Central PA Runner wrote:
It is impossible, I repeat, impossible, to go from 4:41 in October 2015 to 3:11 in November 2105, even on a nearly pancake flat course in Harrisburg.
I did not read the whole thread, so apologize if this has already been debated. I am not taking sides as I don't really care what happened... transfer of bibs, outright cheating... somebody else will figure that out. However, it is absolutely possible for someone to run 4:41 and then 3:11. The 4:41 could have just been the last long run before the main focus race. The 4:41 could have been with a spouse or friend who needed to walk. The 4:41 might have been as a 4:40 pace bunny. Maybe, they were on 3:15 pace at 16 miles and became violently ill and walked the rest of the way, thereby wanting a second attempt a month later when they felt better. I agree that if the 4:41 was an all out PR attempt, then no, 3:10 is not going to happen a month later. But, there are many reasons why one race could be faster than the next.
There is also the possibility that there is a simple explanation - gave the bib to a brother, sister, cousin, friend, neighbor... thinking that they would run 3:20 and be nowhere near a podium or age group finish and that nobody would care.
If they did cheat on purpose for some sad attempt at glory, then yes, let's nail them. I know a guy who has an Ironman tattoo (got it BEFORE the race as motivation to train) and never started the race due to injury, let alone finish. Not a bad guy and he is embarrassed about it. He is undecided about a second attempt.
I'm just as curious as the next person, but I don't believe it has to be a blatant cheating story.