Buying and Selling Illicit Entries Into the Boston Marathon

With the waves from Monday's Boston Marathon turning to small ripples, the New York Times ran a neat little follow-up piece today on slow would-be Boston runners poaching entries from athletes who had actually met the BAA qualifying standards (story). The story weaves tales of illicit eBay auctions, vigilante justice (runner style), and deep yearning to run the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to the Boston Public Library. With only ten percent of all marathoners on certified courses meeting Boston qualifying times, it's understandable that some would go to great lengths to gain entry. This piece, though, may make both buyer and seller think twice.