Runner Submitted Time From CIM Bib Mule to Gain Boston Entry
I was made aware of this situation approximately one week ago. After gathering additional information and reviewing photographic and video evidence, I confirmed that a runner did not complete the 2023 California International Marathon (CIM) himself. Instead, a bib mule ran under his name and submitted a Boston-qualifying time, which was later used to register for the 2025 Boston Marathon.
New York City – November 5, 2023
The photo below shows the runner shortly after completing the 2023 New York City Marathon. This photo was posted publicly to his Instagram account.
California International Marathon – December 3, 2023
Exactly four weeks later, the runner seen wearing bib #5004 at CIM bears no resemblance to the person in the NYC photo. The runner is heavily tattooed, has a full beard, and clearly displays a drastically different appearance. The image below was taken during the race:
A transformation of this magnitude — is not plausible in four weeks. This is a textbook example of bib muling.
Submitted Time
The bib mule at CIM completed the race in 3:08:26. That time was submitted to the Boston Athletic Association and was used to gain entry into the 2025 Boston Marathon under the runner’s name.
No one else is registered under this name, and the bib number from CIM is directly tied to the Boston entry. There is no doubt that the CIM result was used fraudulently.
Finish Line Video Confirms Muling
The official finish line video from CIM shows the tattooed runner crossing the line at the time attributed to the registered athlete. There is no question that someone else completed the race under his bib number.
Social Media Activity Raises More Red Flags
Even after race officials reached out, Fabian continued to post about the Boston Marathon — including training updates, recovery sessions, and references to “Marathon Monday.”
Aftermath
As of Sunday, April 13, the runner has been removed from the official 2023 CIM results. The Boston Athletic Association has been notified, although it’s unclear if the entry will be revoked with the race just one week away.
After the investigation began, the runner made his Instagram account private.
Why These Investigations Matter
“When a runner gains entry into a race like the Boston Marathon by using someone else to run a qualifying race on their behalf, it’s not just a technical violation — it’s a fundamental breach of the spirit of the sport.”
From my recent Manchester Marathon follow-up:
“Some view these types of investigations as minor or unnecessary. But they are absolutely necessary to maintain the integrity of the sport. With limited fields in races like Boston, every spot taken fraudulently is one less spot for a runner who earned it honestly.”
This is why bib muling, time fraud, and entry manipulation cannot be ignored — they diminish the accomplishments of every athlete who puts in the work and plays by the rules.
What Is Bib Muling?
Bib muling refers to allowing another person to run under your name — often to achieve a time standard for an exclusive race. It’s a form of race cheating and a violation of race rules and ethics.
If you suspect someone has cheated to gain entry into a race, please reach out.
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According to Athlinks, this runner ran the 2022 Boston Marathon in 3:31, which wouldn’t have been enough to qualify him for Boston again. Was he a charity bib for 2022 Boston or is there another bib mule situation out there?
“The bib mule at CIM completed the race in 2:57:38. That time was submitted to the Boston Athletic Association and was used to gain entry into the 2025 Boston Marathon under the runner’s name”
Fabian Caicedo is currently assigned wave 2 bib #11028 for the 2025 Boston Marathon. This indicates a submitted qualifying time of around 3:11. A 2:57 would have put him in wave 1, which he is not in. This makes me think that he used a different qualifying time to register for Boston, and not this CIM result.
Thanks, I corrected the time in the story. The time was 3:08:26
Bet he might have thrown a 2:50 if not laden down with so much ink.😉😆