5 Things You Need To Know If You Swap Bibs

Do you know the ramifications of changing bib ‘illegally’- that is without proper personal data changing? Ever wondered the consequences of joining sporting events using someone else’s personal data ? These are the 5 things that may occur :

1 : Next of kin uncontactable 

When you get injured or faint, the medics on duty will immediately send you to a health centre for further treatment. The contact number stated on the bib will be dialled to inform family members or guardians. Imagine if the contacted person is far from the incident and came all way just to find that the one injured isn’t their relative. Well, that ignites the fire within.

2 : Organizer has no information of you at all

Almost the same situation as Scenario 1. Only the organizer will be interrogating you till you’re bummed out. That is, if you’re still alive. Don’t even mention the word DEATH. How are they going to solve this issue when not a single personal information of yours is stated on the bib?

Muslimah Runners with Bib

Muslimah Runners with Bib.

3 : Wrong medical treatment 

Still the same situation but with a different fallout. What if the medics request for your medical data? For example, getting information on your blood type or allergies or diseases you’re diagnosed with. If the data stated on the bib isn’t yours, they could treat your illness with the wrong remedies. This may lead to instant death.

4 : Recognition not yours

Even if you’re running your best to the point where you’re on the brink of unconsciousness, you don’t get to receive the medal you ran so hard for, nor do you have the chance to bask in glory on the podium. The timing is also not yours but belongs to the ‘official’ racer. Wouldn’t that be a waste of your effort?

5 : Your reputation at stake

Be respectable in the sporting event as equal participants.  What would you say if you were to bump into another runner you know while wearing another person’s bib? People may perceive you as a cheater, and could ruin your reputation. Even if you were to try avoid this by not wearing a bib, the consequences are on you if you faint with no contact number for the medics to call.

So, do you still want to use someone else’s bib? If you are unable to race and would like to transfer to someone else, check with organizer or race director if possible. If it is, make sure all information is updated accordingly.

[Credits to Redz Ismail, a daily marathon runner, for the tips.]

Redz Ismail is as seasoned runner & a friend to Nashata Runners.

Redz Ismail is a seasoned runner & a friend to Nashata Runners.

Ladies, this is for you!

“Running should be [an] empowerment, not a fear”

– Elizabeth from www.runningforbling.com, sexual assault survivor.

 

Women have made tremendous progress is the world of sport. Sadly, not much have changed when it comes to safety while working out, especially running. It does not show that women are the weaker gender, or the way she dresses is too provocative (modestly dressed women can be victims too!). But instead, it shows that ‘monsters’ still lurk from time to time, preying on unsuspecting victims. On the bright side, these ‘monsters’ have never hampered any women’s spirit to get out and run. After reading a few articles and blogs from other female runners who were survivors of sexual assault, I can find a common theme of lessons learnt, which I hope is useful to everyone who is reading this.

 

new-piktochart

Most importantly, use your gut feeling and common sense. A women’s intuition is a powerful tool and it is rarely wrong, so if you feel like something is amiss, then it probably is.

For some basic safety rules that still apply to both genders, for example here

 

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner