A popular Torono women’s running group “JeansMarines” has been banned from taking part in the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington. Apparently the founder of the group Dr. Jean Marmoreo led her group through a shortcut to cut of 6.4 kilometres of the race this year.
Her runners made it to the finish line and accepted the “finisher’s medal” given by the Marine Corps to all who complete the course. (Most of those medals, apparently including Marmoreo’s own, have reportedly been returned.)
I can’t believe a running group would go through such measures to cheat on a marathon. To me, competing in running races is totally for myself. I set a goal to finish the race and do the best I can. I couldn’t imagine cheating on a race, because I think I’d feel like I was cheating myself. If there was money involved, I can understand how people might become greedy, but cheating on something you’re doing for yourself can only make you feel worse about yourself.
