If a tree falls on a runway

I have a philosophy of racing question, if you win a race but there isn't an official time do you still have bragging rights? There are certain unwritten rules of racing that newbies are not always aware of but learn with experience. For example it is not generally acceptable to wear a race shirt for a race you didn't do or finish. You also don't wear the race shirt while you're doing the race, its for afterwards when you're all hot and sweaty. Another rule is for spectators, if you're watching a friend race and they are gaining ground on the person in front of them you don't yell out, "Hey Bob, you can catch that guy! Go faster!" That kills the element of surprise for the intended victim and they will then sprint away. My question is if you win a race but there isn't an official time, do you still have bragging rights? Let me explain.

I was supposed to help out with Freedom Fest this weekend but circumstances didn't allow for that to happen. I had assumed that most of the July 4th races were on Saturday so I didn't pre-register for any of them, thinking I'd be at the Ranch. Saturday evening I discovered the Marine Corps Runway 5km was actually Sunday morning and their website didn't explicitly say no race day registration. I've done a lot of races on the Marine Base and they always seem happy to take money race day so I lined up my race gear and set my alarm.

When I arrived at the race that morning I was informed yes I could register but there were no shirts, which is fine. Truth be told MCBH usually has really ugly, big Marine looking shirts. Best women's race shirts on the island "Na Wahine" hands down! But then they explained they were also out of race numbers. Huh? I asked the registration lady if anyone would actually care if I didn't pay and she said, "Nope! But you're not covered for liability." I had already signed my name on the paper and the money goes towards a Marine unit anyways so its a good cause. Also if the money will help keep the Base doing their awesome races I'm happy to contribute.

My race plan was to go as hard and fast for as long as I could and if I blew up on the runway so be it. We all took off and I managed to pass a few people in the beginning but then people started to pass me. Quite a few people passed me but I was pleased to note that only one girl in a pink t-shirt went flying by. Up ahead I could see another lady with a strong steady pace so my goal was to run my race but to try and catch up. The lady in pink was long gone but the race is on the runway so you never really lose sight of the racers.

I slowly caught up and passed the lady in black and could see the lady in pink wasn't that far ahead. I had no idea how many women were in the front pack but I decided to push it and try and catch the pink lady. The finish line was through a line up of 18 planes here for the Rim Pac Exercise and I managed to catch and pass the pink lady half way through the planes. I ran across the mat, got a drink of water and checked my time 22:55. My fastest time ever! Wahoo.

So out of curiosity I stuck around to hear the official times to see where I would have placed. I listened to my age group and would have won it. I decided to see what overall was and they announced first place was 22:53. So I would have gotten second place but when the winner came to collect her prize and it was the pink lady! Huh. Then I realized I hadn't stopped my watch right away so my actual time was a little faster.

So here's my question, I registered, I paid my fee, I ran fast, do I get bragging rights?