A new running controversy has recently surfaced. Lying about your age. In this case, it is claiming to be older than you actually are! In running circles, off course, we all know that it means trying to get into an easier age category--saying you are in the 50-59, for instance, when you are really 46. Even though, when you look at the results of many of our races, you might wonder if moving up would really help--some of those guys and gals in the next age group are really tough!

Presently it is all based on the honor system, and we hope it does not come down to having to bring your birth certificate or showing your drivers license when you register. Challenges, at any rate, may need to be solved by such a method.

Some races are really serious about it, and maybe more should be. Boston states in their application that anyone age-group cheating, trading bibs, etc. will be barred from running Boston forever. Race Directors could follow this lead. It would seem that the USATF or another credible source could post a site where races could submit names of known cheaters. Theoretically, blackball cheaters could be banned from our sport and left by the side of the road.

I guess such age group manipulating is somewhat understandable (but still completely unforgivable) in those rare instances when there is serious prize money involved. But get a life, anyone who does such cheating in local races. Imagine lying your way into winning a little blue ribbon in the annual Joe's Bar and Grill 5K.