In a since-deleted post on X, she said she didnt sign up for this race.

I just asked the security where it started and where it ended and jumped in.

The only person I relied on to show up and cross that finish line today was myself.

alt

Fearless, in this case, seems to mean the rules dont apply to me.

I had no intention to take anything from anyone or the race …

In the future Ill be sure to look up the rules if I decide to run again.

photo of ohio state’s cotie mchmahon wearing jersey number 32 and shooting a basketball

CEO of Brooksee and founder ofBoulderthon

What does it mean to bandit a race?

To bandit a race means to run without registering.

(Theregistration pagefor the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon clearly states you may not run without a bib.)

photo of audi crooks shooting a basketball and hannah hidalgo holding a basketball in hand

Flouting those rules is problematic for a number of reasons.

Why race banditing is so bad

Runningand racingis more popular than ever.

At this point, running istoopopular for anyone to feign ignorance around basic race rules.

photo of UConn basketball player Azzi Fudd holding a basketball while wearing a #35 jersey

It strains resources

Registration fees can be steep.

But that money isnt just for buying finisher medals and tees in bulk or making a profit.

But thats not a reason to just jump in.

Tara Davis-Woodhall of Team United States celebrates with husband Hunter Woodhall after winning the gold medal in the Women’s Long Jump Final on day thirteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 08, 2024 in Paris, France.

CEO of Brooksee and founder ofBoulderthon

Its not safe

Field sizes are capped for a reason.

Dealing with unaccounted for runners further stresses the capacity of everyone involved in the race.

The biggest thing for me is the safety concerns, says Dumontet.

coach kara lawson from duke university

Its gross

A social platform isnt a free pass.

My intent was not to … cheat the systemI honestly just wanted to run, Choi said.

Running has completely changed my life and its a community Im thankful to be a part of.

photo of juju watkins holding a basketball while wearing a usc jersey with the number 12

Therunning communityis wonderfuland it deserves respect from those who join it.

Like all sports, running is best when mutual respect is involved.

Banditing shows a total lack of respect for the sport, and the runners who participate in it.

And its a dangerous kind of mentality to not consider the bigger picture of everyone involved.

But thats easier said than done.

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