WEBSITE WEDNESDAY: LEGAL BIB SWAPPING?

MY 2016 EarnedRuns Bib, #1, prior to the "SAINTS DAYS" February St Valentines 5K

CANOTHER REASON TO REQUEST/USE EarnedRuns bibs (see below)!
Runner’s World reports on a new website that hopes to help runners with a problem that afflicts many who register for organized races.  “New Website Aims to Be Legal Marketplace for Bib Numbers” by Amanda MacMillan explains the issues. Most of us who have lost money on races registered-for that-could-not-be-run know the runner’s side well.

MacMillan explains, "bib swapping—the act of giving away your race number or wearing someone else’s for a race you’re not registered for—is almost always against the rules. It can lead to safety issues, skewed standings, and crowding on the course. But it still happens, much more often than race directors would like. Now, however, a new service is aiming to make the common practice of bib swapping a legitimate part of the running community—and a beneficial one for everyone involved."

 This website, BibSwitch, could be a terrific way of giving a second chance to those closed out of a popular race that fills up within hours or days of opening registration. Runners surrendering bibs might be fulfilling the dreams of other runners. According to the article, BibSwitch offers users an option to donate bibs back to the race or “gift” them to needy or charity runners.
 
I do think that EACH RACE should PERFORM THIS FUNCTION for registrants OR ALLOW IT through this website’s service or another method. Sure there are logistical challenges and costs to races. No doubt there are smart people with the software solutions required to perfect the process and make it more efficient and less costly. Runners who cannot make these races may also face the forfeiture of other fees (airline tickets, discount hotel reservations) discouraging participation in future races. The use of EARNED RUNS bibs are another solution to this problem; see the HOME page for suggested uses.

As the running industry struggles with bringing new participants into races and encouraging loyalty with participation year after year in the same event, the reality is that their efforts might best extend beyond merely increasing race razzle-dazzle. Should organizers accept the responsibility to help registrants with this problem? Assisting with legitimate bib swapping could be as much a mark of race “QUALITY” as medal design, a celebration jacket, and assurance of top-notch safety measures. By making survey completion a a requirement of the swap. information gathered about exchange circumstances could provide insight into runner habits that ultimately benefit the industry and individual races.
 
Read the ARTICLE to learn more about difficulties the BibSwitch developer is experiencing and limitations of proposed exchanges. READ the EarnedRuns website FAQ PAGE item that addresses one reason for not running a race and losing the registration fee (copied below). GO to the BibSwitch website to learn more and sign the PETITION.
 
"Q: I have registered for races and enthusiastically followed training plans, but could not complete the full program because of injuries. I did not compete, lost the registration fee, and became totally discouraged. Can EARNED RUNS™ possibly help with that?
A: Having obtained free EARNED RUNS™ bibs you won't lose a registration fee if you are injured or can't run for other reasons. You can reschedule your race, taking time off as needed for rest and treatment. After that experience you might be highly motivated to pay attention to strategies that avoid over-training injuries, like including regular rest days and strength-building exercises. Almost all training advice today promotes practices like stretching, foam rolling, and low-impact activities that lessen the chance of injury. See the RESOURCES page for these kinds of training aids."
 
RUN HAPPY!

http://www.runnersworld.com/races/new-website-aims-to-be-a-legal-marketplace-for-bib-numbers

http://www.bibswitch.com

http://bibswitch.com/petition/