Outside Assistance - Road Racing

I know that road racing has gotten to a point where there's been a slippery slope of activities - short of course cutting and running with another person's bib - that have become acceptable.

However, there still are rules of competition put forth by USA Track & Field and those coaches of businesses - regardless of how large or small, new or old - should be held to the highest standard in following them.

USA Track & Field Rule 144.3(a)

Pacing in running or walking events by persons not participating in the event, by competitors lapped or about to be lapped, or by any kind of technical device other than those permitted under Rule 144.3(i).

This means coaches - or their running club or training group members with their knowledge - should not be out on the course helping run one of their runners in - one step, one mile or more.

The fact that you're a coach and you put in your Facebook post that you've done this puts in question your ethics -- or lack of knowledge of the rules.

Again, as I've stated, the sport is at a point where runners either don't know these rules or otherwise completely ignore them - because nobody challenges them or holds people accountable to them.

What isn't assistance?

USA Track & Field Rule 144.3(j)

Pace setting by an officially designated person entered in an event for that purpose is permitted, provided such pacesetters start in the event.

So if you're a coach and you want to run with one of your runners, pay for an entry, cross the start line and remove your timing device -- and you're 100% within the rules.

I know this is something Team In Training used to do and I believe that Michael Merlino with Inflight Running definitely still does.

And in this one specific case that I witnessed, it was just one coach of the said group and I wouldn't necessarily personally paint their partners with the same brush.

However, it makes you wonder a bit, especially if the effort results in prize money, an award or a qualification of some sorts.