenali · April 2012

gumiberg:
Joenali:

A bandit's results won't count anyway. So I don't think it's that big of a deal.

its not that their results count, its that when a friend jumps into pace you, it helps you run faster. that is why its unfair if you have potential for an age group award.

i think in general, its ok to pace people in a race like Boston because most of us wont be winning awards like that. but still, it is discouraging at the end of a marathon when someone jumps in and helps someone else, especially if you are struggling.

Meh. I don't let what other people do bother me. I would just have to run faster!

foundmylazybum · April 2012

I don't care if you bandit or not. Everyine has a different value system about this kind of thing. I love these posts. Just don't eat the food and don't get injured and take up the " resources"

StingShark425 · April 2012

I don't think running 5 miles of a 26.2 mile race is really being a bandit. .. I've had someone jump in and run with me for a mile at a time during a half marathon. They didn't drink any water, and he cut out before the finish line - IMO, banditing would be running the whole race, and using resources that were for runners that paid..

foundmylazybum · April 2012

gumiberg:
Joenali:
A bandit's results won't count anyway. So I don't think it's that big of a deal.
its not that their results count, its that when a friend jumps into pace you, it helps you run faster. that is why its unfair if you have potential for an age group award.
i think in general, its ok to pace people in a race like Boston because most of us wont be winning awards like that. but still, it is discouraging at the end of a marathon when someone jumps in and helps someone else, especially if you are struggling.

this option is of course open to you to though. You just chose not to take it.

trigal · April 2012

I'm not a fan of bandits or pacers (unless provided by the race). A marathon (or any other road race) is supposed to be an individual effort. Having someone to help you along the way means it is no longer an individual effort and you are not participating in the true spirit of the event.

Joenali · April 2012

trigal:
I'm not a fan of bandits or pacers (unless provided by the race). A marathon (or any other road race) is supposed to be an individual effort. Having someone to help you along the way means it is no longer an individual effort and you are not participating in the true spirit of the event.

so I had a friend who paid for a half marathon and paced me so could try to PR. That's wrong? I say that's the sport at its finest. People helping other people out. We didn't get in anyone's way, we just ran together and she chugged me along. NBD.

Cinco · April 2012

It's not something that bugs me, but I wouldn't do it myself since I know it bugs other people. If your friend has ambitious goals for Monday she needs to bag them anyway. I ran in mid 70's this morning and that was hard. Mid 80's is pretty crazy. I also found (in good running weather) that you don't need an extra push in Boston. Those last 6 miles are amazing. Good luck to your friend!

Marathon bandits

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