Houston doesn't allow transfers, which is ridiculous.
Unless the person who he ran as tries to use for a BQ, I don't see the issue. Bib is paid for: it's not even a true bandit situation. People need to relax. I don't even care for his content, but I'm sick of people being such debbie downers about minor bib or pacing infractions that don't result in anything having to do with prizes. It's not like he cut the course, he's just a dude that ran an average marathon.
How does the bib mule industry work? How does one even go about finding a bib mule?
Does the customer go hangout in a dark shadowy corner at a college track and solicit college runners to run a BQ for like $500?
I can't imagine there's enough of this going on to skew the qualifying standards.
Why would someone even hire a bib mule?
I also would like to know more about the bib mule industry. Are there runner equivalents of skate-boarders hanging out in front of Fleet Feet? Maybe Craigslist?
There are actually very good reasons why you cannot run in someone else's bib. Grow up
You live in the most litigious society in the world, that's a start.
1) How would the race or I get sued if I raced with someone else's bib?
2) Give 3 examples of this happening.
You didn't sign the dotted line. There are lines in the T&Cs for indemnification and all kinds of waiver of liabilities. Someone gets hurt because of you during the race, you and the race director will get sued. I would imagine you get hurt, you can sue the race as well since you were allowed in the race and you technically didn't wave anything. The possibilities are endless.
How does the bib mule industry work? How does one even go about finding a bib mule?
Does the customer go hangout in a dark shadowy corner at a college track and solicit college runners to run a BQ for like $500?
I can't imagine there's enough of this going on to skew the qualifying standards.
Why would someone even hire a bib mule?
Easy as an Instagram direct message. I don't imagine there's a lot of it going on either. In any case, it does take a spot away from a person who actually BQ'd. Which has no meaning if everyone is getting in now.
Regardless, it's still a shady thing to do, and shows a lack of integrity for both parties involved.
There are actually very good reasons why you cannot run in someone else's bib. Grow up
You live in the most litigious society in the world, that's a start.
What reasons are there? Most events I've seen do allow transfers up to a week or two before the event as things change and it allows others to run in sold out events.
As long as you don't place highly (someone came first in my local HM under another person's bib, got in national news) or giving someone a BQ then it doesn't matter. It's better someone does the event who wants to than having a no show because they got injured or didn't train.
How does the bib mule industry work? How does one even go about finding a bib mule?
Does the customer go hangout in a dark shadowy corner at a college track and solicit college runners to run a BQ for like $500?
I can't imagine there's enough of this going on to skew the qualifying standards.
Why would someone even hire a bib mule?
Seems like it would be easier, possibly cheaper, and certainly more ethical to go the charity route.
as for unauthorized bib sharing/transfers, there are so many marathons. Just find one that isn’t sold out. The smaller grass roots ones are usually more fun anyway!
1) How would the race or I get sued if I raced with someone else's bib?
2) Give 3 examples of this happening.
You didn't sign the dotted line. There are lines in the T&Cs for indemnification and all kinds of waiver of liabilities. Someone gets hurt because of you during the race, you and the race director will get sued. I would imagine you get hurt, you can sue the race as well since you were allowed in the race and you technically didn't wave anything. The possibilities are endless.
Specifics.
1) How would the race or I get sued if I raced with someone else's bib? 2) Give 3 examples of this happening.
1) How would the race or I get sued if I raced with someone else's bib? 2) Give 3 examples of this happening.
One example of a successful lawsuit would be enough, but I seriously doubt there would be any. Legally, it is a non-issue. If you are banding, you are not a participant in the event as you never signed up; if you get hurt, you have exactly the same right to sue as a spectator on the course that gets run over by the lead car.
I liked him a lot - great positivity Not that I ever copied a thing he did, but a big part of training is staying motivated and he made it look fun; he kept the joy in it
Not sure why I expected integrity with that, but I am surprised. The brazenness and the stupidity (he has some kind of Nike deal)
I think most marathons should allow changing the registration name for free or for a small fee up to a few days before the race. Races that sell out months in advance make free money out of any person that is unable to run. Until this happens, I feel no shame running with someone else bib or giving my bib to someone else when I cannot run. As long as it does not affect BQs or age-group awards, it is fair game. Removing the magnetic strip from the bib is usually sufficient prevent this.
1. The timing chip(s) are not magnetic, so you proved in closing you haven't got a clue.
2. It's great to have someone in a hospital call next of kin not knowing the person either bib muled (as is the allegation here) or just sold a bib.
3. If you want in the race register early. If you didn't get an entry that your problem not the races to get you a proper fitting shirt. The race should have extra people work so that I can transfer my bib. You think entry fees are expensive now?
I think most marathons should allow changing the registration name for free or for a small fee up to a few days before the race. Races that sell out months in advance make free money out of any person that is unable to run. Until this happens, I feel no shame running with someone else bib or giving my bib to someone else when I cannot run. As long as it does not affect BQs or age-group awards, it is fair game. Removing the magnetic strip from the bib is usually sufficient prevent this.
2. It's great to have someone in a hospital call next of kin not knowing the person either bib muled (as is the allegation here) or just sold a bib.
2. It's great to have someone in a hospital call next of kin not knowing the person either bib muled (as is the allegation here) or just sold a bib.
How many times does this happen?
I know of one (triathlon). Unfortunately, the person wearing the swapped bib passed away. It took a while to ID the guy, after contacting the wrong family.