Help Wanted: Bandit Wranglers

We just received this note from RRR member Jim Mastrangelo.

Want to Volunteer as a Bandit Catcher for Sunday's NYC Marathon?

Here's what we do...

When the runners come into Central Park at Columbus Circle on their last 1/2 mile of the race we check to see that everyone has a legitimate race number. As anyone who has run the race before knows, you have worked damn hard for the medal you are given once you cross the finish line.

We make sure that those who jump in somewhere on the course (usually the last 3 miles) don't get the recognition and medal as those who earned it.

Last year we pulled off the course over 200 "bandits" i.e. those who are trying to steal a medal. We need men and women to track down the bad guys. It is really fun being on the course not only keeping the "dishonest" racers off, but being there to lend a strong side by side support to those struggling the last few paces.

We have one of our RRRs at the 26 mile mark as the last "catcher" before the finish line and he always needs some help.

It's important, fun and it gets you as close to the finish line action as you can get if your not in the race itself. Also a final big PLUS: you can get right up close to the root on the Rockland Road Runners gals and guys finishing the race.

We meet about 11 to Noon on race day around Columbus Circle but you will need credentials to get on the course so if anyone is interested call Jim Mastrangelo @ 973-962-4545 for more information.