A bandit is an individual who participates in a race without authorization or pays no charges. They participate in the race illegally, typically from the start. Banditing violates race procedures and disregards safety.
Banditing is fun or cool for some individuals, but disrupts order and fairness in long-distance competitive events. Registration payments enable event directors to fund permits, medical teams, aid facilities, timing systems, and insurance. Unregistered cyclists or runners make it an extra burden for aid station personnel and event authorities. Bandits are not traceable for safety issues as they don’t have bib; should they be injured or in need of assistance, officials can’t recognize them on the course. Bandits ruin timing results as well as prize awards, which have consequences for honest competition of those paying to participate. Although banditing is in some way an indication of racing love, it is an ethical, practical, as well as safety concern, so it is discouraged as well as generally forbidden in event regulation.
