Cheating among amateur runners – and amateur cheating, come to that – is an increasingly common phenomenon, statistically and, particularly, anecdotally.
But I’m certainly not alone in the wider running world. Wait till they get a load of this.Īm I the only cheat here today? Probably. My social media network is full of runners, quick runners. An eye-catching result, an ill-deserved boost to the self-esteem, a chance to indulge in a little online bragging. Nor to hit a qualifying time for a flagship race. Not for prize money, you understand (I’m not in that league). Two possible outcomes await: a personal best and a top-five finish, or a very public shaming.
One way or another, the next hour is going to be eventful. I furtively scan the faces of my fellow runners, trying to avoid eye contact. Even the pre-race briefing is enough to get my heart thumping in my chest. I don’t usually get nervous before races, but today is different.
