RACE APPAREL ETIQUETTE AND HONESTY

A PIECE FROM SALTYRUNNING.COM, “5 Times It’s Okay To Wear The Shirt From A Race You Did Not Run” by Pepper, is GREAT reading for all runners and walkers, both experienced and newbies.  Those of us who have been running races and around the sport for ages might still hold to the rule that one does NOT wear race apparel if you did not run that race. It looks like this notion has possibly become outdated. Read this piece AND all the comments it inspired to find direction if you are thinking of putting on a race-related piece of clothing or giving one to someone else, without having sweated through the event.
 
 In modern times, many race organizations might gladly have anyone and everyone purchase and walk around in their gear, advertising that particular race; but not all. Could this be the motive for shoe manufacturers coming out with an ANNUAL SELECTION OF SHOES THAT COMMEMORATE THE BOSTON MARATHON that year?  See the article from Competitor.com that highlights the limited edition shoes for 2016. They are offered online before the race and at the race expo and stores in the Boston area. ADIDAS SELLS BOSTON MARATHON LOGO CLOTHING, including the famous CELEBRATION (anthem) jacket. This company is the exclusive supplier of officially licensed apparel. My instincts tell me that wearing the shoes (in spite of not having qualified for or run the race) would not ruffle anyone’s feathers, but wearing the logo clothing, especially the ANTHEM jacket, would be controversial. Perhaps because one must QUALIFY to run this marathon by running a prior marathon below a specified time.
 
Races are personal competitions for most who run them. Non-professional participants are hoping to better their own personal records, cover greater distances, or take on and complete new challenges. The sense of accomplishment one earns depends on honesty and integrity in training and racing. Cheating doesn’t “work” in the honor system that most follow when engaging in friendly competition. So, wearing a race shirt, jacket, or hat isn’t what brings personal reward. As most who comment in this piece agree, lying about participation is NOT ACCEPTABLE, EVER.  The author makes some great points, and I am happy to see them.  What do you think?
 
RUN HAPPY!
 
http://www.saltyrunning.com/2015/09/25/race-shirt-etiquette-did-not-run/
 
http://running.competitor.com/2016/03/photos/photos-boston-marathon-special-edition-shoes_147454
 
http://www.adidas.com/us/boston_marathon