Unregistered Runners
“Unregistered runners” refer to marathon enthusiasts who don’t qualify or win lotteries to officially participate in a race, but still run the courses. Although quotas for marathon events are limited, it’s hard to stop zealous runners from finding their own ways to participate. These “unauthorized” runners can be found in almost every marathon. In recent years, with an increasing popularity of marathon events in China, this “free running” phenomenon has become even more evident.
Large-scale running events, especially high-visibility races, are still scarce in China today. The low chance of scoring a lottery entry serves as the major reason for unregistered runners. According to statistics from the official website of China Athletic Association, in 2014, almost every marathon in China had more than enough applicants. Candidates are required to submit health reports when applying for entry, and organizing committees perform screening to ensure every participant is in good condition. Those who fail to pass the first “exam” are likely to become unregistered runners. Due to the large numbers, organizations specifically for these runners have already emerged in China.
The phenomenon of unregistered running is rare in countries where marathon races are more mature. These countries facilitate a number of high-quality races with abundant quotas, and organizing committees usually keep guaranteed entry numbers for professional running groups. In this way, needs of the majority of runners are met.
Compared with these countries, China’s marathons are brand new, fewer in number and featuring limited space. Statistics show that 53 marathons and other similar running events took place in China in 2014, while 1,100 running competitions were held in the U.S. during the same year. While China’s marathon history started only 35 years ago, the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon, has already celebrated its 120th anniversary. Statistics show that in terms of marathon sports, there is still a great gap between China and some developed countries. However, due to China’s large population and many cities, experts see much room for the future development of long-distance running in the country.
Organizing committees of various international marathons have taken a stand against unregistered running. For them, it is a safety issue. Determining the capacity for a race is never an easy task, but it is done through comprehensive consideration of a wide range of factors including available medical and logistics support.
Professional marathon runners believe that it is definitely a good sign that China has so many passionate runners. However, those who don’t win lottery shouldn’t just run anyway. Volunteering is a better way to support the sport.