Non racers in the race/course

[skennaugh]

Surely whenever you go training you arent covered by any insurance anyway though?

I was just thinking along the lines of- If there was an accident, would the finger of blame be pointed at race oranisers? Even if the person wasn't paid up for the race? I'm not the biggest fan of H and S. MTB races got such a pain, i ended up backing out of it all.

[bestathlete]

yeah that could be a problem - noone would believe the RO saying 'they werent in the race'

[wheezing donkey]

Yes they would - the injury victim would not have a race number

[end]

Yes they would - the injury victim would not have a race number

Could be a niche market there for ambulance chasers-pinning race numbers on injured, unregistered fellrunners?

[novice]

I was just thinking along the lines of- If there was an accident, would the finger of blame be pointed at race oranisers? Even if the person wasn't paid up for the race? I'm not the biggest fan of H and S. MTB races got such a pain, i ended up backing out of it all.

What sort of thing was happening in MTB races? The few I did soem time ago ,was enter and turn up, fall off a fair few times, and get completely exhausted but no H+S

[Vince]

What sort of thing was happening in MTB races? The few I did soem time ago ,was enter and turn up, fall off a fair few times, and get completely exhausted but no H+S

It is laden now, believe you me!

[Blunt Northerner]

Although we all laugh about it now, back in the early eighties my mum took part in a race in Dartmouth that my Dad was oficially entered for. Instead of stopping short of the finishing line, she continued through and completely messed up their results system! Now I don't think it's right when people run without paying to enter, but what can one do? It's a free country.

[BritNick]

It's a free country.

Free? We almost have to pay to breathe these days.

[GordonS]

Interesting conumdrum. I have occasionally run alongside races in the past - Anglezarke Amble when it used to get full up. I don't like entering too far in advance so first time I joined the route after about two miles and probably also missed the last few miles to re-route to where I'd parked. It gave me a feel for the event without having to race it.
I've also entered a races in which I'd no intention of completing in order to get my fitness level up - thinking of Borrowdale (in non championship years) where my plan was to retire at Honister. One year I got talked out of retiring and paid for it going over Dale Head. At my level it's not always possible to fully complete but you want to get something out of it.
The idea of an early start for tail end charlies like me is good as it means the marshals don't have to wait around but it means you can complete the course.

[ydt]

........ but what can one do? It's a free country.

If you want a run on the hills why not run somewhere away from the crowds and be 'free'?
If you want to do a race then enter properly.
If you just join in but do not intend to go the whole way, remember that some runners might follow you should you decide to go off route to do your own thing.
Yiannis