Why do runners cheat at races?

I guess as long as there is prize money on offer, people will find ways to cheat. That certainly seems to be the case with the habitual Comrades cheat, Sergio Motsoeneng. You may remember him (and his brother, Arnold) who ran the 2001 Comrades Marathon in relay - only to be caught out by wearing their watches on opposite arms. 

This year, Sergio (who finished 3rd) has been disqualified and banned by ASA for 2 years - this time for testing positive for a banned substance. Now we all know that a simple over the counter cough syrup can contain banned substances, but with this guys history, I doubt he will be able to use that as an excuse.  As they say "Once a cheat, always a cheat".

But this has got me thinking about the lesser known runners amongst us who 'bend the rules' to suit themselves. I'm talking about everyday, casual runners - not the types who are after a finish in the top 10.

What makes the average runner want to cheat? Who is he really cheating, besides himself?

Some examples come to mind:  Our athlete qualifies for an ultra, say The Two Oceans marathon, with a D Seeding. But he knows the field is going to be big on race day, so he sneaks into the B block, just to get a better start. That's cheating. If you're not good enough to qualify with that seeding, you don't belong there.

Or getting someone else to run your qualifying marathon for you: You get a great seeding for your goal race by getting a faster runner to run your qualifying race for you. That's just not on.  And as far as I'm concerned, it's as bad as taking anabolic steroids, EPO or whatever other banned substances are used nowadays.

The problem is the lack of control and checks at these qualifying marathons - nobody ever checks if you really are who you say you are on the race entry.  It's a very difficult thing to police.  I believe that athletes themselves should be the police. These issues should be reported to your club or province so they can deal with the problem.

Cheating, is cheating - no matter which way you look at it. Taking drugs, sneaking into better seeding groups, or using others to qualify on your behalf.

Let's play fair.

Rhodes Run

Our congratulations go to Johan van Wyk, who completed his 3rd Rhodes Run and by doing so, achieved his permanent number at arguably South Africa's toughest, certainly coolest trail run!

Here are some of his photos.



For more info on the race, click here.

Spar Womens Challenge 10km

The Pretoria leg of the Spar Womens Challenge takes place on 28 August this year, at Supersport Park, Centurion.

The race starts at 14:00, but I reckon you want to get there early as there are always thousands of participants.

The ladies of the club are planning a fun day together - so get training and join in to be part of the fun.


PS: The men are also welcome to join the ladies at this race (as long as they shave their legs for the occasion!)

94.7 Cycle Challenge

Here's a challenge to all you guys and girls with bikes in the garage:

The 94.7 Cycle Challenge takes place this year on 21 November. Yes, I know this is a running club. But this is a challenge to all of you who want to prove how tough you really are.

Let's take on the Cycle Challenge this year, whether you have a mountain bike, road bike or a delivery bike - let's swap our running shoes for wheels and have some fun doing it.

To enter the Cycle Challenge, click here

Come on, I dare you - dust off that bike, pump up the tyres and let's hit the road.

Cycle Racing in South Africa: Cycle Races in South Africa, 94.7 Cycle Challenge, Tour D'afrique, Cape Argus Cycle Race, Pick'n Pay Fast One