Is It Still Cheating?

Last week, our friend and frequent blog commenter Yan sent us a tip about a woman who ostensibly completed the marathon in 5:20+.  Seems that this woman didn't trigger a timing mat until the finish, and she only showed up in one Brightroom photo before the finish.  In said photo she was clearly walking.   Last year she registered at all the mats until the midway point, and then disappeared until the finish in 7+ hours.  The fastest half marathon time we could find for her is 3:30+, which makes the 5:20 all the more implausible.

So here's the question - if this woman did not complete 26.2 miles, is it less offensive because her times were modest?  Would it matter if she was a cancer survivor or raising money for charity?  Are others as offended by such matters as I am, or should I worry more about myself and our athletes, and not care if others cut corners?  Also, aside from cheating, is there another possible explanation for her quirky results? 

Personally, I don't care what her story is, how much of a challenge it is to do part of a marathon, or anything else.  Zoe Koplowitz takes over a day to do the marathon.  Lots of other people stay out and suffer for however many hours it takes to complete the full course.  If this woman didn't cover 26.2 miles on foot, I have as much disdain for her as for anyone else who shortens the course.  I think anyone who cheats does a disservice to everyone who completes the race and does the best they can.  Clearly there's no way to stop all cheaters, and what someone else does has no direct impact on someone else's race, but I find it disrespectful.  Right is right, and wrong is wrong.  Based on the input I've gotten from people I respect, it seems that I may be in the minority.